words by Eve Davies
Hiraeth (noun)
more than mere homesickness, hiraeth is a longing for oneÔÇÖs homeland and an expression of the bond felt with your home country when youÔÇÖre away from it.
Having grown up with feelings of homesickness that prevented me from staying even one night at a friendsÔÇÖ house, this welsh word resonates with me deeply. However, as I have grown older, I have developed a passion for travel and learnt how to deal with intense yearnings for home.
With a new academic year upon us we tend to think a lot about the future; if travelling or studying abroad is on your radar IÔÇÖve got some tips for you. Here I delve into some countries where you could create your home from home and give some unsolicited advice on how to make yourself feel at ease when doing so. At the very least, these tips might help you settle into your new university home at Cardiff.
What does Cardiff University have to offer?
Cardiff University has links with over 300 institutions worldwide, meaning students are offered the opportunity to take a semester or year abroad across Europe, China, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Australia, America, or Canada. All these options leave you with a lot to think about.
Europe
From the French Alps to Spanish towns, Italian coasts, and German architecture there is so much to discover in Europe and its charm is sure to make you feel at home. A report by InterNations revealed that Portugal is EuropeÔÇÖs most friendly and welcoming country. Specifically, the Iberian Penninsula ranked highly in the ÔÇÿfeeling at homeÔÇÖ category. Greece was also named as one of the best European countries in which to live and work.
Our contributors said that they felt most at home in Croatia, Bosnia, and Iceland because the people are ÔÇ£so sweetÔÇØ.
East Asia
Although the culture and lifestyle in Asia is a far stretch from Britain, embracing the vibrance of Asian countries offers the opportunity to fall in love with an alternative home. Travelling or living in Asia for an extended period of time is not for the faint-hearted. From the frenetic streets of Hong Kong to the spiritual temples in Thailand and grand Singaporean cities, you need to be brave and willing to embrace a fast-paced lifestyle.
Australia
As a British colony, Australia offers many home comforts, from familiar brands and foods to familiar road systems. Additionally, communication is easy as there are no language barriers, which can be a main instigator of homesickness. Australian social culture, much like Britain, is filled with banter, partying, and drinking but in a much more laid-back nature, making it the perfect, relaxed home from home.
America & Canada
Like Australia, North America and Canada do not pose any language barriers. Boasting some of the worldÔÇÖs most impressive cities and most breath-taking road trips, these countries have so much to offer travellers. Being one of the most advanced societies in the world, many Brits have fallen in love with America as their home away from home.
WhatÔÇÖs more, South and Central America topped the leader boards in the InterNations report, which proved that Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colombia are, on a global scale, the most likely countries in which to make friends. Mexico was also ranked the highest country in terms of ÔÇÿfeeling at homeÔÇÖ.
Getting Settled
To get settled in your home from home you could bring some home comforts with you ÔÇô be it your favourite sweatshirt, blanket, or journalÔÇô and ensure you can access your comforting playlists or TV shows.
Another good way to establish a homely feeling is to emerge yourself in local lifestyle and activities. For example, if you are a keen runner, look for running groups to join or races to take part in ÔÇô park run takes place in over 2,000 locations worldwide, so this is a great way to get social while maintaining a homely hobby. If daily walks are more your thing, schedule them in. Walking is arguably the best way to get familiar with new areas.
Alternatively, you could join local libraries or attend music and theatre events to maintain hobbies you enjoy at home in your new environment; this will also increase your cultural competence.
Creating a routine in your new temporary home will help you feel grounded. If seeking out a coffee shop every morning and walking every evening gives you joy, be sure to make them a ritual. Adding structure to your day, as you usually would at home, can help you feel at ease.
Communicating where possible is important to dilute any feelings of loneliness. Hostels are great places to meet like-minded long-term travellers, or if studying abroad make a conscious effort with fellow students and flat mates. Hearing other travellersÔÇÖ stories can help establish a sense of unity in foreign countries. Having people to chat to can go a long way in making you feel comfortable in your new surroundings.
Finally
Make the most of your time, filling it with exploration and adventures. Remember that you have a limited time away, so it is important to appreciate your adventures and, as clich├® as it is, ÔÇÿlive in the momentÔÇÖ. IÔÇÖm sure one day, when life back home becomes boring, you would look back and do anything to be on your travels again.
Sometimes avoiding social media is a blessing in helping you appreciate where you are. Try not to get caught in the trap of FOMO (fear of missing out). Things will be happening back home, but it is important to focus on what you want to get out of your destination, be it memories or life experience.