You've set out to work overseas. You tell yourself, "Hey, the money's good, and I've always wanted to travel." It'll be like a paid adventure. What you probably didn't expect, though, is that when you're stationed abroad in a sea of strangers, the homesickness can get to you pretty quickly. You wake up one day and realize that your loved ones are miles away, and loneliness sets in.
Working abroad doesn't always have to be quite so lonely. You can find rays of sunshine wherever in the world you are, and the loneliness will seem to just fade away. Here are a few places to look for those bits of happiness that will keep you going:
Countrymen. If a familiar face is nowhere to be found, look for the next best thing - a stranger from home. A fellow American can help provide a sense of kinship where others can't. You'll be able to relate on many things and keep each other posted on the goings-on back at home.
Brand-new Friends. Just because you're surrounded by people you don't know, it doesn't mean things have to stay that way. Get to know the people around you. Share your cultures with each other. Expand your social network globally. Sometimes, the most amazing people you meet are those found halfway across the globe.
The City. Once you've got a good set of friends, go out and party! Immerse yourself in the local nightlife and enjoy yourself. If that isn't your scene, there are many other ways to have fun. Just go around the city and explore the things it has to offer. Ask one of your local friends to show you around. Host a cozy little get together at your place. You can even join in on some sporting events, if you're up to it. Just get out there and enjoy your new surroundings!
Trinkets from Home. A little memorabilia from home can make a world of difference. Decorate your room with stuff that reminds you of the good old US of A. Baseballs, flags, a snow globe - anything that brings back fond memories of home. You'll see that it makes even the worst accommodations feel a lot more comfortable.
A Thousand Words. While you're at it, post some pictures of the people back home that matter to you the most. The smile of a beloved relative, or even the goofy face of a drunken friend, will brighten up the darkest of your days.
Gadgets and Gizmos. Thanks to the miracles of modern technology, there is a wealth of options to keep in touch with your loved ones. Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace update you on what's new with your friends. Instant messengers let you chat in real time with that special someone back home. Things get even better with a webcam - talk with your family face-to-face on a regular basis. Even if you don't have an internet connection, most cell phone providers offer global roaming so you can stay in touch wherever you may be.
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