8 Cures to Combat Homesickness When You’re An Aussie Abroad
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“I think I want to move back home.”
It’s a thought that crosses my mind every now and then — usually at the end of a long week of solo parenting while my husband is away for work, or after fumbling through yet another soul-sucking bureaucratic encounter with my not-as-fluent-as-I’d-like Spanish.
When it does, it brings with it a flood of frustration, sadness, desperation, and, most of all, guilt.
As an Antipodean living on the literal other side of the world, homesickness hits differently. Here in Barcelona, my British and European friends have the luxury of booking a two-hour flight the moment they start missing home. For me, it would take three weeks out of my calendar (and a good chunk of my salary!) for me to do the same.
If you're reading this, you probably know the feeling all too well. And you're probably also grappling with the guilt of feeling this way, especially after everything you’ve invested to be here in the first place.
In my case, the stakes feel particularly high. Spain has been my home for the last 8 years, and objectively speaking, I'm more settled than I’ve ever been. My husband and kids are here, and so is our house, our work, the kids’ school, and the support network we’ve been steadily growing over the years.
But a recent visit back home to Australia made me want to throw that all out the window (except for the husband and kids, obviously). It was a stark reminder of everything I’d been missing. My family. Friends I’d known since childhood. Easily accessible good coffee. Strangers that smile at you as you’re walking down the street.
And yet, I also know a move back home isn’t going to happen any time soon. There are way too many reasons why it just doesn’t make sense for us right now.
So how do I come to terms with this? I’m not going to lie - it’s a constant battle. But there are a few little tricks that I find work, most of the time. And while they can’t make these feelings of homesickness go away forever, they can at the very least make them fleeting.
So here are my top cures for homesickness. Each one is simple and easy to do, and who knows — you might find they work for you too!
1. Remind yourself of the things you love about where you’re living
I love living in Spain (and more specifically, Catalonia). I can absolutely see the benefits of life here, and especially of raising kids, versus trying to do the same in Australia. Sunshine, good work/life balance, affordable child care, cultural events, opportunities to travel — all of this is within easy reach here.
Of course, I don’t always love it. And on days where I don’t, it can be easy to slip into the “things would be so much easier back home” thought process.
But I know that it’s probably not true, and that’s kind of the point. Nowhere is perfect, and despite my nostalgia telling me otherwise, things won’t necessarily be easier for me back in Australia. So it pays to just pause, and think about the perks of living where you do. Whether that’s friends, nature, the local cuisine, or job opportunities, there’s sure to be pros to your home away from home.
I’m not preaching a “count your blessings” kind of thing. Well, I kind of am, but it doesn’t have to be a big list of all the things you’re grateful for. Just a moment for you to be conscious about the little things that make being so far from home bearable — and for you to remind yourself of them every once in a while.
Bravas by the beach and 300 annual days of sunshine are definitely some of the perks of living in Spain.
2. Do the things you can’t do back home
Drinking wine on the beach? Visiting a medieval castle? Riding a rickshaw? Going for a bushwalk without worrying about venomous snakes? Notoriously difficult to do in Australia, but in other countries, not so much.
Sometimes distraction is the best remedy, and what better way to distract yourself than by doing something fun? Wherever you are, there’s bound to be activities that are either impossible or rare back home — so make the most of it!
Immersing yourself in these experiences will remind you just how special your adventure is. Not only can this take your mind off homesickness, but it will also give you stories and memories that can’t be replicated in Australia. So, embrace the opportunity to tick off those bucket-list experiences you might not have considered before.
And honestly, it doesn’t have to be anything extreme. For me, going for a stroll down Barcelona’s Passeig de Gracia and taking in the crowds and architecture can help to remind me of how much I really do love living here, and give my enthusiasm a much-needed refresh.
Enjoying Barcelona's Passeig de Gracia (on an unusually quiet morning walk)
3. Schedule time to Facetime your friends and family
Although this might seem like an obvious tip, I’m often guilty of finding excuses to avoid it. As an introvert, I tend to prefer a quick text (or meme) exchange over an actual conversation — anything to avoid draining my social battery too fast.
But even I have to admit that just a 20 minute call can fill my cup and lift my spirits better than any distraction could. Even when that call mostly consists of my kids playing handball with the phone while the grandparents try to decipher the chaos of their Spanglish-filled shrieking.
So, make the effort. Don’t let work, timezones, housework or your social calendar get in the way of calling home. Set a regular time to check in, even if it’s just for a quick chat. You’ll feel more connected and grounded, and those familiar voices can be the perfect remedy for a rough day. (And don’t forget, your friends and family need it just as much as you do!)
4. Watch/listen to/read things to help you feel connected to home
I don’t know about you, but I often go months without hearing another Aussie accent. (Which probably explains why mine is so watered down). And even though it feels like such a trivial thing, it can actually make you feel surprisingly isolated.
Sometimes, all you need is just to hear a familiar “naurr” to feel like you’re not the only weirdo around town. But if you are actually the only weirdo around town, I find that popping on an Aussie movie or TV show does wonders to curb the loneliness and make you feel like you’re at home, even if just for a little while.
Netflix, Amazon, and Max usually have a decent selection of Aussie shows on offer (The Tourist was a recent one I watched and can recommend!). Bluey on Disney+ offers a hearty dose of uplifting wholesomeness (even if you’re not a parent!). And I personally love watching Triple J’s Like a Version on Youtube, even though these days I’m probably a little out of their target demographic.
Of course, this can extend to listening to Aussie podcasts on your commute to work, blasting your favourite Aussie bands as you’re cooking in the kitchen, or downloading a good Aussie read to your Kindle. Anything to help you stay connected to the quirks and culture that make Australia feel like home.
5. Connect with other Aussies nearby
Another obvious one, I know. And if you live somewhere like London or Bali, this might be as easy as just stepping out your front door. But in Barcelona, I’ve met maybe four other Aussies who live here long-term. So sometimes, you have to get a little creative.
Do a search to see if there’s an existing group, club, or sports team of local Aussie expats you can join. Get in touch with your city’s embassy/consulate and see if there’s a mailing list you can sign up to. Or, join an “Aussies in <Your City>” Facebook group (preferably one with like-minded expats). Go to their meetups, or organise one of your own.
You could also find out if there are any Australian-owned businesses nearby - cafes, restaurants, or stores — which can often be hubs for Aussies looking for a taste of home. Pop in to say hi, and find out if they’re hosting any special meetups with other Aussies in the community.
Also, keep an eye out for any other relevant events. There might be an Australian film festival happening soon, an Aussie band touring the country, or a screening of a sports event at a nearby bar. Facebook/Instagram/Twitter, Meetup, Eventbrite, Internations, Bandsintown, and mailing lists can all be good sources of information.
Again, my inner introvert instinctively shies away from these sorts of gatherings. But I can’t deny how refreshing it is to be with a group of others who get where you come from, and are just as far away from home as you are.
6. Bring a little bit of Australia to you
Not to brag, but we really do have some amazing food back in Australia. (My Spanish husband will vouch for this, so I know it’s true). The variety of the food on offer back home is unbelievable, and our knack for flavours is definitely something I get nostalgic about every now and then. As a Melbourne girl, I’m constantly craving pho, souvlaki, meat pies, and hot jam donuts — things that aren’t so easy to get your hands on out here.
When I discovered a Barcelona cafe that did sausage rolls and hot cross buns, I nearly cried. It was an instant hit of home, bringing back all the warm and fuzzy memories I had of it.
Moral of the story? Eat! Whether it’s picking up a pack of Tim Tams from your local Waitrose, baking yourself a batch of lamingtons, or getting a care package of goodies sent from back home (sending food out of Oz is thankfully much easier than trying to bring it back in, although beware of those pesky import duties!), there’s no tastier way to battle homesickness than by indulging in a little comfort food from home.
But bringing a taste of Australia into your life abroad doesn’t just have to be about satisfying cravings. In fact, it makes it so much more meaningful to also share that part of your culture with those around you. Organise a night to recreate your favorite Aussie dishes with your local friends, host a barbecue or sausage sizzle, or have an Aussie-themed picnic (think potato salad, fairy bread, pavlova — whatever tickles your fancy!).
Making these small connections can transform a simple meal into a comforting reminder that your Aussie roots are always with you, no matter where in the world you are. Plus, watching your friends react to their first bite of Vegemite is an experience in itself!
7. Talk to someone
All these ideas so far have focused on little things you can do to curb your homesickness. But there’s going to be times when nothing works, and all you’ll be able to think about is booking a one-way flight home. In those moments, it’s crucial to reach out and talk to someone.
Whether it’s a friend, family member, partner, or even a fellow expat who understands what you’re going through, talking about your feelings can make a world of difference. Sometimes, just saying out loud that you’re feeling overwhelmed or homesick can take the edge off.
Although it can feel like you have to keep up appearances and show everyone that you're having the time of your life, being honest about your struggles is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you don't have someone nearby who can relate, consider joining an expat group, either in person or online. There are countless communities out there filled with people who are experiencing the same ups and downs. Connecting with others who understand what it’s like to be far from home can be incredibly validating. They can offer advice, share their own coping strategies, or simply be a listening ear when you need it most.
And if you find that homesickness is starting to impact your mental health or daily life, it might be worth speaking to a professional. Many therapists specialise in expat-related issues and can provide valuable support and coping mechanisms tailored to your situation. Online platforms like OpenUp or Talkspace make it easy to connect with these professionals, providing the help you need right at your fingertips.
Talking to someone can be the first step in finding your footing again, and making wherever you are feel a little more like home.
8. Plan your next trip back to Australia
Sometimes, just knowing when you’ll be back in Australia can help you feel less homesick. Having that date circled on your calendar gives you something tangible to look forward to and can make the distance feel a little less overwhelming.
Even if it’s months or even a year away, the simple act of looking up flights, exploring travel routes, and researching itineraries can make your future trip feel more real. Start thinking about the people you’ll see, the places you'll visit, and the food you’ll eat.
You might even find joy in the little details — choosing which beach you'll hit first, deciding on which cafes you'll revisit, or planning a weekend getaway with family or friends.
When I was planning my most recent trip back to Melbourne, I actually got super psyched about picking neighbourhoods to stay in and checking out Airbnbs (we’re a family of four, so crashing with friends and family isn’t really an option for us anymore!). I pictured bar-hopping with my husband down Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, and taking my kids to the Botanical Gardens. Simple things, I know, but enough to fill me with genuine excitement.
And that’s what’s great about the planning process — the process of organising your trip shifts the focus from what you’re missing to what you have to look forward to. So no matter how far away your next trip might be, it’s never too early to start planning!
Conclusion
There you have it! It’s not exactly groundbreaking, but in my 10 or so years of living away from Australia, I’ve found that these are the things that have best helped me get through those moments of doubt and despair.
It’s also important to give yourself a bit of credit. You’ve made a huge life change, one that not many would be willing to do. So recognise that adventurous spirit within you — one that’s clearly not afraid of a challenge. And while it may not feel like it at times, you’re a lot more resilient than you realise.
If there’s one thing I’d like you to take away from this, it’s that you’re not alone. Feeling homesick is a normal part of living abroad, but you don’t have to navigate those feelings alone. Whatever emotion the rollercoaster of expat life takes you through today, we’ve all been there, and we all get it — so don’t be afraid to reach out.
Please feel free to join our online community of Australian women living abroad if you need that extra bit of support. And if you have any comments or other tips you’d like to share, let us know below.
