问吧乐享奖学金文章2 - How to Overcome Loneliness and Homesickness
Recently, I heard some foreign students complained that they were lonely and homesick. I have the same experience when I just came to the United States at the age of 18. At that time, I lived in a dorm with an American roommate. My English was poor, and I had language barrier with native speakers. I could not communicate fluently with my roommate, professors, and local classmates. I felt so lonely since I met lots of difficulties in academic and social life when I went abroad for the first time.
I did not give up. I actively participated in many social events to improve my communication skills. I participated in a conversation partner program several weeks after I arrived in the U.S. In that program, each foreign student was matched with an American family for cultural exchange. I met with my host family once a week, went to their home for holidays, visited famous places around the city, and shared Chinese culture with them. My spoken English was improved a lot during that time. To my surprise, I did not feel lonely any more since I really enjoyed the time I spent with my host family.
During my first semester in the United States, I found a part-time job in campus cafe. My purpose was not to make money, but to get familiar with American life and improve conversation skills. At work, I made many American friends and got used to American work environment. I also learnt how to allocate my time to study and work effectively. My study efficiency was improved dramatically since I needed to spend about 10 hours per week working. Besides work, I served for some events as volunteers and joined an accounting organization. As I got busy for study, work, and volunteer, I totally overcame homesickness.
In December 2013, I came to Canada for my master's degree. Honestly, I did not feel lonely or homesick at this time although I almost knew nothing about this country. The reason is that I have studied abroad for many years and can be adapted to changes quickly. But I still participate in many volunteer works enthusiastically because I want to know more about Toronto and share what I know with others. I was a volunteer for the Spring Open House and Toronto Mayor Campaign. I will become a volunteer for the 2014 Planet in Focus Film Festival in November. Although I am very busy with my school work, I can balance my study and social service well.
My suggestion to new international students who want to overcome loneliness is to keep yourself busy. Students may find some part-time jobs or internship opportunities which are related to their majors. Thus, they will gain some work experience which can help them find their first job after graduating. If they can not find those jobs in a short time, they are better to work for any jobs they are interested in because students need to be involved with the local community as soon as possible. Furthermore, students are better to do some volunteer work and give back what they learn to the society.
I did not give up. I actively participated in many social events to improve my communication skills. I participated in a conversation partner program several weeks after I arrived in the U.S. In that program, each foreign student was matched with an American family for cultural exchange. I met with my host family once a week, went to their home for holidays, visited famous places around the city, and shared Chinese culture with them. My spoken English was improved a lot during that time. To my surprise, I did not feel lonely any more since I really enjoyed the time I spent with my host family.
During my first semester in the United States, I found a part-time job in campus cafe. My purpose was not to make money, but to get familiar with American life and improve conversation skills. At work, I made many American friends and got used to American work environment. I also learnt how to allocate my time to study and work effectively. My study efficiency was improved dramatically since I needed to spend about 10 hours per week working. Besides work, I served for some events as volunteers and joined an accounting organization. As I got busy for study, work, and volunteer, I totally overcame homesickness.
In December 2013, I came to Canada for my master's degree. Honestly, I did not feel lonely or homesick at this time although I almost knew nothing about this country. The reason is that I have studied abroad for many years and can be adapted to changes quickly. But I still participate in many volunteer works enthusiastically because I want to know more about Toronto and share what I know with others. I was a volunteer for the Spring Open House and Toronto Mayor Campaign. I will become a volunteer for the 2014 Planet in Focus Film Festival in November. Although I am very busy with my school work, I can balance my study and social service well.
My suggestion to new international students who want to overcome loneliness is to keep yourself busy. Students may find some part-time jobs or internship opportunities which are related to their majors. Thus, they will gain some work experience which can help them find their first job after graduating. If they can not find those jobs in a short time, they are better to work for any jobs they are interested in because students need to be involved with the local community as soon as possible. Furthermore, students are better to do some volunteer work and give back what they learn to the society.
