Homesickness doesn’t always arrive when you expect it. For me it isn’t the big moments. It’s a random Tuesday evening when I suddenly think of my family sitting together at home, the kids running around, and everyone talking at the same time.
I grew up in a joint family in India. That means my childhood was full of people: my mom, my sister, and later my nephews and niece, all under one roof or very close by. When you come from a home like that, the quiet of a new country can feel very loud.
I’ve lived in the Netherlands for years now, and I love my life here. But I still miss home. In this post I share what homesickness feels like for me as an Indian abroad, what I miss most, and the things that genuinely help.
What homesickness actually feels like
People think homesickness is just “missing home”. For me it’s more like nostalgia mixed with a small ache. I miss people, but I also miss a feeling: the vibe of the house, the noise, the food smells from the kitchen, and the version of me who lived there.
My whole childhood happened in that home. I had my own room there, and I still remember exactly how it felt to walk into it. That feeling of belonging without trying is the thing I miss most. Here, I built my life step by step. There, I simply belonged.
If you feel this too, I want you to know it’s normal. It doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice by moving abroad. It means you come from somewhere that matters to you.
What I miss most about India
My family
This is the biggest one. My mom, my sister, my nephews and niece. In a joint family, happiness is shared and so is every little moment: birthdays, school results, someone’s new haircut. When you live abroad, you hear about these moments on a video call instead of being in the room.
The everyday noise and warmth
In India, there’s always someone around. Someone drops by, someone calls, someone brings food. In the Netherlands, life is calmer and more planned. I’ve grown to love that too, but some days I miss the beautiful chaos.
Being “the child of the house”
When I go home, I’m not a professional or a creator or a traveller. I’m just the daughter, the sister, the aunt. There’s something very healing about that.
What helps me deal with homesickness
There’s no magic fix, but these things really help me.
1. Bring family to you when you can
This year my mom came to visit me in the Netherlands, and it was one of the best parts of my year. We used long weekends to travel together, and I loved showing her my life here: my home, my city, the places I love. When your family sees your life abroad, it stops feeling like two separate worlds.
If your parents can visit, plan a few simple things instead of a packed schedule. Often the best moments are just cooking together, walking around your neighbourhood and talking late into the night.
2. Build your own circle
When I moved, I didn’t have friends here. Over time I built my own circle, especially through dancing. Having people around you who you can call, cook with or celebrate festivals with makes a huge difference. Your friends abroad become a different kind of family.
3. Keep moving: dance, walk, travel
Dancing honestly kept me sane in my hardest times abroad. Moving your body changes your mood faster than overthinking ever will. Travel helped too: exploring new places reminded me why I chose this life in the first place.
4. Keep small traditions alive
Cook the food you grew up with, celebrate the festivals, play the songs your family loves. These small rituals carry home with you, wherever you live.
5. Plan your next trip home
Having a date to look forward to helps a lot. Even when it’s months away, knowing when you’ll see your family again makes the waiting easier.
6. Let yourself feel it
Some days, homesickness just needs to be felt. Call your mom, look at old photos, have a little cry if you need to. Then do something kind for yourself. It’s not weakness. It’s love.
Does homesickness go away?
In my experience, it changes. In the first year abroad, it can feel heavy and constant. Over time, as you build friendships, routines and a life you’re proud of, it becomes softer. It visits instead of staying.
I still get homesick, especially around festivals and family celebrations. But now it sits next to a lot of gratitude: for my family back home, and for the life I’ve built here.
Watch the Reel
Nobody tells you how hard the first year abroad is
My first year in the Netherlands, in under a minute.
Frequently asked questions
How do I deal with homesickness after moving abroad?
Stay in regular touch with family, build your own circle of friends, keep moving your body, and keep small traditions from home alive. If you can, invite family to visit and plan your next trip home.
Is it normal to feel homesick years after moving?
Yes. Many people still feel homesick years later, especially around festivals, birthdays and family events. It usually becomes softer and less frequent over time.
How long does homesickness last?
It’s different for everyone. For many people the first months are the hardest, and it gets easier as you build friendships and routines in your new country.
What helps with homesickness as an Indian living abroad?
Cooking food from home, celebrating Indian festivals with friends, regular calls with family, and finding a community, for example through dance, sports or local Indian groups.
Do you get homesick too? What do you miss most about home? Tell me in the comments 👇
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