{"id":5698,"date":"2024-09-16T13:25:45","date_gmt":"2024-09-16T13:25:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/?p=5698"},"modified":"2024-09-16T13:25:45","modified_gmt":"2024-09-16T13:25:45","slug":"hiraeth-navigating-homesickness-as-you-embark-on-your-journey-abroad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/hiraeth-navigating-homesickness-as-you-embark-on-your-journey-abroad\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiraeth: Navigating Homesickness as You Embark on Your Journey Abroad"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Whilst on my travels people would often ask me about home. When faced with these questions, I often find myself drawn back to a word that perfectly encapsulates how I feel\u2014Hiraeth. This Welsh term is more than just a word; it\u2019s an emotion, a deep yearning for a place, a time, or a sense of belonging that seems distant, if not entirely out of reach. As you prepare to embark on your journey abroad, whether for study or work, it\u2019s crucial to understand and embrace this concept of Hiraeth\u2014not as something to fear, but as a guide to help you navigate the inevitable homesickness that comes with leaving home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Hiraeth<\/strong> is a word as ancient as the misty mountains of Bannau Brycheiniog and as deeply rooted in the soul of every Welsh person as the rolling hills and rugged coastlines of Cymru. It\u2019s a sentiment that transcends mere nostalgia. For me, it\u2019s not just about missing the familiar sights and sounds of home; it\u2019s a yearning for a version of my homeland that might never have existed\u2014one that lives in the stories passed down through generations, in the songs sung, and in the history that shaped our identity long before modern times.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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As you get ready to leave for your new adventure, whether it\u2019s to the bustling cities of Japan, the sun-soaked landscapes of Australia, or the historic universities of Europe, it\u2019s normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. There\u2019s the thrill of new experiences, new friendships, and new opportunities. But there\u2019s also the Hiraeth\u2014a longing for home that might catch you off guard when you least expect it. It might hit you when you hear a song that reminds you of home, or when you\u2019re sitting alone in your dorm room thousands of miles away from everything familiar.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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This feeling isn\u2019t something to be ashamed of<\/strong>. On the contrary, Hiraeth is a powerful reminder of the deep connections we have to our roots. It\u2019s a testament to the love we have for the places and people that shaped us. But it can also be overwhelming, especially when you\u2019re in a new country trying to adjust to a new way of life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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So how do you deal with Hiraeth and the homesickness that comes with it?<\/strong> First, acknowledge it. Recognize that what you\u2019re feeling is valid and that it\u2019s okay to miss home. Allow yourself to reminisce about the things you love and miss. Maybe it\u2019s the sound of the rain tapping against your window on a quiet evening, the smell of your favourite dish being cooked in the kitchen, or the comfort of a well-worn chair in your living room. These memories are precious, and they\u2019re a part of who you are.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Next, find ways to bring a piece of home with you.<\/strong> It could be something as simple as carrying a photo of your family, keeping a playlist of your favourite songs, or learning to cook a dish that reminds you of home. These small gestures can create a sense of familiarity in an unfamiliar place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Also, try to build a new community in your new environment<\/strong>. It\u2019s important to make new connections and build a support network. Join student groups, attend cultural events, or simply reach out to other students who might be feeling the same way. Sharing your experiences with others can help alleviate the sense of isolation that often accompanies Hiraeth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Learning about your new home is also a powerful way to bridge the gap between where you are and where you come from. Immerse yourself in the local culture, learn the language, and embrace the customs. The more you understand and appreciate your new surroundings, the more you\u2019ll feel like you belong. Over time, you\u2019ll start to create new memories and build a sense of home in your new environment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Finally, remember that Hiraeth is a part of the journey.<\/strong> It\u2019s not something to be \u201covercome\u201d or \u201ccured,\u201d but rather, something to be embraced. It will evolve as you do. The longing you feel for home will always be a part of you, but as you grow and adapt to your new surroundings, you\u2019ll find that Hiraeth will transform. It will become a connection not just to the place you left behind, but to the journey you\u2019re on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Whilst on my travels people would often ask me about home. When faced with these questions, I often find myself drawn back to a word that perfectly encapsulates how I […]","protected":false},"author":7105,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"gallery","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[269],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5698","post","type-post","status-publish","format-gallery","hentry","category-international-exchange","post_format-post-format-gallery"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4QQbz-1tU","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6068,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/reverse-homesickness-missing-the-home-you-made-on-your-year-abroad\/","url_meta":{"origin":5698,"position":0},"title":"Reverse Homesickness: Missing the home you made on your year abroad","author":"Shaquille Qassim","date":"October 9, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Unpacking my suitcase back in my family home, the rain pattering against the window like an old friend, I expected relief. 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