Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Madagascar is an exciting adventure, but it’s not uncommon to feel homesick, especially in the first few months. This Indian Ocean island, with its unique culture and breathtaking landscapes, can sometimes feel very far from our usual reference points. Here are some practical tips to help you overcome this stage and fully enjoy your Malagasy experience.
Create Your Malagasy Cocoon: The Importance of a Comforting Routine
Establishing a daily routine is essential to feeling at home, even thousands of miles from your homeland. In Madagascar, this habit can become a truly soothing ritual.
Start by structuring your days with regular activities that matter to you. Whether it’s a morning yoga session facing the Indian Ocean, a coffee at your favorite bakery in Antananarivo, or a daily walk through the lively streets of Toamasina, these small moments of pleasure will help you anchor yourself in your new life.
Don’t hesitate to incorporate elements of Malagasy culture into your routine. Why not learn a few words of Malagasy each day? Or try your hand at local cuisine by regularly preparing romazava, the national dish. These small local touches will help you feel more connected to your environment.
Also keep some habits from your home country. If you enjoyed reading the newspaper on Sunday mornings, continue doing so online. These small reminders of “home” can be comforting without preventing you from integrating.
Good to know:
Your routine shouldn’t become a cage. Stay open to spontaneous opportunities that Madagascar can offer, like an invitation to a traditional festival or an impromptu excursion to the Tsingy de Bemaraha.
Stay Connected: Keep in Touch with Loved Ones Despite the Distance
Modern technology is a valuable ally in fighting homesickness. In Madagascar, despite some technical challenges, it’s entirely possible to maintain close ties with your loved ones back home.
Schedule regular video calls with your family and friends. Choose a day and time that works for everyone, taking the time difference into account. These virtual meetings can become precious moments to look forward to each week.
Use social media in moderation. They are great for sharing your Malagasy adventures and keeping up with your loved ones’ lives. However, avoid spending too much time scrolling through the life you left behind. Instead, focus on sharing your new experiences.
Create a blog or newsletter to tell the story of your life in Madagascar. It’s an excellent way to keep everyone informed without having to repeat the same stories on every call. Plus, it will allow you to keep a record of your adventures for years to come.
Don’t forget to send small physical tokens from time to time. A package containing Malagasy specialties like vanilla, pepper, or local coffee will surely delight your loved ones and let them “taste” a bit of your new life.
Good to know:
Internet connections can be unstable in some regions of Madagascar. Plan for alternatives like SMS or regular phone calls for times when video isn’t an option.
Immerse Yourself in Malagasy Life: Actively Participate in the Local Community
One of the best remedies for homesickness is to fully invest in your new life. Madagascar offers many opportunities to integrate and build meaningful connections with the local community.
Join associations or clubs related to your interests. Whether you’re passionate about photography, hiking, or environmental protection, you’ll surely find a group that shares your passions. It’s a great way to meet people, both expats and Malagasy.
Participate in local cultural events. Madagascar is rich in festivals and traditional celebrations. The Famadihana, or “turning of the bones,” is a unique ceremony that will immerse you in the heart of Malagasy culture. Don’t miss the Independence Day celebration on June 26 either, an opportunity to share national pride with the locals.
Get involved in community projects. Many NGOs operate in Madagascar in various fields like education, health, or environmental protection. Your participation, even occasional, will allow you to feel useful and forge deep bonds with the local community.
Learn the Malagasy language. Even though French is widely spoken, making the effort to learn Malagasy will be greatly appreciated by locals. It will open doors for you and allow you to understand the country’s culture more deeply.
Good to know:
Malagasy culture places great importance on community and sharing. Don’t hesitate to accept invitations, even if they seem informal. It’s often in these moments that the most authentic bonds are formed.
In conclusion, managing homesickness in Madagascar requires effort and an open mind. By creating a comfortable routine, staying connected with your loved ones, and actively getting involved in local life, you will quickly transform your feelings of nostalgia into a deep appreciation for your new life on the Big Island.
Remember that homesickness is a normal part of the expatriation process. With time and these strategies, you will develop a sense of belonging in Madagascar while maintaining a precious connection to your roots.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
