Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Homesickness can be challenging to manage, especially when you find yourself in a country as exotic and different as Malaysia. Here are some tips to help you overcome this feeling and make the most of your experience in this beautiful Southeast Asian country.
Establish Your Bearings: Create Your Malaysian Routine
One of the best ways to combat homesickness is to create a new routine that will help you feel at home in Malaysia. Here are some suggestions:
- Find a local café to have breakfast at every morning
- Explore a new neighborhood each weekend
- Sign up for a weekly Malaysian cooking class
- Adopt the local habit of having afternoon tea
By establishing these new rituals, you’ll begin to feel more grounded in your new environment. Additionally, these regular activities will help structure your days and give you things to look forward to.
Good to Know:
Your routine doesn’t have to be rigid. Stay flexible and open to new experiences that Malaysia can offer you.
Stay Connected: Keep Close to Loved Ones Despite the Distance
Although Malaysia is far from home, modern technology makes it easy to stay in touch with your loved ones. Here’s how to maintain these important connections:
- Schedule regular video calls with family and friends
- Share your adventures on social media
- Send traditional postcards for a nostalgic touch
- Create a blog or online journal to document your experience
However, be sure to find a balance. Too much contact with home might prevent you from fully immersing yourself in your new life in Malaysia. Set specific times to communicate with loved ones while allowing yourself time to explore and experience new things.
Good to Know:
The time difference can be challenging. Use apps like World Time Buddy to easily schedule your calls.
Immerse Yourself in the Culture: Live Like a Local
One of the best remedies for homesickness is to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. Malaysia, with its rich cultural diversity, offers numerous opportunities for this:
- Participate in local festivals like Hari Raya, Deepavali, or Chinese New Year
- Join a local sports club or futsal team
- Attend language classes to learn Bahasa Melayu
- Explore night markets and sample local street food
By getting involved in these activities, you’ll not only create new memories but also make new friends. These local connections can greatly help alleviate feelings of loneliness and nostalgia.
Good to Know:
Malaysia is known for its hospitality. Don’t hesitate to accept invitations from locals, whether for a meal or a family celebration.
Explore Your New Home: Discover Malaysia’s Wonders
Malaysia is full of beautiful sites and unique experiences. Take advantage of your free time to explore this fascinating country:
- Visit paradise islands like Langkawi or the Perhentians
- Go hiking in the rainforest of Taman Negara National Park
- Explore the historic streets of George Town in Penang
- Admire the view from the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur
By focusing on all the wonderful things Malaysia has to offer, you’ll have less time to miss home. Each new experience will remind you why you chose to embark on this adventure.
Good to Know:
Malaysia has an excellent public transportation network and affordable domestic flights, making it easy to explore the country.
By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to manage homesickness and fully enjoy your stay in Malaysia. Remember that it’s normal to feel nostalgic from time to time, but don’t let these feelings prevent you from fully experiencing this unique adventure.
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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.
