Table 3 Expatriate homesickness coping approaches (positive practices)
From: Global South expatriates, homesickness and adjustment approaches
| Action | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Approach 1: particularities of the social approach | |
|
Use of social networks Integration with community or expatriate organisations Increased contacts with friends & family at home Use of the nuclear family Cultural exploration and discovery |
Psychological balance Ability to rapidly make sense of host realities ‘Kill off’ the sense of missing home Develop new meaningful routines |
| Approach 2: particularities of the Education approach | |
|
Coordinated assistance by employer Pre-departure training, preparation Returnee testimonies and input Overlap Education attendance in host country |
Reduced sense of dislocation Preparedness of expatriate or migrant worker Formulation of personal plan prior to departure |
| Approach 3: Particularities of the Personal effort | |
|
Drive to maintain contact at home Willingness to build contacts with host country nationals Self-directed cultural learning Use of previous expatriate experience Social tourism |
Cultural immersion Sense of self-worth Development of temporary social networks Cultural exploration and discovery |