Why Homesickness Is Normal

You finally arrive in Canada. The air feels different, the streets unfamiliar, and the silence in your new apartment can be overwhelming. At first, you stay busy with paperwork, job applications, or classes. But when night falls, the longing for home, the food, the laughter, the warmth of family settles in.

If you’ve felt this, you are not alone. Almost every newcomer experiences coping with homesickness in Canada, no matter how strong or prepared they thought they were. The good news? Homesickness is not a weakness. It’s proof that you have deep connections and it’s possible to honor those connections while also building new ones.

Why Homesickness Happens

Homesickness is more than missing your family—it’s missing your identity, routines, and sense of belonging.
• Change of culture: Simple things, like greeting styles or food choices, feel foreign.
• Loss of support system: In your home country, you had people who “got” you without explanation.
• Loneliness: Building new relationships takes time, and in the meantime, isolation creeps in.

Therefore, this is not the end of your story. It is just the beginning of a new chapter.

Story 1: Maria’s First Winter

Maria, a nurse from the Philippines, moved to Toronto during the peak of winter. She often cried at night because she missed the tropical warmth and family dinners back home. One day, a co-worker invited her to a potluck. Nervous but curious, she brought adobo, her favorite Filipino dish.

To her surprise, her colleagues loved it. The simple act of sharing food became a bridge.
Slowly, Maria realized that coping with homesickness in Canada didn’t mean forgetting home—it meant carrying home with her while creating new traditions.

Step 1: Stay Connected to Home ;But Set Healthy Boundaries

• Call or video chat with family regularly. Hearing familiar voices is comforting.
  • Share letters, photos, or recipes that keep traditions alive.
  • However, avoid only living online. Too much focus on home can delay building your new life here.Transition tip: Balance your roots with your new reality.

Story 2: Ahmed Finds His Circle

Ahmed, an IT professional from Nigeria, struggled with loneliness in Calgary. He applied to jobs online, but nothing worked. One day, he attended a local newcomer meetup. There he met other professionals—some also job-hunting. They shared stories, exchanged tips, and laughed at the challenges only newcomers understood.

Weeks later, one of them referred him to a role. That opportunity opened doors not just for his career, but also for friendships.
By stepping out, Ahmed discovered that building community in Canada is often the cure to homesickness.

Step 2: Volunteer Your Way Into Belonging

Volunteering may not pay, but it gives you something priceless—connection.
• You meet people who share your values.
• You gain Canadian experience (a bonus for your resume).
• You feel useful, which boosts your confidence.

Example: A newcomer who helps at a food bank may meet both fellow immigrants and locals who become lifelong friends.

Story 3: Leila’s Faith and Strength

Leila, a newcomer from Syria, felt isolated in Montreal. She missed her community prayers and cultural gatherings. One Sunday, she visited a local mosque. There, she found not only spiritual comfort but also people eager to help with housing, childcare, and even job leads.

Her story reminds us that faith-based communities often provide more than worship, they provide belonging.

Step 3: Share Your Story

Telling your journey to others, whether on social media, blogs, or small group chats can ease the pain of isolation. When people respond with “me too,” you realize you are not walking alone.

Transition words like for instance and as a result connect your story to theirs, turning strangers into allies.

Step 4: Embrace Cultural Exchange

• Cook meals for friends and invite them to taste your culture.
•  Attend local festivals, art shows, or community events.
•  Learn from others while proudly teaching them about your background.This two-way exchange transforms homesickness into curiosity and excitement.

Emotional Wellness Tips for Newcomers

• Exercise: Movement helps reduce stress and lifts your mood.
•  Mindfulness: Journaling or prayer keeps you grounded.
• Small goals: Celebrate little wins like your first Canadian winter walk or first conversation with a stranger.
• Checkout the our blog :  https://landingstrongwithnne.com/emotional-rest-and-growth-for-newcomers-in-canada/

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

❌ Isolating yourself indoors → ✅ Step outside, even if only for a short walk.
❌ Comparing Canada to your home country constantly → ✅ Accept differences as opportunities to grow.
❌ Expecting friendships overnight → ✅ Give it time. True bonds build slowly.

Conclusion: From Homesickness to Hope

Homesickness may start your journey, but it doesn’t have to define it. With each phone call, shared meal, or volunteer opportunity, you’re weaving a new life story in Canada.

Key Takeaways:
1. Stay connected to home without losing focus on the present.
2. Volunteer and engage with your community.
3. Share your story to find your circle.
4. Embrace cultural exchange with curiosity.

Remember: Coping with homesickness in Canada is not about erasing the past, it’s about building bridges between where you come from and where you are going.

You belong here. Your story matters. And Canada is waiting for the gifts only you can bring.

You can always reach out to these agencies if you need help with coming.(https://www.ymca.ca/immigrant-services