>>198624>how do you anons deal with the isolation and homesickness?I got incredibly lucky because there are a dozen people from my country at the uni where I'm doing my semester abroad. When I go out it's basically always with people from my country, so I don't feel very lonely and if I feel homesick I have people to talk to that are close to me. Not really a fan of venting at a distance, it's more satisfying to talk directly to people.
I used to think I'd be above that, and that since I'm in Japan I should befriend Japanese people instead of speaking French all the time, but hell, after a full day of classes in Japanese I just want to unwind.
Look up if the university you're going to has an international students circle, those are great. Organize nights out with people if that's your thing, you don't even have to pay for an expensive izakaya, just get some beers and go chill in a park. In my opinion being social is the best way to not feel sad or isolated, but if you're more of an indoors person I'd say really getting into a hobby can be nice. At first when I came here and didn't go out a lot I would spend loads of time drawing and it helped me not feel sad.
Also if you have your doubts maybe start with just one semester rather than one year? Personally I regret that I'll have to leave soon, I wish it could have been one full year, but my university doesn't allow more than one semester anyways. I want to say "know your limits" but unless you've been abroad that long before I don't think you can really know.