Top Tips to help cure homesickness:
Jump right into your new culture! You might be tempted to call home more or to speak your native language with other au pairs from your country. But actually this makes homesickness worse. Push yourself even harder to connect with the USA.
Keep busy! Meet with friends to go to a movie or take your host children to the park. If you keep busy, before you know it the sad feelings will pass.
Communicate! It is ok to let your host family and the Local Childcare Coordinator know you are missing home. Ask for their advice and they will help you to settle in.
Write in a journal. Writing down how you are feeling can help put things in perspective. Always try to include one good thing that happened that day.
Think about why you decided to be an au pair in the first place. Keeping your original goals in mind will help get you through the tough times.
Staying busy and positive is the best way to overcome the challenge of homesickness. With time and a little effort you will soon be past this and well on your way to a great year!