Pursuing a career in medicine is a dream of many. However, medical education abroad is more affordable than in India. With world-class education, state-of-the-art infrastructure, top-notch facilities, affordable tuition fees, and internationally recognized medical education, studying MBBS abroad, particularly in Russia, has become a sought-after option for Indian students from various financial backgrounds.

Although moving abroad for higher education is exciting, it also comes with various challenges. One of the biggest challenges is homesickness. Missing home, family, familiar faces, familiar surroundings, and friends is natural, but it shouldn’t overshadow your experiences while studying MBBS in Russia. There are plenty of ways that can help students adapt to the new culture, environment, and academic system with a positive mindset.

Here are a few of the effective tips and strategies that help students overcome homesickness during MBBS in Russia: 

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings and Stay Patient

While studying MBBS in Russia, it is natural for students to feel homesick from time to time. However, it is important to understand and acknowledge your feelings while adapting to the new environment. Many students struggle with being away from their families; in some cases, this leads them to quit pursuing their medical degrees. Feeling homesickness impacts a person in various ways, but staying positive and patient while adapting to the new environment and acknowledging your emotions is very crucial for your success. Be patient with yourself, and trust that with time, things will get better.

2. Stay Connected with Family and Friends

Thanks to modern technology, staying in touch with your loved ones is easier than ever. In today’s digital world, modern connections make you feel closer to your family and friends without feeling worlds apart.

Regular video calls, messages, and voice notes can help you feel closer to home. Set a routine and make a little time to talk to your family and friends so you don’t feel disconnected and lost while you are trying to adapt to the new environment abroad to build your medical career.

3. Create a Comfortable and Familiar Space

It feels good to surround yourself with similar surroundings, doesn’t it? Well, your room in Russia is your safe space. Make yourself comfortable, decorate your room with your familiar things like family and friends pictures, favorite posters, small cultural items from home, etc. Create a comfortable space for yourself; it gives you a sense of belonging and comfort, making it easier for you to adapt to the new environment while studying MBBS in Russia.

4. Embrace the Culture and Language

One of the best ways to overcome homesickness is by immersing yourself and embracing the local culture. Take your time to learn the basic Russian language, which will help you navigate your daily life while studying medicine in Russia. Build your confidence through interactions with the locals, explore the Russian culture, traditions, and cuisines, and participate in various local events. This will not only help you overcome homesickness but will also help you experience and feel more connected to Russian culture.

5. Stay Engaged with Your Studies

Another way to overcome homesickness is to focus on your medical studies. This helps you keep your mind focused on the tasks at hand rather than getting yourself distracted with feelings of missing home. So set your mind on your goals, stay disciplined with your medical studies, and seek assistance from professors and peers in case you need any help. Keeping yourself distracted with academic activities while studying medicine in Russia will leave you with little to no room to dwell much on feelings of homesickness.

6. Make New Friends and Socialize

Having a circle of friends motivates you to explore things in life. While studying MBBS in Russia, it is important to build new relationships, it helps you feel at home in a foreign country. Many Russian medical universities have an international student community that helps students socialize on campus. Join student organizations, engage with other students, and participate in several events while studying in the university to help you engage, adapt, and overcome homesickness.

7. Stay Physically Active and Maintain a Healthy Routine

Physical activity plays a crucial role in mental well-being. Join a gym, go for walks, do yoga, meditate, or engage in sports to keep yourself physically and mentally active. Maintain a healthy routine that includes proper sleep, a balanced diet, and exercise that will improve your mood and help you feel more energetic and positive day in and day out.

8. Explore Your Surroundings

Have an adventure around the city and explore the beauty of Russia, as this is one of the best ways to distract yourself from homesickness. Visit several famous landmarks, explore museums, and take weekend trips for nature walks or to nearby cities. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and historical landscapes of Russia.

9. Stay Positive and Practice Gratitude

The top medical universities in Russia provide a rigorous medical curriculum that equips students with the knowledge and skills to practice medicine worldwide. In all the goodness of pursuing medicine in Russia, you should also maintain a positive mindset and practice gratitude, as these can make a significant difference on your medical journey in Russia and have a powerful impact in the world. Practicing gratitude helps you appreciate your medical journey rather than dwelling on what you miss back home.

10. Seek Support When Needed

Homesickness can sometimes feel overwhelming, but having a support system to rely on when you are away from home can be more manageable. Therefore, while studying MBBS in Russia, make connections, build your network of friends, and support one another. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed; reach out to the international student support community within the university for your counsellors, peers, and professors. Remember, you are not alone, and reaching out for help is not considered a weakness; instead, it is a sign of strength.

Wrapping Up!

Feeling homesick while pursuing MBBS in Russia at the top medical universities is normal, but having the strength to overcome and not allowing homesickness take over your experiences is one of the best things you can do. Therefore, staying engaged, experiencing and embracing new cultures, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle will help you turn your challenges into opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Keep in mind that staying focused on the task at hand will help you forget about homesickness. Making new friends while still connecting with the old ones will help you shape your journey in life. Remember that life is a journey that will shape you to become stronger, independent, and successful. So stay focused, stay positive, and embrace your life-changing experiences abroad.

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