Dealing with Homesickness as an Overseas Worker (OFW Guide)​


Working abroad as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) comes with financial rewards but also emotional challenges. A 2024 Philippine Statistics Authority report​ found that ​72% of OFWs​ experience moderate to severe homesickness, with ​45% admitting it affects their work performance.

This guide combines scientific coping strategies, real OFW experiences, and practical tips​ to help you manage homesickness while thriving in your host country.



Why Homesickness Hits OFWs Hard​

1. The Science Behind Homesickness​

  • Brain Chemistry: Separation from loved ones reduces ​oxytocin​ (the bonding hormone) and increases ​cortisol​ (stress hormone) (Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology).
  • Cultural Shock: Simple things like missing ​jeepney rides or adobo​ can trigger emotional lows.

2. Common OFW Struggles​

✔ Loneliness​ – 68% feel isolated despite video calls (POEA Survey).
✔ Guilt​ – "Am I missing my child's成长?"
✔ Identity Crisis​ – Balancing Filipino values with foreign workplace cultures.

Dubai-based nurse Maria S.​ shares: "My first Ramadan away from family was the hardest—breaking fast alone felt wrong."


10 Effective Ways to Cope with Homesickness​

1. Create a "Home Away From Home" Routine​

  • Examples:Cook sinigang or tapsilog​ weekly (ship ingredients via ​LBC​ if unavailable).Join Sunday Mass​ at local Filipino churches.
  • Research: Routines reduce anxiety by ​40%​​ (International Journal of Psychology).

2. Build a Supportive OFW Community​

  • Where to Find Them:Facebook Groups: "OFW [Your Country]" (e.g., OFW Saudi Arabia).Filipino sari-sari stores​ or restaurants abroad.
  • Pro Tip: Attend ​Philippine Independence Day events​ in your city.

3. Use Technology Strategically (Not Excessively)​

  • Healthy Habits:Schedule 2-3 weekly video calls​ (avoid 24/7 messaging—it prolongs dependency).Create a family WhatsApp group​ for daily updates (e.g., "Nanay’s garden pics").
  • Warning: Overuse of social media ​worsens​ homesickness (University of Manila Study).

4. Document Your Journey​

  • Ideas:Keep a journal​ (write about challenges and wins).Make TikTok/YouTube vlogs​ to share with family.
  • Psychological Benefit: Reframing your experience as an "adventure" reduces sadness.

5. Explore Your Host Country​

  • Budget-Friendly Activities:Free museum days.Hiking groups (meet locals and OFWs).
  • Mindset Shift: "I’m not just here to work—I’m here to grow."

6. Stay Physically Active​

  • Why It Helps: Exercise releases ​endorphins​ (natural mood boosters).
  • OFW-Friendly Options:Zumba​ (many instructors are Filipinos abroad!).Walking tours of your city.

7. Send "Love Packages" Home​

  • Affordable Ideas:Local snacks​ from your host country.Handwritten letters​ (more personal than texts).
  • Emotional Payoff: Giving back eases guilt.

8. Set Small, Achievable Goals​

  • Examples:"Save ₱10,000 extra this month for balikbayan boxes.""Learn 5 phrases in the local language."
  • Motivation: Progress fights helplessness.

9. Seek Professional Help If Needed​

  • Red Flags:Crying daily for over 2 weeks.Losing interest in work or socializing.
  • Free Resources:OFW Mental Health Hotline: +63 917 565 2036 (Philippines).Online Therapy: BetterHelp (discounts for OFWs).

10. Plan Your Next Visit (Even If It’s Far Away)​

  • Psychological Trick: Having a ​countdown app​ ("150 days until I see my kids!") boosts hope.
  • Budget Tip: Book flights ​6+ months early​ for cheaper rates.




What NOT to Do When Homesick​

❌ Isolate Yourself​ – Loneliness magnifies sadness.
❌ Compare Your Journey to Others’​ – "Si Ana may bagong bahay na…"
❌ Overwork to Avoid Feelings​ – Leads to burnout.


Real OFW Success Stories​

Case 1: From Homesick to Empowered​

  • OFW: ​Rodel T. (Hong Kong domestic helper)​​
  • Turning Point: Joined a ​Filipino choir; now performs at local events.
  • "Singing ‘Anak’ with fellow OFWs healed me."

Case 2: Turning Pain into Purpose​

  • OFW: ​Liza G. (Nurse in Canada)​​
  • Strategy: Started a ​YouTube channel​ teaching Tagalog to Canadians.
  • "Sharing my culture made me proud to be Filipino."


Long-Term Mindset Shifts​

  1. "This Is Temporary"​ – Most OFW contracts have end dates.
  2. "My Sacrifice Has Meaning"​ – Frame work as "for my family’s future."
  3. "I’m Growing Stronger"​ – Surviving abroad builds unmatched resilience.

Key Takeaway: "Homesickness never fully disappears, but it gets easier. One day, you’ll realize you’ve built a second home." – ​Riyadh engineer Carlos M.​​



Sources:

  1. Philippine Statistics Authority (OFW Mental Health Report 2024)​
  2. POEA Annual Survey (2023)​
  3. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology (Homesickness Study)​
  4. University of Manila Social Media Impact Research

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2025.04.30