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Table 3 Expatriate homesickness coping approaches (positive practices)

From: Global South expatriates, homesickness and adjustment approaches

Action

Expectation

Approach 1: particularities of the social approach

Use of social networks

Integration with community or expatriate organisations

Increased contacts with friends & family at home

Use of the nuclear family

Cultural exploration and discovery

Psychological balance

Ability to rapidly make sense of host realities

‘Kill off’ the sense of missing home

Develop new meaningful routines

Approach 2: particularities of the Education approach

Coordinated assistance by employer

Pre-departure training, preparation

Returnee testimonies and input

Overlap

Education attendance in host country

Reduced sense of dislocation

Preparedness of expatriate or migrant worker

Formulation of personal plan prior to departure

Approach 3: Particularities of the Personal effort

Drive to maintain contact at home

Willingness to build contacts with host country nationals

Self-directed cultural learning

Use of previous expatriate experience

Social tourism

Cultural immersion

Sense of self-worth

Development of temporary social networks

Cultural exploration and discovery