Officially, South Africans are considered to be among the most homesick expatriates globally.
Image: Pexel
If you’ve ever missed a good braai or found yourself craving some biltong while living abroad, you’re far from alone. In fact, you’re among one of the most homesick groups in the world.
A new study by financial services provider Remitly has revealed that South Africa is the second-most homesick nation in the world. With a staggering 96.10% of South Africans abroad admitting they feel the pull of home.
The Philippines tops the list as the most homesick nation, with 96.15%. Canada (96.02%) and Mexico (96.02%) share third place, and Brazil completes the top five.
India, France, Chile, Australia and Greece secured spots 6 to 10, respectively.
The survey consisted of 3,100 adults across 21 countries including South Africa, Philippines, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, the UK and the USA.
Why do South Africans miss home so much?
According to the research, it’s not just one thing. Moving away comes with a high emotional cost.
The study suggests that many miss the strong sense of community, the outdoor lifestyle, and those familiar social gatherings that just don’t feel the same in another place.
Like most migrants, South Africans long for family (80%), friends (62%) and food and drink (54%).
Nearly half (49%) say homesickness usually hits hardest when talking to family back home, going through a tough time and needing support, feeling unwell, or during milestone moments like birthdays and holidays, where a Zoom call just doesn't cut it.
Beyond the big stuff, it’s the subtle comforts that matter too. Around 36% miss hearing their native language, while others miss the climate (34%), understanding how everyday systems work (30%), and even sleeping in their own bed (27%).
Ryan Riley, vice president of Marketing for EMEA and APAC at Remitly, says homesickness is something almost everyone experiences at some point, especially when you’re building a life away from where you grew up.
"It’s missing a milestone birthday back home, a family celebration, or even something as simple as your mum’s cooking. It’s the everyday moments that hit the hardest."
How do people cope with homesickness?
When asked how they combat feelings of homesickness, the most popular response was connecting with family and friends (69%).
Hearing familiar voices on a quick call or catching up over video are both ways to stay connected while miles apart and can help massively for those seeking some comfort, especially during times of need.
Hunting out familiar foods and flavours from back home is the second most popular way people deal with homesickness, whether it’s going to a restaurant that serves traditional dishes that you grew up with or whipping up a familiar family favourite meal at home, food is a fantastic way to reconnect with your roots and help ease feelings of homesickness.
Others revealed that they watch something from home (25%), exercise (23%) or journal (9%).