Being homesick can change many things
during a basketball season. If you went away to college
far from home you probably have experienced a little homesickness.
It's quite normal and in my opinion nothing to be ashamed
about! Arriving and living in a new
culture for most people can be overwhelming
and very difficult.
It’s normal to miss friends, family and things you
are used to back in your home country. When I first left
to play basketball
inFinland
from the USA, I missed the grocery stores being opened everyday
until at least 11pm. But in Finland and in most European
countries, all big stores are closed on Sunday and usually
stay open during the week until about 9-10pm. Yeah big shocker
for American's who have experienced stores like Walmart
and big grocery stores open 24-7. (Article
attached)
So hopefully this will prepare you and not scare you from
playing basketball overseas! However I recommend that you
try to get adjusted to the culture
and make the most of your time overseas. Staying in touch
with friends by phone (expensive), email, and letters is
important when going away for a 7-8 month basketball season.
Most basketball
teams in Europe have a small break in November
for European competition within that particular country
if they participate. If you arrive in August or September
then you could probably go home in November if the team
allows it. In December you should have a break for Christmas
to visit home for one or two weeks depending on the scheduling
of your league. So time does fly by really fast if you look
at it that way. In no time it will be playoffs and you're
back home with your family and friends. Take a look at my
basketball
timeline for more information of a typical
basketball season.
Staying busy is important for me because that point
I find myself bored I feel like I want to go home. I always
try to stay busy, in fact I volunteered to work in a local
library in Finland. I went every morning about 9:00 and
stayed until morning practice which was 11:00. Went back
later for a hour or so. It was very rewarding for me because
it was a chance to use the internet, make this website and
keep myself busy. So if you are highly motivated you can
find ways to not get homesick and make your stay overseas
worthwhile.
Last year I studied Spanish
at a local university for two hours each day for 3 days
during the week. Learning Spanish was very important for
me to communicate with my team and just living in Spain.
NO ONE likes to speak English there :) After classes were
over I found a new hobby that could interest you.
