The Baltic States offer beautiful scenery, a fantastic climate and a way of life much better than here in the UK. It is not surprising then that more and more people are looking to live there on a more permanent basis. Whether you choose Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania, there are bound to be certain things which can cause you to feel homesick.

Probably one of the first things that could make you feel homesick is the language barrier. When you don’t speak and understand the language you are surrounded by, it can be a very alienating feeling. So, in order to try and avoid this feeling, it is important to learn the language, or at least the basics, early on. Before you move to the Baltic States, perhaps take a night course on the local language, buy books and CD’s which can help your ears become accustomed to the sounds of the language, all of which helps you pick up the language quicker. The locals will also appreciate you trying to fit in and feel more obliged to help you, which, in turn, will help you to feel more accepted and welcomed.

Staying in touch with people from the UK is very important as it helps you to connect with where you are from and also helps to alleviate any feeling of distress at leaving the UK. If regular phone calls turn out to be too expensive, there are many other ways of keeping in touch. Social networking sites, e-mail and Skype are all free ways of staying close to the ones you love. For a small fee, Skype will allow you to video call others, which is like they are in the room having a conversation with you.

Keep photographs of your favourite people and places and look at them regularly. There is no shame in missing people and things about the UK. It is a natural reaction when moving from everything you have ever known. Perhaps you could also take pictures of the things you won’t miss about life in the UK, as in times of doubt, being reminded of these things will help you to justify and feel better about, the move.

The Baltic States are in close enough proximity to the UK that you could frequently visit home. Plan trips back to the UK and this will give you something to look forward to and also the knowledge that you have a visit booked could help to keep the homesickness at bay. If at any time after your move you doubt yourself, and wondering if you made the right decision in moving, then try to list all the reasons for the move. For example, do you have a better job, or better quality of life? Did you move for love, or perhaps it was negative things in the UK that prompted the move. Compare the life you have in each country and make lists of the good things about your Baltic lifestyle.