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How Do Nigerians in Denmark Deal With Homesickness?

How Do Nigerians in Denmark Deal With Homesickness?

13 May 2025


Living in Denmark as a Nigerian can be exciting. New job, better education, safer environment, and new opportunities. But there’s one feeling many Nigerians silently deal with: homesickness. Missing home is natural, especially when your roots are far from where you now live. This guide will walk you through how Nigerians in Denmark are coping with homesickness and building a balanced life abroad.

What is Homesickness?

Homesickness is more than just missing your family. It’s the longing for familiar food, sounds, people, and places. Many Nigerians in Denmark say the first few months are the hardest.

  • The weather is different, colder and darker.
  • The food is unfamiliar.
  • Social life can feel lonely.
  • Cultural shock hits hard.

But the good news? You’re not alone. And there are ways to feel at home, even while you’re far from Nigeria.

1. Connect With the Nigerian Community

One of the best ways to feel less homesick is by finding your people. Join Nigerian groups

  • Attend Nigerian Independence Day events and local meetups.
  • Organizations like InterNations provide platforms for Nigerians to connect, share experiences, and support each other in adapting to life in Denmark.
  • Follow Facebook groups, WhatsApp communities, and Instagram pages of Nigerians living in Denmark.

These connections can help you celebrate cultural events together and support each other emotionally.

2. Stay in Touch With Home

Technology makes it easier to stay connected.

  • Schedule regular video calls with family and friends.
  • Join prayer calls, book clubs, or Zoom hangouts.
  • Watch Nollywood movies and Nigerian news online.

Even a 10-minute chat with someone back home can lift your mood. Set a routine, like Sunday calls or Friday catch-ups, to stay emotionally grounded.

3. Cook Nigerian Food

One powerful way to beat homesickness is through taste. Many Nigerians in Denmark cook local dishes like:

  • Jollof rice
     
  • Egusi soup
     
  • Okra and eba
     
  • Moi Moi
     
  • Suya (grilled meat)
     

Where to find ingredients?

  • African stores in Copenhagen, like “Afroshop” or “Kigali Food Market”
     
  • Order from online African groceries based in Denmark

Once you have the Nigerian spices and ingredients, your kitchen becomes a little piece of your Nigerian home.

4. Practice Faith and Traditions

Faith plays a big role in emotional well-being for many Nigerians.

  • Attend local churches with African congregations.
  • Some churches offer Yoruba or Igbo services.
  • Join online fellowships or watch Nigerian sermons on YouTube.
  • Dress in native wear when you can.

This spiritual connection keeps you grounded and supported.

5. Create a “Home Space”

Decorate your room or apartment with things that remind you of Nigeria.

Ideas:

  • Nigerian flags or fabrics
  • Family pictures
  • Scented candles with familiar smells
  • Afrobeat or gospel playlists

Your environment affects your mood. When your space feels warm and familiar, it helps reduce emotional stress.

6. Stay Active and Explore

Sitting at home and scrolling through social media can make you feel worse.

  • Go out for walks or bike rides. Denmark has safe, beautiful streets.
  • Join fitness classes or football groups.
    Volunteer with NGOs or student organisations.

When you stay active, your mind has less time to dwell on sadness. You’ll also meet new people and make fresh memories.

7. Find Purpose and Routine

Homesickness gets worse when you feel like life is stuck.

Build a simple routine:

  • Go to work
  • Cook regularly
  • Connect regularly
  • Take small breaks

And find purpose in daily life. Having something to work towards gives your life direction and joy.

8. Remit Money Home Regularly

Many Nigerians abroad support their families back home. But dealing with banks or unreliable transfer apps can add more stress.

That’s why many trust ACE Money Transfer. Because of a 4.8 rating on Trustpilot, it’s one of the most trusted ways to send money online to Nigeria from Denmark regularly. Knowing your family is okay back home gives you peace of mind. And peace of mind is a big help when fighting homesickness.

9. Talk to Someone

If homesickness turns into deep sadness or anxiety, don’t ignore it.

  • Talk to a friend or family member or someone from the community.
     
  • Many institutes offer free counseling.
     
  • Denmark also has English-speaking therapists.
     

Mental health matters. It’s okay to feel down, but it’s also okay to ask for help.

Grow While Missing Home

Feeling homesick doesn’t make you weak. It means you have a heart full of love for home. But many Nigerians in Denmark turn this feeling into strength. They:

  • Work hard 
  • Send more money back home
  • Connect more

They carry Nigeria in their hearts while building a better life abroad.

Stay Strong Build Both Homes!

Life in Denmark doesn’t mean forgetting Nigeria. You can love both. Manage your homesickness with routines, relationships, and resilience. And when you earn, don’t forget to send money from Denmark to Nigeria using ACE Money Transfer. This family remittance platform is trusted by thousands for secure, low-cost transfers. With the right balance, you can build two homes, one in Denmark and one in Nigeria, and make both stronger.

FAQs

What are the biggest causes of homesickness for Nigerians in Denmark?

The cold weather, unfamiliar food, cultural shock, and loneliness are some of the top triggers for homesickness. Many also miss the warmth of family life and Nigerian community vibes.

Are there Nigerian communities in Denmark?

Yes. Cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense have active Nigerian communities. You can join local WhatsApp or Facebook groups to connect with fellow Nigerians for support, events, and networking.

What’s the best way to send money to Nigeria?

Many Nigerians in Denmark use ACE Money Transfer for fast, affordable, and secure transfers. It’s one of the most trusted platforms for staying financially connected to home.

Can I find Nigerian food in Denmark?

Absolutely! There are African grocery stores and online shops where you can find ingredients for jollof rice, egusi soup, pounded yam, and more. You can even explore platforms like MyAfroFoods to shop online.
 


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