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198 Finn: You might see a picture of your hometown, which can make you feel a bit sad, because you’re not there. Jennifer: Food is something else that I long for – I want it very much – when I’m away from home. There are lots of regional foods which you can’t get in London, but the thing I miss the most is my mum’s home cooking. If I smell something that reminds me of home, I feel extremely homesick! Finn: You’re starting to make me feel homesick now! Nowadays lots of people live, work or study away from home. People travel all over the world, and homesickness is a growing problem. Jennifer: Lots of people will experience mild homesickness – so they feel a little sad, but they can deal with it. Other people have more extreme homesickness. Finn: They might experience panic attacks or nightmares… Jennifer: … and some people withdraw from society altogether. That means they don’t go out or interact with anyone. Finn: Some people think that if you feel that homesick, you should just go home! But often it’s not as easy as that, especially if you are studying or working somewhere. Jennifer: There are ways to make it better, though. Modern technology has helped a lot of people to stay in touch with their families by using video- calling software, such as Skype or FaceTime. Finn: That’s a good idea, because actually seeing someone talk to you is much better than just hearing them on the phone. Social media also helps people to communicate with the people they left behind. Answer: 70 % of all students fell homesick. Unit III I. Communication games A Diary Game Group A Find someone who: -- is going to the dentist at 4 p.m. tomorrow -- is going to the cinema at 8 p.m. on Friday Find someone who: -- is playing basketball at 11 a.m. on Sunday -- is studying Anatomy on Saturday