10 suggestions for first-time expats
Moving abroad for the first time is a scary proposition. But it actually not that difficult.
Before you start move, you need to prepare yourself and your family members mentally for the move abroad. Here are some tips that first-time expats should keep in mind before they fly off and touch base with foreign soil.
Before you reach a decision, get to know where you’re going first really well. Make sure to check out different areas where you may get housing and possibilities of relocation. Relocation agents can be a great help here. or you can book a long term home stay or hotel first, then start to searching house on the ground could save a lot money.
Consult all of your family members
One of the biggest issues for first-time expats is the lack of mutual satisfaction among the family members. Remember that decisions can’t be made alone. Your partner, children, elderly parents, and even the pet should be on-board with the idea of you moving abroad and adjusting to an entirely new location.
Learn some local language
Yes, you need to learn the language of where you are going to live. Let’s be honest: you won’t be fluent in a month, but you need to at least learn the basics to get around as a first-time expat. Trust me that make your life easier.
If you have always been dependent on someone, you’re certainly going to have a hard time abroad. It’s important to learn to do things yourself; when you move to a new place, you might have no one around to help you. Washing clothes, digging through cookbooks, or learning how to light a water heater aren’t things you want to have to learn when you first arrive.
Remember that you won’t be a tourist on an extended vacation. So, stay focused!
Have you checked out the website of the host country’s embassy? How about your own home country’s embassy? Thoroughly go through the customs, cultures, and laws of that country to avoid any trouble or cultural blunders. Find out if you need anything particular to that country in advance, such as vaccinations or medications. Know before you go if you can easily sort out a few essentials yourself, like a new SIM card for your mobile phone or setting up a new bank account.
Pick a busy location initially
When you first time land in a new place, even new country, suggest picking a spot that has almost everything available nearby. Living in the middle of nowhere can be quite troublesome when setting up a new home abroad, not to mention isolating if you’re trying to meet new people. Hence, make sure that healthcare services, convenience stores and supermarkets are not too far from your home. Once you know a city well, it’s much easier to pick a location that suits you or your family.
Embrace What's At Your Disposal
As a first-time expat, adapting to the resources available in your new surroundings is a crucial aspect of your journey. For example, you might have been accustomed to ordering a specific brand of coffee, but you'll likely need to acclimate to the coffee options that your new location offers. Unfamiliar scents? It's necessary to adjust and become accustomed to them. Continually complaining about the absence of familiar brands from your home country or comparing the local public transportation system to what you were used to back home won't foster a positive relationship with your new environment. Instead, channel your energy toward exploring the positives and stepping out of your comfort zone. In doing so, you might even stumble upon a superior coffee brand in the process.
Getting Acquainted with Locals
Choosing to live in a tranquil setting while shying away from social interactions is perfectly fine. However, there comes a point when the desire to connect with others, whether it's the locals or fellow first-time expats, becomes apparent. By avoiding isolation, you can greatly enhance your understanding of a new place and foster connections. Whether you aim to make new friends or wish to strike up a conversation with someone from the area, sharing a bit about yourself and showing genuine interest in their experiences can be remarkably enlightening. This approach not only allows you to learn from them but also serves as an excellent way to expand your network, which, in many countries, can be pivotal in finding the ideal job or apartment.
For first-time expats, conquering homesickness is an essential step toward embracing their newfound independence. Continually pining for your homeland and idealizing the past can make the process of living away from home incredibly challenging. To overcome this, it's vital to overcome any potential culture shock and avoid dwelling on your past. Set a personal goal of refraining from thoughts of returning home for a minimum period, say, three to six months. During this time, immerse yourself in your current location, learning to appreciate it for what it is. Embracing your present circumstances can serve as a powerful motivation to keep moving forward and fully embrace your expat journey.
