Moving Abroad and Fitting in the Right Way

Opportunities, a fresh start, greener pastures and the wish to explore foreign cultures are some of the many reasons people have when thinking of living abroad.

Whatever the reason, there are many things to consider and questions to ask before, while and after the big move, as visiting and living in a different country are two different experiences.

If you are thinking of moving abroad, here are tips that will help you to figure out how to live more natural abroad.

Questions to Ask Before Moving Abroad.

Why Are You Moving Abroad?

First things first, why do you want to move to a different country?

It is essential to understand the real reasons why you want to start all over by moving and living abroad.

Be honest with yourself while answering this question to avoid making what could probably be the biggest mistake of your life.

Where?

What countries would you like to live in?

In a nutshell, what foreign countries are more functional in terms of settling down, language and work opportunities and possibilities to fit in?

If you are looking into moving abroad, do not follow the crowd and rush to ‘that country everyone goes to’. 

Take time to do research to see what countries suit your personal needs and where you can also contribute positively to.

When?

Having a timeframe of when you like to move to a different country can make the whole process more comfortable, especially when it comes to organizing your funds.

Also, it gives you time to apply for a job if you are eligible to work in a foreign country before arrival.

Have an idea of when you would like to move and get everything in order before your deadline.

Things to Consider When Moving Abroad.

Language

If you already speak French, German, Italian or Spanish close to fluency or are ready to learn a new language up to a business proficiency level, then Europe is one of the best places to live in.

Just so you know, it is close to impossible to live comfortably in a non-English speaking country if you do not speak or understand the local language.

And even if people speak ‘some’ English, the local language will be used much more at work, schools, and most public places.

Before moving to a different county that is non-English speaking, get accustomed to common words of the local language of your country of choice using language apps.

Dualingo, Memrise and Busuu are excellent choices of apps to help you learn different languages.

On arrival, enrol in private lessons or group classes and also try as much as possible to engage in conversations with locals. It is a great way to practice.

Are You Moving to Another Country Alone?

Is the plan to move alone or with family?

It is much more comfortable moving alone as all your research is centred around just you neither is it that bad if you are hauling the whole family

Moving abroad with family requires factors like larger accommodation, education, medical care, transportation system and safety as paramount.

Also, this helps in narrowing down the options of countries to live in as a family or alone.

Cons of Living in a Foreign Country

Homesickness

Get ready for bouts of homesickness when living abroad.

Since you are leaving family and friends behind, as well as the life that you have always known, you will definitely feel home sick from time to time.

Also, chances are that you might not find your favourite food from home easily, and when you do, they are quite expensive.

All Your Stuff !

Except you are a hermit, what exactly are you going to do with all the things that you cannot take abroad?

Sell them!

Give them out!

If you are selling things online especially, do not wait till the last minute to sell as most times, it takes a lot of time to sell something online.

Cultural Shock

Cultural shock: the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.

Just be open-minded and be ready to learn and live a new culture. Also, having a sense of humour helps with culture shock

Acculturation

“Acculturation is the cultural modification of an individual, group, or people by adapting to or borrowing traits from another culture.”

It is always nice to have a community of ‘your people’ to make you feel at home overseas, but irrespective of this, it is essential to blend with other culturally diverse groups too as they are a natural source of assistance, information and friendships.

This process opens up your mind to the different cultures within the foreign country you are living in and allows you to shed light on your own culture.