For many, the prospect of moving overseas is hard to resist.
With new culture, food, and language at every turn, immersing yourself in a new country can turn each day into a brand-new adventure.
But if you’re moving abroad alone, the challenge can seem a little daunting at first. With no friends or family by your side, the idea of being by yourself in a whole new environment might seem scary.
However, if you have the right mindset and a few handy tools, it can be one of the most exciting and enriching experiences you’ll ever have.
Here are a few tips to help you embrace your new life and make moving abroad alone the best thing you’ll ever do.
Coping with moving to another country?
Don’t force anything but take it day by day. You don’t have to explore everything in the first few weeks if you don’t feel like it. Keep in touch with your friends and family back home, and through sharing all your good experiences, you may start to feel better about it yourself.
Be open-minded and curious:
Just know that the difference between your hometown and your new place is that you already know just about everything about your hometown, and there is so much to explore in the city and country you moved to.
Once the initial shock is over, it is time to adapt to the new way of life. The more you are curious to learn about your new country, the easier the transition will be for you. Discovering more about the place you moved to, will help you find more reasons to fall in love with it.
Learn the Language:
Learning the language of the country you are relocating to can make your day-to-day existence a lot easier. It is also very important to get to know the customs, social norms, and culture of the area you are relocating to. This will help you adapt better and not get into any unwanted situations out of sheer ignorance.
Connect with communities:
Sure, you can read travel blogs to learn about your new country. But joining an online community before you head out can provide you with insights. You’ll likely see posts about common problems that aren’t mentioned elsewhere, as well as ways to get around them.
For example, in France, you’ll need a bank account before you get an apartment. But you’ll need an apartment before you can get a bank account.
Luckily, there are tons of savvy ex-pats who’ve faced the same issues and can help you find a solution. You might also find a few virtual friends to hang out with once you’ve settled in your new home.
Know where your money’s coming from:
There is no guarantee that you’ll just find a new job when you get there, right? At least not immediately.
To avoid the stress of a dwindling bank balance while living abroad, it’s best to sort out your financial situation ahead of time. You’ll either need to find a job before you land or have a few months’ worth of savings to see you through.
Make finding new friends a priority:
Once you get settled, you’ll need to find a new tribe to hang out with. It’s also great to find new friends going through the same thing you are. Try looking for meetups that match your interests. In most big cities, you’ll find ex-pat events being hosted almost every day.
Embrace being alone:
While it’s important to find new friends, now’s also the time to enjoy your new independence. Visiting a gallery, going to the movies, or taking a walk in the park are all great things you can do alone without feeling awkward. The fact is, sometimes, you’ll feel and be alone.
Expect the unexpected:
No matter how much you prepare, the unexpected will happen.
You might get lost, and face some surprise upfront costs. You might think you’re going for a drink and end up at an all-night rave. Instead of letting it stress you out, embrace it.
These experiences turn into stories you’ll be telling around the dinner table back home. And they’re usually hilarious in hindsight!
All in all, learn from your mistakes and live a good and fulfilling life so you in turn can help others find a way.
Do you have any question or comment? Do share with us in the comment section.
