When you move abroad, your entire life will be turned upside down. Everything will change – some of this will be exciting and other parts might come as a bit of a challenge. No matter what you’re feeling, it’s good to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for this shift in your life.
Of course, the feelings will come no matter how prepared you are! However, knowing in advance what your new life might look like can help you manage your expectations and avoid feeling shocked and confused when you arrive.
Here are some major changes you can expect in a new country.
Cost of Living
Even if you’re earning a big salary in your new home, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be rolling in extra cash. This is because the cost of living differs from place to place, and you might find that your new home is pricier than what you’re used to.
You may also have additional expenses that you never had to worry about before, such as paying for international health insurance or using public transport when you’re used to driving your own car.
Do some budgeting and research the cost of living in the city you’ll be moving to so you don’t face financial whiplash in your first month.
Work Environment
Naturally, a new job will always be a different experience. However, it’s important to note that work culture and communication in the workplace can differ from country to country and even city to city. While some places are more slow-paced, relaxed, and focused on work-life balance, other regions value hustle culture and hard work above everything else.
Be aware that you might be shifting into (or out of) a culture where working late every day is the norm. Make sure to understand what is expected of you in your employment contract, set your boundaries based on these obligations, and be firm in them from early on.
Cultural Differences
Something you might be expecting is a cultural shift. Every country’s culture is different. However, simply expecting “different” might not be enough to prepare you for the change. Some culture shifts might require you to make your own changes in your behavior or even how you dress.
This is why it’s a good idea to do thorough research on your destination and the cultural norms in the area. This will help you get a better idea of what the people might be like, what social interactions to expect, and what expectations you might need to adapt to.
Language Barriers
Going into a new country without a scrap of understanding of the native tongue is a bad idea. If you’re moving somewhere they don’t speak your language; you might be setting yourself up for a difficult time if you don’t put in the work.
As soon as your move is confirmed, commit to learning as much of the local language as you can. This will help you in work, making new friends, and even basic activities like grocery shopping or taking the train. You can take classes or even use something as simple as a language-learning app to grasp the basics!
Social Life
Believe it or not, socializing is different across cultures, too. Not only will you need to find a new group of friends to spend your time with, but you will also have to adjust to different ways of socializing.
For example, drinking culture is less prominent in some countries than others, and you may not find a busy nightlife in certain areas. In some cultures, spontaneous plans and arriving for an impromptu coffee are common, whereas others place more value on organizing things ahead of time.
Local Systems
A big consideration for practical day-to-day living is learning how to navigate new systems. This can include everything from public transport and banking to schooling systems and healthcare.
Doing some research ahead of time will help you manage daily life without being caught off guard. However, most of this learning will happen as you go along. You might feel frustrated, confused, and even anxious at times as you figure things out, but rest assured that eventually these systems will become your “new normal.”
Emotional Adjustments
Of course, one of the biggest challenges that ex-pats have to face is the emotional impact of relocating. You’ll likely deal with homesickness like you’ve never felt it before, and have to learn how to cope without the usual support of friends and family.
Committing yourself to finding a new community and embracing your new home with open arms can help. While the journey is a tough one, it can help when you frame it as an adventure full of new and exciting experiences. Plus, sharing your journey with your loved ones over phone calls, emails, or even social media can be a blast.
