There are many attractions behind moving abroad, but it is crucial to remember that every time you move abroad there will also be considerable challenges. So here are my top five tips, based on my experiences as a Briton of living in the United States, Spain and the Far East, to make the experience of living abroad a little easier.
1) Enjoy the weather
One of the biggest incentives to move abroad that shows up time and again in surveys is that respondents seek a more favorable climate, which is one of the main reasons Australia, Spain and Mexico are the most popular destinations for travelers. American and British expats.
So if you are heading to a place like this, make the most of it. Get out in the sun and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle that it offers. Enjoy the opportunity to engage in your favorite hobbies or hobbies, whatever they may be: playing golf, biking, sailing, or just taking a walk on the beach.
Or why not take the opportunity to try something new, perhaps something that was not feasible where you lived before? It can be as energetic as skiing or diving, or as relaxing as painting.
And even if you move to gray and wet Britain, the weather can still be a blessing (not too hot, not too cold, and lots of greenery to begin with!). As Ranulph Fiennes said: “There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”
2) Travel
When I lived in New York, I did my best to see as much of the beauty that America has to offer: trips to New England to see fall, weekends exploring Washington’s landmarks, or witnessing the majesty of Niagara Falls, a road trip. through Arizona and California.
But every country has its beautiful landscapes and interesting towns, so explore them and enrich your experiences.
3) Learn the language
If you plan to move to a place that doesn’t speak your mother tongue, make an effort to learn at least part of the local language, and preferably learn as much as you can before you go.
Understanding the language will be the greatest help for integration. Yes, you can get by in stores using hand gestures and Pidgin in English, or by asking someone who speaks the lingo for help when visiting the doctor or in phone conversations with the local power company. But the lack of knowledge of the local language will leave you isolated and anxious for the comfort of home.
4) Adapt to local habits
Being in a different country means understanding its rules and learning to adapt to them. For example, find out what constitutes good manners and acceptable behavior so that you don’t offend anyone in social situations, and vice versa. And by understanding common behaviors and their rationale, it will help you appreciate the benefits your lifestyle has to offer, even if it’s a long way from yours.
Spain, for example, is well known for its flexible approach to timing. So calculate any estimate they give you of when something will be done with a pinch of salt. On the contrary, if you expect things to work with Swiss-like precision, you will only end up frustrated.
Similarly, widespread adherence to nap times means that you will never be able to get anything done during the afternoon. You might as well accept it and go with the flow.
5) local entertainment
There is no better way to learn about your new country than to witness its inhabitants in their leisure activities.
Go to carnivals or festivals to see what events people celebrate and how. Watch / participate in local leisure activities or sporting events. If you can muster the enthusiasm, start following the national sport and choose a team to support.
While living in the United States, I started going to baseball games and watching it on television. In Spain it is about soccer (or soccer, depending on the nationality). On the one hand, these kinds of interests help you feel attached to your new home. And more importantly, it will also give you something to talk about with the locals and as a result, they are much more likely to accept you in their community.
And ultimately, do your best to enjoy the whole experience!