5 Tips for Surviving a Move Abroad
The prospect of moving abroad for a new job can be both exciting and daunting. I, for one, experienced both excitement and fear during my move to the Netherlands. The interview process and the prospect of being able to move overseas were exciting. However, that excitement turned to fear when I was sitting at the airport with my wife, and the realization dawned on me that I had just sold everything and was about to start a new life in a new country. Having survived the good and bad times of moving to the Netherlands, here are five tips for surviving a move abroad.
#1 — Do Your Homework Before Moving
Take it from me; nothing is worse than leaving on a stunning South African summer’s day only to arrive on an ice-cold and rainy European winter’s morning. Of course, no amount of reading travel blogs can prepare you for that, but at least you will know what to expect.
You will be surprised how many things are different in a new country. Researching what you can expect goes a long way toward preparing you for the move. Here are some things to research:
- Weather: The weather plays a big part in how you experience a country. Also, arriving to a European winter in shorts is ill-advised.
- Laws: You’ll be living by a completely different set of rules. Consider local laws and how the move will affect your taxes and finances.
- Immigration process: Knowing the process can help put your mind at ease when things are taking a while. It allows you to answer critical questions, like how long your visa will be valid, whether you will exchange your driver’s license and whether your resident’s permit is linked to an employer.
#2 — Integrate
Unless you’re moving to a neighbouring country that shares the same language and culture, you are bound to run into cultural differences that you will need to adapt to. For example, while it may be perfectly okay to arrive 30 minutes late for an appointment in South Africa and attribute this to “African time”, the same stint may cost you a client or even your job in some western European countries.
- Language: Language is the first difference you’re likely to encounter. Making an effort to try to learn the language will go a long way in helping you integrate. It’s also useful for things like buying food and ordering beers.
- Cultural Norms: If you’ve heard the expression “culture shock”, let me confirm by telling you that it’s a thing. What may be considered obscenely rude in one culture may be perfectly normal in another. So take the time to learn the cultural norms of the country where you’re moving. Not only will this help you understand and integrate with the locals. It will also let you know that when a Dutch person bluntly tells you that you look ugly in that shirt, he is not being rude.
#3 — Don’t Be Afraid To Stand Out
There is no better way to stick out like a sore thumb than to walk around the local supermarket of a tiny Dutch town in flip-flops during winter, speaking English.
- It’s normal to feel out of place: Once moving abroad, the fact is, you are a strange new person in a strange new land. The sooner you accept this fact, the sooner you will be comfortable with standing out a little.
- Asking for help when you need it: There will be times when you will need to ask for help. Be it trying to find something at the grocery store or filling out paperwork. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You will often be surprised by how helpful some people can be. On the other hand, you will undoubtedly come across people who are less willing to help and rude. Don’t take it personally, and move on. I have found that learning to say basic phrases such as “my Dutch isn’t too good, would it be possible to speak English” in Dutch goes a long way to show people you are willing to make an effort. They will often meet you halfway.
#4 — Commit to the Move
There is no doubt that uprooting your life and moving abroad can be one of the most challenging things you will ever do. But, on the other hand, you may find yourself one of the lucky ones who enjoy every single bit of the move. In that case, feel free to skip this tip. But, for the rest, myself included, a move abroad can be mentally taxing, and at times it may seem like the best move is back.
- Stick it out: If times get a little challenging, remember why you chose to make the move in the first place.
#5 — Join the Community
Moving abroad means not only leaving behind your things but also means leaving behind your family and friends. Therefore, it’s essential to start making new friends and joining the community.
- Make friends at work: Unless you have super friendly neighbours, the first people you are most likely to interact with are those at your new job. So make friends with some people at work and grow your network.
- Find like-minded people: No matter where you end up, there is bound to be a group of like-minded people you can join. Whether it’s a local expat group or people who share your hobby, it’s a great place to start making friends.
- Make friends with the locals: It’s easy to end up only making friends with people in the expat community because they are often more welcoming than the locals. However, there is no better way to integrate other than by making friends with the locals.
Conclusion
Moving abroad is undoubtedly the most exciting yet daunting experience you’ll undertake. Finding out all there is to know about the new country goes a long way to ease your mind about the move. Once you’re there, it’s essential to immerse yourself in the culture and prepare yourself for a little “culture shock”. You may find yourself sticking out like a sore thumb, and that’s okay! Even when the times get a little challenging, remember why you made the move and stick it out. Finally, you’re not alone, so join the community and make friends.
If you found this article helpful or know someone who would, I would appreciate it if you could please like and share it. Also, have you recently moved abroad and have some advice? Feel free to let me know in the comments.
