Life abroad can be great when you are becoming an expat. You get to experience a foreign culture in a new country. The local culture means you must speak the local language at some point.
For many expats living abroad may seem like a fantasy. However, it is essential to remember that it is not just a party or a trip. How can an expatriate’s life change if its initial charm fades? As a first-time resident, you may want to live a different way. People sometimes think about moving abroad to escape stress, or perhaps you feel you have to be worried about your career or lack of travel. You may have thought you needed new scenery, new people, and something.
When expats leave their home countries, they must think about how they will transfer money to their bank account. In some countries of South America, it might take you a significant amount of time to open a bank account. I found this in one country, Chile, and was looking for solutions to overcome foreign transaction fees.
When you become an expat, you must think about how to make money. Many teach English, but some digital nomads work as programmers, website designers, and more. Therefore, if you have not considered a career to support yourself, consider employment before becoming an expat.
New cultures and new foods seem like exciting realities. Many bloggers and vloggers like to show off the exciting adventures they are going through but have yet to discuss the facts of becoming an expat. However, let’s try to remedy that by exploring some of the realities you might have by becoming an expat.
You’ll feel like you’re starting over again
If you settle down in another country, even if it’s not English, you will feel like you have just begun life from your adult years. You may need additional academic qualifications to advance your career. I’d suggest starting with learning a local language. Although you may not plan to use the language at the beginning of a new job, it will be very beneficial in practice. Learning new languages will help people get through to new city life.
What is It Like to Be an Expat?
So much for definition! No two expat experiences are ever the same, and there’s a commonality in your encounter with a new expat in this society. Here is the best time of year to return home for months and travel the vast and beautiful world surrounding us!
Seven Challenges of Expat life
Living on foreign soil with unknown faces may pose many challenges to an expat or digital nomad – especially for people who will leave behind family and the convenience of knowing where to find their favorite peanut butter. No matter how mentally strong you are, your challenges while living in a new country can make life difficult. Everyone thinks they will not feel “culture shock,” but the experience will happen eventually.
Understand it is ok to feel uncomfortable in these times; the shock will pass as you process these new experiences.
Coping with the issues as they arise with gratitude will make a living overseas an enjoyable experience. An attitude of gratitude is where I have found success. So when you experience these top 6 expatriate challenges during your overseas stay, think of where you can find gratitude.
1 Inadequate Personal Support
Leaving behind friends and family for greener pastures in a foreign country can be a curse. If you are moving abroad, you must share news, be in touch, and ask your loved ones for mental support. In today’s fast-paced world, even social networking can’t replace one-on-one interactions with people who matter. Despite the distance, you can use messenger services like Viber, WhatsApp, and Skype to enjoy face-to-face time with those you care. There are excellent resources for expatriate sites, such as GoExpat and Telegraph Expat.
2 Worries About Future Finances Living Abroad
Tensions regarding future finances can dampen your mood and desire to settle in a foreign land. Before starting an expat life, you must plan your finances well. Keeping yourself secure through an adequate bank balance will assist you in living a stress-free expat life. If you still need to prepare, revisiting your plan and moving when you have sufficient resources for those rainy days would be better. Anxieties about future finances will lead you nowhere. If you are an expat, ensure you possess adequate life and disability insurance coverage.
3 Building Relationships Can be Difficult
It is a reality that living abroad without a partner can be difficult for various reasons. Being single may be free to do whatever you desire, but you will eventually feel lonely. We all need someone with whom we can share our deepest feelings. Finding the right person to build a lasting relationship with may be challenging if you are a career woman or man very new to a city or country. You will have to play the waiting game and see if you are lucky enough to find the love of your life.
4 Adjusting to Different Business Cultures Difficult
As an expat, expect local businesses to differ from your working style. Understanding and learning a new business culture can be challenging for an expatriate. It is always better to be flexible and have an open mind. Instead of being judgmental, learn to make appropriate decisions and work best for your business. Ask the people within your network to assist you in setting up your business in a particular location. And don’t be shy to ask for references or introductions.
5 Making New Friends Abroad Can be Difficult
For any expatriate, making friends is challenging. Expats usually lament that people move to expat destinations for two or three years and then leave. So, the friendships built during these years halt when they depart. It is why many expats don’t even think of making new friends, as they would eventually leave. Don’t back down; you will meet people if you join a club, association, or religious organization or socialize with your new coworkers.
6 Language Barriers Can Make Expat Difficult
Finally, one of the common challenges is moving, where English is spoken less commonly. That would make communicating with the locals easier. So, learning the common language of that particular location before you leave will help. Many language learning tools online help you if you are not too keen on hiring a language tutor. Remember that the feeling is temporary. With time, everything in this new way of life will become routine for you.
The expat experience has its advantages and disadvantages. There is no doubt the new lifestyle can be very stressful. However, don’t let anxiety and stress overwhelm you. Being mentally prepared to face various expatriate challenges at the outset will help you overcome these woes with a cool head. A positive attitude is vital for enjoying every moment as an expat. If you take the proper steps, your stint as an expatriate may be very fruitful too.
7 Learn About the Expat Community
How easily can you learn to meet expat friends? Is it necessary for foreign visitors to come from abroad? Some locations have active expatriates who meet regularly to get you comfortable and surrounded by other brave souls. Knowing whether any exchanges will enable one to exchange words and make new friends simultaneously is helpful.
A Guide to Expatriating From Your Home Country
You live abroad. Expat life combines new experiences and a new perspective. Can you describe life in a foreign country? Although your friends here are not permanent residents, expats don’t have to stay home permanently. How can I avoid unexpected challenges and make an effective and safe relocation abroad? Here is my guide on how to live an expat life.
Working Out Practical Things in Advance
Living abroad sounds like a dream. Being an expat means you broaden your horizons with exhilarating new experiences and build the lifestyle you’ve always wanted. But what is life as an expat really like?
Despite what your friends back home might think, being an expat is a temporary vacation. Knowing what challenges you might face and how to prepare for them is essential to minimize unexpected roadblocks and get the most out of your move abroad.
Whether you’ve recently moved or are curious about what it’s like living in a foreign country, here’s the ultimate guide to living life (to the fullest) as an expat.
What Does It Mean to Be an Expat?
You’re probably familiar with the term expat—short for an expatriate—but what does it mean to be one?
An expat is simply a person living outside their native country. However, interacting with locals, you might find some people take offense to the term. Specific connotations of privilege and status are associated with expatriates vs. immigrants.
There is a slight nuance when it comes to the two terms. Generally speaking, an expat refers to an educated professional or skilled worker who takes residence outside their home country, either on their own or sent abroad by their employer. There’s a sense that an expat’s time abroad is temporary and does come from a place of privilege.
Many are privileged enough to move abroad just because they can have the means to do so, while immigrants—who by definition are anyone living in a country other than their birth—often look for a permanent home with better opportunities than the one they left behind.
You might feel more comfortable with one word over the other, but for the sake of this article, let’s stick with expat.
What Expectations Should You Have as an Expat?
Living in a new country has its fair share of ups and downs, but seasoned expats will tell you that the pros outweigh the cons.
Depending on where you move, the initial culture shock level can vary. If your new home vastly differs from what you’re used to, adjusting can take longer. But generally speaking, if you’re actively choosing to live abroad, then expat life brings greater peace of mind.
For many Americans, some of the best perks of being an expat include having cheaper healthcare, worrying less about gun violence, and putting a more significant emphasis on living life over climbing the corporate ladder. Living in another country adds perspective and shows there’s no right way to do something—only the right course for you.
Moving to a different part of the world also means opening up new places to explore. Singapore, for example, is excellent jumping off point for cheap flights around Southeast Asia. At the same time, Germany is well-connected to other European countries by train—not to mention you’re encouraged to take long holidays to travel.
Not only does being an expat broaden your travel horizons, but it expands your ones too! It’s not uncommon for expat friend circles to include people with different nationalities, ages, and life experiences—all contributing a rich mix of cultures and perspectives.
Ultimately being an expat is about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. You must push outside your comfort zone to make friends, learn a new language and navigate a foreign way of life. But overcoming these challenges is exponentially more rewarding abroad because they instill a sense of autonomy, personal growth, and confidence in your life choices.
How to Prepare for Expat Life?
Unless your job is sending you abroad to a particular country, research as much as you can about where you want to move. Make sure you’re familiar with your visa options and how to obtain a residency permit in your country of choice—and be sure to gather all the necessary paperwork before you go.
That being said, Google can only get you so far.
Once you’ve decided on a destination, talking to actual expats with experience in your adopted country is essential. You’d be surprised how many connections you might already have there! Even if it’s your friend’s cousin’s girlfriend, connect with whoever you can to get advice or have a friendly face when you arrive.
Now for some real talk: It’s essential to have the plan to support yourself abroad. Be realistic about your budget and resources—do you already have a job, or will you need to find one there? Can you start looking for housing now, or must you be in the country first? How much money do you need to have saved to get settled?
Once you’ve prepared for your future life, it’s time to figure out what to do with your old one. Start decluttering and downsizing your belongings. That way, you can simplify the moving process and even make some extra money. You’ll also need to figure out logistical stuff like what to do with your current phone number, mailing address, bank accounts, and pets.
For more detailed advice on how to prepare for your move abroad, check out our moving checklist!
How to Enjoy Life as an Expat?
First thing first: find a community. Whether you play a specific sport, have a particular hobby—whatever you’re interested in, look for like-minded people. Therefore, this is easier in a big city, but the best way to integrate yourself and start making friends is through a shared interest.
Find a Facebook group for single moms in your area, join the American Club (or an organization for your nationality), and search Meetup.com for amateur sports leagues—the internet is your friend.
Fellow expats know what it feels like to be the newbie in town, so don’t be afraid to reach out and send someone a simple message! Frequently, they’ll be happy to meet and, even better, introduce you to their circle of friends.
Once you start finding your people, connecting with the local way of life is essential. Be a tourist in your city and discover what makes your new home so unique. But then you can even take it a step further by visiting local museums, taking a stroll through an unknown area, or reading a book in your neighborhood cafe or bar—you never know with who you might strike up a conversation.
Connecting with your community often goes hand in hand with learning the language. The more you can communicate with locals, the better your chance of making friends and feeling more at home in your surroundings. Once you can read local street signs and understand some of the conversations and references around you, you’ll be amazed at how accomplished you feel.
And once you’ve become an expert in your town, take advantage of one of the biggest perks of expat life: traveling to new places! Whether exploring a city you only heard about through locals or taking the train to a neighboring country, take it all in!
Four Challenges of Expat Life
Exploring new places and making new international friends—expat life sounds dreamy, right?
It certainly can be, but daily life can get in the way no matter where you live. And expat life, in particular, comes with its fair share of challenges—from language barriers to piles of paperwork. Here are four of the biggest challenges you can expect as an expat.
1. Neverending bureaucracy. Living abroad takes work. You may have conquered the initial visa process. Still, you must deal with regular paperwork and trips to your local foreign affairs office when renewing your residency or switching your driver’s license to your new home country.
2. Language barriers. Daily, language barriers can challenge even the most minor tasks—from going to a restaurant to getting a haircut. Learning basic phrases before moving is always good, but language learning is ongoing. And if you live in a small town or somewhere with a smaller expat community, you may need to level up quickly to live more comfortably.
3. Making local friends. Learning the language will help you make local friends, but joining those tight-knit friend groups can still be challenging. In many countries, people maintain the same group of friends they grew up with and likely doesn’t feel super motivated to befriend foreigners who might leave after a couple of years.
What is the best way around this? Be persistent but patient. By engaging with the local way of life, you’ll make local friends over time, and if you build a consistent friendship, they’ll open up their circle more and more.
4. Feeling disconnected. You might be loving your new life, but that doesn’t mean you won’t miss the comforts of home. Homesickness can be as simple as cutting your favorite midnight snack, but it can also hit when you must stay up late to FaceTime a friend or watch the Oscars at a ridiculous hour because of the time difference. Unfortunately, being an expat means missing out on things back home.
Five Tips for Managing Your Expat Lifestyle
Now that you’ve prepped for your move abroad and anticipated some of the challenges you might face, you’re more familiar with what to expect.
So once you’ve settled in, how exactly do you live expat life to the fullest? Here are five tips for managing your lifestyle in your new home away from home.
1. Find other expats. Meeting people who understand precisely what you’re going through is critical. Not only can they be a source of moral support, but they can also be helpful resources for practical things like filing taxes as an expat or finding a particular doctor who speaks your native language.
2. Take advantage of social media. Follow local news accounts on Twitter, join relevant groups on Facebook, and even check out nearby restaurants on Instagram. Therefore, this can help you feel more familiar with your surroundings and more immersed in the local culture.
3. Keep in touch with loved ones back home. Whether it’s weekly video calls or a lively group chat, find time to stay connected with your friends and family back home. You can watch Netflix together, play an online game, or even send them a handwritten postcard for even more quality time.
4. Create your traditions. Missing certain holidays or family celebrations back home can be challenging, so take the time to make your traditions! Share a bit of your culture in your new home by hosting a Friendsgiving potluck or bringing your coworkers one of your favorite treats from your home country.
5. Relish in the little things. Try to find at least one thing you’re grateful for daily as an expat. When you’re feeling extra homesick, it can be helpful to remember why you chose to move abroad in the first place. So even if that trip to the migration office was particularly stressful, you can stop, look around and remember that your new life is worth it.
Lifestyle Changes
Like any significant lifestyle change, remember that settling in as an expat takes time. And just like back in your home country, daily life has ups and downs.
Perhaps one of the most comforting things about being an expat is knowing you’re never alone—wherever you are in the world, there are ways to find your community, take advantage of your surroundings and successfully build a home away from home!
Atypical Last Thoughts
When you expatriate, you will have many new experiences in a new country. There will be a new culture and foods in the new world where you will meet new people. Most of the time, these people will only speak the same language if fortunate.
You should live the expat experience to live a life at a lower cost. I have enjoyed living more of a minimalist experience, which has been a better life, but the lifestyle is only for some. I and many other expats work as digital nomads. Doing so means you have the stress of obtaining a working visa. Getting a job opportunity can be a challenge for some work visas.
Depending upon where you move, there will be cultural differences. The culture in South Korea is going to be different from Costa Rica. Therefore your social life may look different with the new culture.
If you network with others via social networks, you can find people from the same country or other countries. Meeting people is an exciting time and can be rewarding if you can plan weekend trips.
It is essential to consider practical considerations when moving abroad to a new country. Before searching for long-term visa requirements, it is best to see if you will even like the country by making a scouting trip on a tourist visa. It is wise to learn some of the local languages.
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