Five tips for future Expats
Five tips for future Expats
If you’re going abroad, it’s nice to read some tips from people who have the experience. This is what we picked up from our relations.
1. Go out and meet other people
Wander around whenever you get the chance. Visit a market or take your latest book to the local pub. You may want to stay in and look Netflix all day, but force yourself to go out and meet other people and enjoy your new country. There will always be someone local who’s interested in you and want to show off their country.
2. Use social media
Join online forums and Facebook groups and don’t be shy to ask for advice or organize meet-ups. Often you will find there are lots of others in your exact shoes who have been holding out for someone to make the first move.
3. Expectations are resentments in the making
Some lucky expats move abroad, instantly get a great job, find a city center apartment and meet a bunch of like-minded people quickly. Other global citizens get hit with loneliness as they struggle to make friends and their inbox fills up with rejection letter after rejection letter from job applications.
You don’t know how your experience will pan out and whilst it’s wise to move countries equipped with a positive attitude, try and let go of any expectations as to what the experience will or should entail.
4. Strive for minimalism when living abroad
Anyone who has ever moved countries will attest to the “less is more” theory. Before properly settling in your new country, you will likely have to move between quite a few apartments and lugging endless baggage and belongings will make that process harder.
Besides, the less you bring with you, the more you can purchase unique overseas goods. When you move abroad, buying your furniture and otherworldly goods might be much less than moving your stuff abroad.
5. Don’t book a trip home too soon
If moving abroad is proving more difficult than you anticipated, resist the temptation to book a flight home too soon. The contrast between your new, unformed life and the familiar, home comforts might make you question why you ever dared to move in the first instance.
This post is also available in: Dutch
