Remind yourself why you moved
Change can be scary, but being an expat is a wonderful opportunity. Embracing the move you made is a key step – it’s important to remind yourself why you decided to make the change in the first place. Working in another country is a great chance to grow your confidence and adapt to new situations.
Why not make a list of all the things you’ll get experience which you wouldn’t have been able to, if you had not moved. This is a great exercise for when you move to back home or to another posting too; it’ll bring back great memories.
Say goodbye to your comfort zone
Stepping outside of your comfort zone is vital when trying to settle in a new place. Although embracing a different culture can be challenging, it’s important to try and engage with it to feel more at ease. This will help stop feelings of loneliness and give you a real sense of belonging.
We suggest trying out a local art, culture or sport – it may even mean trying to cook the local cuisine. It’s a wonderful way to meet new people and learn more about the local culture.
Find other expats
If you are feeling isolated living in another country, chances are you aren’t alone. Finding other expats to socialise with is a great way of feeling more settled.
Consider attending an event at the world’s leading expat network, InterNations. This would give you the chance to meet with like-minded people near you. You will also get helpful advice about your new surroundings from those that have “been there and done that!”
Talk to friends and family at home
Living so many miles away from home can be tough. You may sometimes be left feeling isolated and lonely.
Thanks to digital technology and good old-fashioned telephones, you don’t have to feel left out. We suggest scheduling fixed times to speak with friends or family back home. Hearing a familiar voice or seeing a loved one’s face can help you deal with any feelings of loneliness.
Go on a trip
This sounds like strange advice, but living in a new place provides a great chance for expats for travel and explore. Taking a weekend trip is a wonderful way of getting out of the house or the office. Plan on joining a group trip, as another opportunity to socialise.
You can check out the nearest attractions using a website like TripAdvisor or Lonely Planet. If nothing else, it’ll give you some great pictures to post online so your friends back home can see what you’ve been up to!
