Moving abroad and adapting to a new environment can be daunting. Having lived in six countries on four continents, I learned a few essential lessons on how to ease the transition and quickly start flourishing in a new home country. I realize that every region of the world is different, and not every single one of my tips will work equally well everywhere. Nevertheless, there is a good chance that you will be able to benefit from the following tips in some shape or form when moving abroad.
Tip #1 – Take up a hobby
Almost nothing connects people more than sharing a hobby. So, if you want to find new friends and get to know some locals, go out and do whatever activity you are passionate about. You can’t think of anything? Go out and try something new! It’s never too late to pick up a new skill and make some great friends on the way. Whether you already have something in mind or are still unsure of what to do as a hobby, meetup.com is a great place to start. It’s my go-to website for finding groups and events that match my interests.
Tip #2 – Support a local sports team
Even if you are not into watching sports, finding a sports team to support can be a great way to connect with the local culture. Asking about someone’s favorite sports team is a great conversation starter and icebreaker anyway, so why not join your co-worker on his or her next trip to the stadium to support their team? Chances are, they will love to take you; after all, who doesn’t like to make their team more popular?! Also, I speak from experience when I say that in many sports clubs, foreign supporters are a valuable commodity. So don’t worry about not fitting in; just the mere fact of you being there (ideally dressed in the team’s colors) will open the minds and hearts of your fellow men and women.
Tip #3 – Move to a local neighborhood
Moving abroad in and of itself is worrying enough; therefore, I sympathize with anyone who wants to ease the transition by living in a foreigner-friendly neighborhood instead of looking for a new home further away from all the international bars and cafes that remind you of home. Especially in countries like Japan, which haven’t been heavily influenced by Western culture, there are many places that seem completely alien to visitors from the likes of Europe. But those places are where the real integration happens because not every bar will serve your favorite beer from back home, you won’t see another expat at every street corner, and not every convenience store employee will greet you in English. This takes us straight to tip number 4…
Tip #4 – Study the language and culture
This one seems obvious, I know, but I’m not talking about learning Mandarin to fluency or studying thousands of Japanese Kanji. Just take a course, find a study group or download a language-learning app and get to know the basics of your adopted country’s language. Not only will this open up more social and work opportunities for you, but there is also deep cultural understanding to be gained that can’t be replicated in any other way. Not to mention the priceless smiles you get from locals when clumsily but endearingly iterating your food order in their language.
Tip #5 – Become a volunteer
This tip is handy for all those struggling to find a hobby: Volunteering your time for a good cause is great for your karma (if you believe in such things) and your mental well-being. Moreover, it leads to excellent relationships with other compassionate and exciting people. You don’t have to worry about fitting in, performing on a high level, or struggling through painful small talk because every volunteer’s first and foremost function is to help, and every help is always appreciated, no matter how small the contribution. So, please find a local charity (that ideally matches your interests or passion) and help them advance their cause to the best of your abilities. A positive outcome is almost guaranteed.
For example, there are usually English tutoring opportunities when living abroad in a non-English-speaking country. While helping others, you will probably improve your speaking abilities in the local language along the way.
Tip #6 – Take time to reflect
“Last but not least” needs to be emphasized here because my final tip is a really important one: Don’t let all the new experiences and impressions of moving abroad drown you. Take a step back to reflect on everything you have learned and accomplished since taking that leap. Many things will happen to you, and not all will be great. You will face huge setbacks, disappointments, and challenges, but if you don’t let the doubts cloud your mind and consume you, you will come out ahead. In all likelihood, things are much less bleak than they may seem, and a great way to discover this is to get away from it all for a short while. If possible, take a trip back home and talk about your new life with family members or friends. Or just schedule a long Skype session with a loved one in your home country. Meditation and journaling can also help clear your mind, and you will soon see how far you have come already.
Tips for moving abroad – the bottom line
This is not a one-size-fits-all article. I acknowledge that every human being is different, and circumstances can vary greatly. But let me just conclude this: Living abroad has taught me invaluable lessons about life and the world. Leaving the comfort of your home and family to face unpredictable challenges on the other side of the globe will ground you as a human being and help relieve you from bias caused by a one-dimensional tribal mindset. So, if you are thinking about making a move, take my tips for moving abroad into consideration and bet on yourself; the rewards could be priceless.
