The sheer abundance of cultures, languages, and traditions from around the world ensures that no two expatriate experiences are the same. Likewise, each assignment has specific business objectives and will entail different professional challenges. And, of course, each individual will handle it from their personal perspective.
However, despite this unpredictability, there are many things that all expat experiences have in common and that most feel during their time abroad. That's why we present you with these 9 things that happen to any expat, in the hope that by knowing them you can face them in a more open and relaxed way.
1. You may feel lonely. It's normal!
Moving to an unknown country is a complicated process and a change full of uncertainty. In the beginning, feeling lonely is completely normal, expatriates often feel anxious about meeting new people in a different environment and culture. However, a large majority have concluded that the nerves and sacrifices made were worth it, as their experiences and relationships developed abroad gave them an extremely valuable perspective.
2. Be prepared for setbacks
Maintaining control over our lives is an illusion that is easily adapted when we are in our country and following our routine. However, this becomes impossible when you decide to move to another country. You will surely experience some unforeseen events along the way, such as lost or delayed shipments from your old home.
Working with a suitable Relocation company can be a solution, as they reduce the possible risk of losing the goods during the shipment. Usually, they also offer insurance in case things go wrong.
3. You will learn to keep the essentials
It is likely that in your first experiences as an expatriate, you will want to keep, and even hold on to, some belongings from your time abroad. However, one lesson this process will teach you is to learn to let go. You will realize that this new lifestyle is liberating and you will appreciate even more what matters the most: the experiences, sensations, and moments with the new people you meet.
4. Don't get frustrated with the new language
Living in an environment where you constantly hear a different language does not necessarily mean that you will learn to speak it without any problems. This could be a difficult process, particularly if it's a vocabulary and alphabet that you're not used to.
5. Adapt to a different diet
Just as you have to adapt to the culture of the new country, your body and organism will also have to adapt to a new diet with ingredients or spices you are not familiar with. At first, you will have to be more conscious about your diet (even more so if you have restrictions such as vegetarians or vegans).
Consider that your first trip to the supermarket may take you three times longer than usual. This is because the aisles may be organized differently or because you may not find the same products you are used to.
6. Shopping at the pharmacy will be a challenge
Even if your new destination speaks the same language, being able to identify basic medications will be quite a journey since they may be sold with different names or dosages. Each country may have its laws regarding the need for prescriptions to buy some medicines. It even may be the opposite, and you may be surprised to be able to purchase medication without any requirement whatsoever.
7. New friendships and invaluable support
If you can find a community of expats, you will probably see that they're very close-knit and that is where the most valuable advice can be found, considering that they come from the same circumstances and share the same culture shock.
The usual experience for expats is similar to a first day of school: so many new faces, so many names to remember and so much going on. But experienced expats know how to spot newbies from a distance and can become an unconditional support for you. It may seem unlikely, especially at first, but in this time you will make some of the most meaningful friendships of your life.
8. Take care of your family
Despite the support that the expat community and new friendships in this unfamiliar country can offer you, it's not easy to relocate with a family. Your partner will be faced with a very different role from the one they left at home and it may take time for the rest of your family to adjust to the new environment. Remember that if your family is not happy, it's likely that you won't be either, so prioritize their needs and encourage open and healthy communication.
👉 To ease this pressure and perhaps improve your family's relocation experience, learn our tips for adjusting as a family during an international move.
9. Returning home may be different than you thought it would be
It is common that at the beginning you will be in constant contact with your loved ones, sharing all your new experiences. Little by little you will get used to it and you will stop feeling the need to communicate with them so regularly. Both parties will understand that they are on a different path and will move on with their lives. This is completely natural! And a part of any expatriate's reality.
Another aspect that many overlook is the return home. During this time living and working abroad, you will adopt different habits and it may change the way you look at life. Keep in mind that you may even feel like a foreigner in your own country and away from everything you used to call home. This is often due to a dangerous combination of too little planning and too high expectations, so we recommend you take it slow. In the end, human beings can get used to everything and can always go back to what they know.
We believe that all of the above, in some way, happens to any expat. But the way you handle it will make a big difference.
The best advice is to seek help from those who are qualified to provide it such as the Relocation service of a company, without forgetting the support of family and friends.
