Moving abroad can be an exciting and life-changing experience, but it can also be a little daunting. As an international student, expat, or expat family, there are some practical tips that may help ease your transition and make your new home feel more welcoming.
1 Translate your usual shopping list in advance
When I first moved abroad to Finland, I didn’t know a single word in Finnish. I remember standing at the grocery store, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to buy. In a panic, I randomly put something in my shopping cart and thankfully, it turned out to be a delicious potato salad. Translating your usual grocery list in advance can help you navigate the aisles with more confidence.
2 Research your new location
Cultural shock can hit you hard with all the different smells, buildings and social behavior. Fortunately, there are many resources available to get prepared. Take advantage of videos, travel guides, or even virtual tours to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. By doing so, it won’t all seem like one big, crazy, new experience but rather a gradual immersion into the new culture.
3 Reach out to communities in advance
If you have specific hobbies, interests, or religious preferences, it’s a good idea to research and connect with communities or groups that will make you feel at home. Being part of a familiar community can provide a sense of comfort and continuity, while also introducing you to like-minded individuals who may become friends and help you socialize more easily. You can join Facebook groups, check out the local newspaper or join your local library.
4 Prepare to embrace your new home
Moving abroad is undoubtedly going to be a strange experience. Everything will be different, from the way people live to even the simplest of everyday tasks. For me the size of roads, cars, kitchen appliances and the different measurements in the US were the first cultural shock. It’s important to embrace these differences and try not to constantly compare your new home to your old one. Instead, stay open-minded and accept that people in different parts of the world have their own unique ways of living. By immersing yourself fully in the local culture and accepting these differences, you will enrich your experience and truly make your new country feel like home.
5 Learn the basic greetings and expressions in the language of the country you are moving to.
While you may not become fluent overnight, locals appreciate a nice greeting or simple conversation in their language, even if your pronunciation is not perfect. It shows that you are making an effort to connect with the culture and people of your new home.
Moving abroad can be challenging, but with an open-minded and kind attitude, along with these useful tips, you can navigate the transition with more ease and feel comfortable from day one. .
