The truth about living abroad
Lisa
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3 minutes reading time
Living abroad is like embarking on a thrilling adventure filled with excitement, growth, and new experiences. But amidst the excitement of discovering unfamiliar places, there are some tough realities you'll face. Whether it's making new friends or dealing with homesickness, living in a foreign country comes with its own set of challenges and victories. In this blog, we'll dive into the truth about living abroad, sharing insights and advice to help you navigate this exhilarating yet sometimes daunting journey.
👯 New connections
One of the intimidating aspects of living abroad is the feeling of leaving behind familiar faces and making new friendships in a foreign country. While social media groups, sports, and language courses from work are common ways to meet new people, there are other ways to connect with like-minded individuals. From joining local hobby groups to volunteering for community events, stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to meaningful connections and go beyond cultural boundaries. To discover more tips check out our blog about making friends abroad!
“You get to meet a lot of new people during your adventure abroad. Many of these people remain friends even after your adventure ends.” - Evie
🏡 Missing home
No matter how exciting the adventure, homesickness can creep in at any time and make you miss what you left behind. Missing the comforts of home is a natural part of the experience, but there are ways to cope with these feelings and prevent them from overwhelming you! From creating a new home, cooking familiar dishes, or staying connected with loved ones through regular video calls, there are numerous ways to work against homesickness and find peace in your new surroundings. Check out our blog on more tips against homesickness!
“The idea of us fulfilling our own dreams brings such a fantastic feeling!” - Lotte
🧐 Valuable life lessons
Living and working in a foreign country isn't just about discovering new cultures. It's also a journey where you discover more about yourself and continuously grow personally! The expat experience teaches you important life lessons that go beyond your job description. It helps you become more independent, adaptable, resilient, and culturally aware. These skills you gain from living abroad are not just useful at work; they impact every aspect of your life. To delve deeper into the unique skills acquired through international living, explore our blog: Beyond job descriptions: unique skills gained through international work experience.
“Living and working abroad has always been a dream of mine.” - Anabell
✈️ Settling in
Settling into a new country can feel overwhelming. There are lots of things to figure out, like dealing with paperwork and getting used to how people do things there. It takes time, patience, and a willingness to adapt. Finding other expats and local groups can be really helpful during this time. They can give you advice and support as you get used to your new surroundings. If you want more tips on making your transition smoother, check out our blog on how to create your home away from home.
“Don’t think about it too much! Things will always work out regardless of what happens and one thing’s for sure: you will have to venture out of your comfort zone every once in a while.” - Emma