Moving to a foreign country is one of the most exciting, challenging, and life-changing experiences someone can have. No matter the reason, whether it’s work, school, or adventure, the adjustment can be both thrilling and overwhelming at times.
If you’re considering living in a foreign country for the first time, or are already doing it, here’s what you’re in for, the highs and the lows…
The Arrival: The Excitement of the Unknown
When you first arrive, everything is new: new sights, smells, sounds, climate, and just general ways. It’s exhilarating, it’s fun. Every day holds new adventures. Every day pushes you out of your comfort zone somehow.
Each of these can feel like you’ve set out on your own mini adventure.
Little everyday things like grocery shopping or getting gas can feel like a mini adventure.
The Reality Check: Culture Shock
“Culture shock” can feel like a bit of an unfavorable expression due to its association with “shock”, but it’s totally normal, and even expected when living in a foreign country for the first time. No matter how much you adore the culture, or how excited you are to be there, the fact is, it’s different than what you know. Culture shock is real and hits everyone in different ways, but these are the typical phases
- The Honeymoon Phase: You love it! You’re obsessed! Everything is awesome and new! You’re excited, you’re drinking it all in, all the experiences, food, everything…
- The Exasperation Phase: Now you’ve been hit with some reality. You may have been hit roadblocks to important things you have to get done. Whether it be the language barrier, or not knowing the proper etiquette, or customs for certain situations, it can be a frustrating time. I can totally see how this can lead to feeling alone, homesick, or even questioning all your life choices.
- The Adaptation Phase: You’re starting to adjust. You’ve learned some common phrases in the language, and you’re getting more comfortable with interactions with locals. You’ve established a routine that you’re comfortable in, and you’re starting to have less of those frustrating moments mentioned before.
- The Comfortable Phase: You’re finally feeling at home. You can handle the hurdles. You know your neighbours, your community, your “people”. You have found joy in your new home, and you may have even stopped missing your old one.
How to Handle Culture Shock
- When you’re living in a foreign country for the first time, just keep an open mind.
- Try to avoid comparing everything to the way it is back home.
- Do all you can to find potential for personal growth in every situation. Feeling uncomfortable because you don’t know what to do in a certain circumstance? Just ask someone to show you. Learn how to say “what do I do?” Most times, they’re happy to explain, and then on top of that, you know what to do next time! Maybe they’d be interested in learning what you do back home!
- Keep your mind and body healthy: journal, stay active, stay social. Join clubs, gyms, sports teams, whatever it takes to get to know people.
Tips to Help Make Living in a Foreign Country for the First Time a Little Easier of a Transition
Before You Go:
Learn the language. Start before you go. Learn some of the basic greetings and important phrases. For tricky situations it’s extremely helpful to have a translator app ready on hand, and already be familiar using it. There are some apps now that both people can just speak into without even having to type.
Research the culture and customs. If you know some of this beforehand it makes it less likely you’ll end up in an embarrassing or uncomfortable situation.
Be financially prepared. Have your emergency funds set aside with enough to cover all your bills for as many months as you’re comfortable with (at least three).
Organize the BIG THINGS:
- passports
- visas
- health coverage
- living arrangements
- transportation
- insurance
**Having a photocopy of all important documents as a backup is a very good idea.
Once You’re There
Find your “people” right away. Having people that are in the same boat as you to call upon is absolutely invaluable. They serve as a support system in times of loneliness. They can help guide through difficult situations you have to navigate, as they’ve likely already been through it.
Some wise advice I’ve heard along the way:
“Stay authentic to your true self. Try to manage just the right amount of adapting to your new social circle without trying to blend in too much that you lose yourself. This may lead to homesickness or depression.“
Having people in your circle that are local to the area is just as special. It’s an amazing gift to get welcomed into a family’s home to experience the authentic culture. Plus, in our experience, they’re a great friend to be able to call when in a sticky situation or emergency.
Ways we’ve met friends while living in a new place:
- the local gym or yoga studio
- reaching out on social media via local Facebook groups or WhatsApp chats (many cities have expat groups on Facebook, or community WhatsApp chats)
- joining sports we like to play, or trying new ones
- language classes
- kids play groups or even just playing at the park or beach
- kids sports
- just plain talking to strangers at dinner or outdoors
Basically, just get out there, explore, and have fun. Sitting inside and doing nothing on your free time isn’t going to help your mental health, or your adjustment to living in a foreign country for the first time.
On the other hand, it’s also important to stay in touch with friends and family back home. This is so important in order to provide the comfort we need. To try to avoid getting into a funk, schedule your calls. Stay connected on social media, and even plan visits for people to come see your new home.
I’d love to hear about your experiences living in a foreign country for the first time! Let me know in the comments!
Interested in seeing our family’s second home town? Read about it here:
Interested in reading about the process of buying a property in Mexico? Check out this article:
–Stay itchy
