Moving to a foreign country is an exciting, yet sometimes daunting, chapter in a person’s life. Although immersing yourself in a new environment is extremely fun, it’s completely normal to feel a bit homesick occasionally. After all, you’re in a completely new country and you may be immersed in a culture with different traditions from the ones you are accustomed to.
However, with the right kind of attitude, you can make any foreign country feel like home. If you’re feeling anxious about an upcoming move, you have come to the right place. In this blog, we will share ten tips on how to adopt the right mindset and turn an unfamiliar place into your home away from home. Keep reading to find out what they are.
Get the Logistics out of the Way
Before you can start having fun and living life to the fullest, you’ll need to get all your logistics out of the way. This includes things like securing visas and purchasing health insurance for US citizens abroad. Make sure to research what kind of paperwork you need to take with you.
Create a Cozy Living Space
No matter how much exploring you plan to do, your home should be your safe space. Turn your living area into a familiar environment by bringing along items from your previous home. For example, you can decorate your space with family photos, your favorite bedding, and familiar art pieces to make it feel more like your own.
Explore Your Surroundings
Once you’ve got the basics out of the way, it’s time to step outside and explore what this new place has to offer. If you’re in a popular tourist destination, you can probably find a free walking tour to get your bearings. If not, you’ll have to do it the old-fashioned way and get lost in the streets of your new neighborhood.
Research the Culture
You may not notice that much of a culture shock if you’re moving from the US to the UK. However, if you’re moving somewhere completely different like India or Saudi Arabia, you’re bound to encounter a few cultural differences. Remember to always be respectful of the tradition of others and try to research the local customs before you arrive.
Establish a Daily Routine
Humans are creatures of habit. This means we feel best when we stick to a daily routine. Give yourself the structure and predictability you crave by establishing an easy schedule for you to follow. This will help you settle in faster and give you a sense of normalcy.
Learn the Lingo
Although English is widely spoken across the globe, it never hurts to learn the local lingo before you move to a new country. This will help you connect with the local culture and people. You can enroll in a language school to make some friends in your new area or simply take lessons online.
Cook Your Comfort Foods
There’s nothing that a good old home-cooked meal can’t fix. Call up your loved one and ask them for a recipe that reminds you of home. If you need special ingredients, we recommend you look for any international supermarkets that might be in your area. If you feel extra motivated, why not organize a dinner party and share your cuisine with newfound friends?
Pick Up Old Hobbies
Hobbies are not only a great way to keep active and focused, but they’re also a fantastic way to meet new people. Don’t hesitate to look up your old hobbies in a new town. If you’ve never really had a hobby, why not start one? We recommend you opt for something social that has group classes.
Stay Connected with Your Past
Just because you move to another country, doesn’t mean to say that you should forget about your friends back home. Plus, there’s really no excuse given the technology we have available to us. Keeping in touch with people from your past will help you feel grounded.
Reach out to Expats
Last but not least, we’re sure you’ll find a bit of comfort by seeking out other expats in your area. Even if you don’t find people from the same country as you, they share the same experience, which is moving to a country different from their own and trying to make it feel like home.
While you’re settling into a new country, it’s important to remember the famous phrase: “if at first you don’t succeed, try again”. It often takes people months until a new destination starts to feel like home. The most important thing is that you embrace this new chapter of your life with an open heart and mind. Don’t feel afraid when embracing new experiences and making connections. Make sure to respect the local traditions and customs while having the most fun you can possibly think of!
