Moving abroad is such a nice thing to talk about. Just saying it out loud may be met with feelings of awe, wonder, and excitement. One thing I will say, though, is that it really is such a transformative experience. You’ll definitely learn more about yourself, your passions, and your resilience. After moving abroad, you’ll definitely go through some unique phases, and I’ve decided to share with you some of those phases and suggestions on coping with life changes in the EU so you’re a little more prepared than I was.
1. Anticipation and Excitement
The journey begins with anticipation and excitement. This is a mixed-feelings kind of phase where you’re so looking forward to being in a new place and soaking in all the cultural diversity, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cities in your destination country, but also feeling a little sad that you’re leaving. You’re not completely sure what to expect, but you’re still excited about the prospect of a better future. In this stage of things, that’s before you go, here are some coping tips:
- Manage expectations and acknowledge that challenges will arise amidst the thrill.
- Make sure you complete all your pre-departure checks. In my post “Moving Abroad: Packing Essentials”, I share some essentials to complete, consider, or pack before moving abroad.
- Do some research on the local language and so forth, so you’re better prepared when you arrive.
- Soak in as much of your home as possible before you leave; you may not be able to come back as quickly or as often as you’d like.
2. Arrival and Initial Adjustment
Upon arrival, the initial adjustment phase sets in. Everything is new – from the language spoken on the streets, the transportation system to the grocery shopping routine. Again, you may still be having moments of pure exhilaration and happiness. But in this phase, you may also get a little overwhelmed. Getting lost is never fun, not being able to ask questions on the street or just being confused by the currency – these can all be very frustrating experiences. Here are my coping tips for the initial adjustment:
- Get a SIM card as soon as you arrive and make sure you have a working internet connection all the time – this will help with accessing Google Translate, Google Maps or other useful tools. (an example for Germany can be found here.
- Ask your employer or university for a welcome package – this may include info about the transport system, a SIM card, some discount cards, etc.
- Before you leave your accommodation for the day, figure out your route and where you need to go.
- Join foreigner’s Facebook groups to ask questions about where to buy groceries, furniture and get help if needed.
- Don’t be in a rush to do things; take your time so you don’t get overwhelmed.
3. Honeymoon Period – Moving Abroad
The honeymoon period could be seen as a real “delulu” phase. You’re enchanted by the new environment, and the beauty of the EU captivates you and the initial challenges may seem like minor bumps on a thrilling journey. However, this phase is temporary, and reality will gradually settle in when you really get into the routine of things. Here are my coping tips:
- Embrace the joys you experience in discovery but stay mindful of the cultural differences.
- Try not to do and see everything at once. If you’re there for an extended period of time, you’ll have plenty of time to see everything in that country, so take it easy.
- Don’t be a tourist. Since you’ll be living in that country, don’t have the ignorance tourists usually have, but instead, be genuinely inquisitive about the culture, food, and language and immerse yourself in it.
- Understand that you will be living here, and make an active effort to get acclimatized to the place.
4. Culture Shock, and Integration & Adaptation
As the novelty wears off, you may encounter culture shock. The differences in communication styles, social norms, and daily routines can create a sense of disorientation. This is especially felt in the working environment because the company is, in most cases, filled with locals. Feelings of frustration, homesickness, and isolation may emerge. With students, you may form a little friend group with other international students, so you may not feel it as much. Here are my coping tips in order to integrate and adapt better:
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If there’s something you don’t understand, ask – it’s way better than making assumptions.
- If you feel something said or done was offensive, don’t be quick to take a defensive position, but try to understand why someone would say or do that without being confrontational. You may not understand all the cultural innuendos.
- Maintain healthy boundaries at work or at the university with other people, and also educate them about your culture so they don’t cross any lines of communication.
- Learn the local language – this will improve your day-to-day interactions with locals.
5. Establishing a New Normal
Finally, the journey sort of ends with establishing a new normal. You develop a sense of routine, familiarity, and comfort in your adopted home. Challenges become opportunities for growth, and the EU feels like an integral part of your life. Best believe it will become home for the most part. I came here when I was 20 and have literally grown into an adult here, and I think it’s been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life.
Moving to the EU is quite the adventure, and navigating its phases requires patience, resilience, and an open mind. Embrace the changes, learn from the challenges, and savor the richness of the experience. Remember, each phase contributes to a unique chapter in your expatriate story, making it a tapestry of growth, understanding, and cultural enrichment.
I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me! I hope you find this post helpful, whether you’re here already, on your way, or intending to come.
See you in the next read!