Expats: 3 tips to feel like home in a new country!

As an expat, you already know that moving to a new country is not an easy process and each experience, just like every country is different. As an expat myself and CEO of Culture Point, I have found two articles highlighting the most important tips to make you feel like home in a new country!

The first article, titled “Our top ten tips for expats settling in to a new country” by Experts for Expats focuses on practical tips on how to navigate and settle your life after the big life change which is moving to a new country. Experts for Expats stress the importance of understanding that moving abroad is a long and complex process and being able to realize that will help with future challenges that you’ll face. The article also includes how important it is keeping in touch with family and friends from home, but also getting to know local people, places and habits.

The second article, written by The Portable Wife and titled “Settling into a New Country: Top Tips from Serial Expats” echoes the similar sentiments as that of the first article, but also focuses more on the personal journey which is moving abroad, rather than on practical tips. The Portable Wife believes that to achieve happiness in your new life, you should embrace the differences to adapt to a new culture and make an attempt to live as locals do, even though it might be out of your comfort zone at first. Furthermore, the author claims that to feel some comfort after moving it’s important to take some hobby items with you which help you to link to your old life. Additionally, she adds up that it’s good not to skimp on accommodation, as you don’t want your living space to be yet another source of discomfort.

Drawing on these two articles and my own experience as an expat, I have listed three actions that I would recommend to expats and people planning to move abroad:

• Be patient - moving to a new country is a long and stressful process, so be sure you feel ready, and you know what to expect

• Explore - be curious, you’re in a new country, so explore places and meet new people

• Secure your comfort - make sure you have someone back home to support you when you’re homesick, and comfortable place where you can come back to after a long day of a new life

Moving to a new country is never easy, but all you need is a bit of research, preparation and open mind for a new adventure that lies ahead of you.

Jan