Moving abroad can be difficult and daunting, yet it’s ultimately rewarding. You go for great weather and career opportunities but gain things that are far more meaningful in the long run, like confidence and a clearer sense of self.
Building a life that you love doesn’t happen overnight, though, and active effort and intentional maintenance are required to keep hard-fought routines running smoothly. Discover the habits of thriving expats that keep them feeling comfortable and connected.
- Embracing local culture
Moving abroad with the intention of living in the same way is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. The result is repeated friction that makes your new venture harder than it needs to be.
Learn about local customs and make an effort to immerse yourself in them fully, letting go of old cultural expectations. This might include shopping at the market for fresh produce and trying a regional recipe, or taking lessons in speaking, reading and writing the language. Often the simple things are most important, such as knowing the etiquette when meeting new people, understanding dining rules and embracing the pace of life.
- Seeking social connection
Successful expats never stop seeking connection. It’s key to becoming comfortable in unfamiliar environments, helping you adjust more quickly. Having strong local ties is also a practical way of ensuring support with things large and small, making life abroad less stressful. Expat communities shift more than most, so beware of putting all your eggs in one basket. Having a small set of friends risks you being left stranded after a while.
Rather than waiting for friendships to happen naturally, you need to consciously build connections. It may take some trial and error, but this is the fastest way to form genuine friendships that enhance your quality of life. Local organisations like sports clubs and volunteer groups are a great way to meet like-minded people, as are professional networks. Make time each week for at least one social activity that brings you into contact with people.
- Staying curious and exploring
One thing you shouldn’t struggle with in a new setting is boredom. There’s always something to discover on the doorstep, and often the best places are those you find on foot rather than in a travel book. Continuously going beyond your comfort zone, physically and mentally, stops you from getting bogged down in routine and keeps things fresh and exciting.
This includes exploring further afield. Nothing can spark your imagination and mood like discovering a new destination, and you can take advantage of your location to visit nearby countries that were once out of reach. Choosing expat travel insurance from providers such as Staysure gives you trusted cover with English-speaking support while you’re away, so you can travel with peace of mind.
- Maintaining favourite hobbies
While embracing new customs and environments and perhaps a new career, continuing long-held hobbies can be a great way of maintaining stability and keeping you and loved ones grounded. This is because familiar activities provide continuity, and practising passions helps to maintain a strong sense of identity.
If you loved photography before moving abroad, use your new surroundings as inspiration for fresh projects. If you regularly played tennis or attended a book club, look for local equivalents. Shared interests often bridge language and cultural differences more effectively than small talk alone and generally elevate enjoyment. Maintaining these routines can reduce feelings of homesickness while helping you connect with like-minded people in your new community.
- Staying flexible and adaptable
Wherever you’re living, things are in a constant state of flux. However, where this is an annoyance when you can rely on family anchors, changes can feel immediately and disproportionately overwhelming if you’re living abroad. You generally have less of a safety net, and being careful with your admin doesn’t necessarily guarantee you the assurance of a lasting visa and accommodation.
Working on the assumption that things could change at any time will help you stay flexible and present in the moment. It will also motivate you to have plans in place for when circumstances do shift, ensuring you’re practically and mentally prepared to adapt. Stay up to date with the latest government guidelines around work and residence visas, and wider social and economic trends that could influence your ability to stay. This preparation makes it easier to view challenges as just part of the great adventure.
