Living Abroad

International Living: Tips for Settling In

Finding a new home is an important part of the transition process.

International living is always a challenge, particularly in the beginning. New impressions and local customs can be overwhelming. Stay calm and relaxed in the first few days, and you will realize the beauties of international living very quickly! Let our InterNations dossier guide you.

International living in a foreign country is an amazing experience. This is especially the case if you have planned your international move well, sorted out all the details and arranged the paperwork and the financial side. Nevertheless, it takes most expats some time until they have gotten used to the new experience of international living abroad.

The first few weeks and months are usually a little bit crazy. So many things have to be settled so you can start an international life from scratch. Overwhelmed by jetlag and culture shock, many expats don’t know where to start when it comes to living in a foreign country and settling in. Dealing with public authorities, finding a place to live, a job, a school for your children… international living is a lot of work, not to mention the entire process of starting a life in a completely unknown environment.

But you have not actually experienced international living until you have settled in completely. Don’t worry if this new experience is overwhelming and – let’s face it – a little bit scary at this point. We have some great tips about how to settle into your new life successfully.

International Living: Life at a Different Pace

Living in an international environment is always a challenge, even for those who have done it before. You have to deal with the language barrier and an entirely different pace of life. It may also mean that you will have to adapt to a hectic business life that does not give you the time to take a breather or deal with people to whom punctuality is optional at best and unknown at worst.

Living in outside of your country of origin will turn simple tasks and errands into a scavenger hunt that may cost you quite some energy. You have to find a way to organize your new way of international living. Thus, you can overcome the first hurdles and begin to settle in. This is where our advice on international living comes in handy.

International Living: Learn and Use the Language

Especially if you originate from an English-speaking country, you may be tempted to only speak English once you have moved to your new home. It may seem so easy as many locals may understand this lingua franca.

In many international, urban centers around the world, people will be able to communicate with you in English. However, if you cling to your native language it will prevent you from ever really learning the language of your new home country.

Learning the language and actually using it, will take you one step closer to really settling in and feeling at home abroad. Chatting with neighbors or the mailman and negotiating grocery prizes at the store will not only help improve your language skills. It will also help you adjust to the new situation and overcome cultural differences – a huge step ahead in international living.