Moving to another country is an exciting and transformative experience. However, there are aspects of this adventure that are often overlooked. Here are some things no one tells you about living abroad:
1. Homesickness can be overwhelming
It's inevitable to miss your home, your family, your friends, the food, and even little everyday details you never thought you'd value so much. Homesickness can strike at unexpected times and it is important to be prepared to handle those feelings.
2. Culture shock is real
No matter how well you think you know the culture of your new country, there will always be differences that will take you by surprise. From social norms to ways of communicating, culture shock is a constant challenge that requires patience and adaptation even though the country you live in may have many similarities to your own.
3. Bureaucracy can be exhausting
Procedures such as obtaining a student visa, residency, opening a bank account or registering in the city can be complicated and tedious. The bureaucracy in another country can seem endless and frustrating and it is something you must be mentally prepared for since you will constantly experience it for any procedure, besides there are institutions that do not usually treat foreigners well and it will seem that they are tired of dealing with it, so it is best to be patient and not to despair.
4. Making new friends takes time
Building a new social network in a foreign country can be more difficult than expected despite speaking the language. Language and cultural barriers can make you feel isolated at first. Sometimes people who already live in that city are closed to meeting new cultures or people from other cities because they are used to their social circle. Don't be discouraged, with time and effort, you will find your group or different ones. If at the beginning it is hard for you to make friends from that country, look for your community, they will be able to help you at the beginning to not feel so lonely and you will make a stronger friendship because they will understand you better for all that you are going through to adapt.
5. Adapting to the weather can be challenging
Weather can have a big impact on your well-being. From dealing with cold, dark winters to getting used to humidity or extreme heat, the climate of your new home can affect your mood and health more than you think.
6. A change of mindset is necessary
Living in another country often involves a change of mindset. Learning to see the world from a different perspective and being more flexible and open to new ideas and ways of life is essential to successfully adapting.
7. Small accomplishments will be giants
From holding a conversation in the local language to finding your favorite supermarket, your favorite local products, understanding public transportation, or managing to obtain the country's nationality. Small daily accomplishments will feel like big victories. These moments will remind you of your resilience and personal growth.
8. The feeling of freedom is unmatched
Living in another country gives you a sense of freedom and autonomy that is hard to describe. The opportunity to reinvent yourself, discover new hobbies and live unique experiences is one of the greatest rewards of this adventure.
Moving to another country is an enriching experience that changes your life from minute one. Despite the challenges, the lessons learned, the highs and lows and the moments lived will make the trip worthwhile and every day you will value more and more what you have achieved for yourself. Be prepared for the unexpected and learn to embrace every moment good or bad, find the people you feel like family with and can help you enrich your life.
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