Moving abroad is one of those adult decisions that is equal parts exhilarating and “what was I thinking?”
Between trying to decode accents, figuring out transport, and realizing your favourite snack doesn’t exist in the new country, the first year can feel like a crash course in fast learning and profound regret.
It doesn’t have to be that way – it can be much better.
Below are eight smart tips to help you settle and thrive in a new country in the first year:
- Accept The Shock
At first, everything feels magical, and then somewhere between your third and fourth week abroad, the culture shock hits you: you’re not at home anymore. You start noticing the small things – like why everyone stands so close in queues or why your shower’s water pressure is either intense or practically non-existent.
Culture shock comes in phases – excitement, confusion, frustration, annoyance, and acceptance. Stop comparing everything to “back home”. Experiencing the shock isn’t failure; its proof that you’re adjusting to your new life.
- Learn The Local Lingo
Learning a new local language can feel like signing up for an endless game of charades – except you don’t understand any of the clues.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. No one is expecting an essay within the first few weeks. Start with a few polite phrases and arm yourself with a language app and a pretty notebook.
Locals usually find an expat attempting to speak their language endearing, and they will often help to correct you when you need it.
- Say Yes More
Living in a new country means your comfort zone doesn’t just shrink – it practically evaporates for a while.
To get used to the activities and scenery means immersing yourself in the world of saying yes to things. Midnight karaoke? Yes. Start a travel blog? Yep. Salsa dancing with strangers? Definitely!
Saying yes opens doors to new experiences, friendships, and hobbies.
- Medical Insurance
Global medical insurance is one of the most important parts of moving abroad.
Getting proper health coverage for you and your family is like having an invisible safety net. Everyone hopes they will never need it, but if something happens, you will be very glad it’s there.
Take the time to read the fine print for each option so you know what’s covered and what’s not. Sure, it’s not exciting, but neither is explaining to your partner that you owe a hospital your kid’s college fund.
- Build A Support Network
When you move overseas, you quickly realize that your emotional support system can’t just be your mom on WhatsApp or scrolling through Instagram reels of cats.
You need real people, and preferably ones who can calm you down after a tough day or meet you for coffee when you’re having a good day.
Start small, find local clubs, or befriend your coworkers. Expat groups can be a goldmine, too. No one understands what an expat has to go through better than another expat.
- Paperwork
As an expat living abroad, paperwork is going to become the norm for you.
You will soon be drowning in forms, photocopies, and strange-looking stamps that no one seems to understand why they exist or what purpose they serve.
Opening a bank account usually requires proof of residence, and getting that typically requires a bank account. It’s a bureaucratic process, and the only way to get through it with some sanity is with patience and caffeine.
- Stay Positive
Staying positive while adjusting to a new country is pretty much an extreme support – part emotional yoga, part mental marathon.
One day, you’re ordering your favorite coffee like a local, and the next, you’re sobbing over your kitchen table because you can’t find the same brand of fruit juice you used to buy back home.
The trick to getting through it all relatively unscathed is to learn to laugh through the chaos. Nobody has ever nailed expat like in the first few weeks, so be kind to yourself.
- Celebrate Milestones
When you move overseas, the first year feels pretty shaky.
You should absolutely celebrate every small victory like it’s your birthday – no matter what it is. Get excited about the little milestones, like learning how to pronounce street names properly or getting your first pay check (even if it looks like Monopoly money).
Celebrate with whatever feels right, even if it is just a special little dance you do.
Final Notes
Moving abroad successfully requires a masterclass in patience, emotional resilience, and creative thinking. Your first year will probably be a whirlwind, which is totally normal.
The ultimate secret to surviving your first year abroad is to laugh. A lot. Having a good sense of humor is an absolute must!
Follow these eight tips above to help soften the blows and make the good times even better.
