Living the expatriation life has never been so accessible and common than ever. Doing business or studying abroad, having more opportunities to travel to another country or meeting new people from different backgrounds... Whether we like it or not, society is more international. Therefore, it increases the likelihood of becoming an expat. The experience can start in unique and sometimes unexpected ways.
Are you wondering what life as an expat is?
If you are reading this article, it probably means expatriation has been on your mind. Whether you are a student thinking about your first experience abroad, an adult looking for new opportunities, a mom or partner being relocated... You have probably asked yourself:
Is it the right move for me? Will I enjoy it there? Am I not going to feel lonely and lost in this new environment? How will I survive not speaking their language? What status will I have when I arrive there? Who can I turn to if I have any issues? When is the best time to move? How many expats are living there? What are the best tips to find the perfect accommodation? How is the health or school system working?...
These are all valid questions. Most of them can be answered with a simple reply. Others will be revealed as you go.
What are the best pieces of advice before starting your expat life?
Know your values and needs.
As everyone is in a different position, a different stage of their life, our first recommendation is to set yourself a list of crucial topics you absolutely need to know (ie: living cost, health care system, education, social environment, safety...). Whatever core values or important needs you have, let's make sure you are addressing them and you do your research.
As a starting point, general information and tips can usually be found on your country's embassy website, while the general feel of the expat experience will be through people who have lived this adventure.
If you don't have any expat women in your social circle, you can find them on social media or platforms like this one. Here at Golden Heart Expat community, you can learn more about other expat women sharing their experiences abroad.
Know your "why".
Some people may overlook this, but knowing why you are starting this whole new chapter in your life can help you sustain and appreciate this experience of a lifetime.
Be aware that embarking on this journey means leaving the life you have. You will leave your house, your family and friends, your job, your routines, and sometimes your responsibilities. Of course, this may be a temporary situation, but be also prepared it can extend longer than you expected.
Taking a moment to reflect on your "why" can not only bring clarity to this decision but also anticipate better all the positive or negative consequences.
For instance, the reason why I started this expat experience was because of my studies and work. This decision was aligned with my desire to grow professionally and personally abroad. If I was not clear on this strong reason why, I could have gone abroad, feeling guilty about leaving my family and friends behind. Instead, I fully embraced the experience and did my best to mitigate the negative consequences my expat life was bringing.
Whatever your situation, if you are following your partner or dreaming of a better life abroad, take the time to think through this and the impact on your life and the people around you.
Plan your first days and months.
Alright, so you have spent some time to evaluate your needs. Get clarity on your reason why. If you are still enthusiastic about moving abroad, it would be a good idea to plan the first days and months.
First, make sure you properly close your current life by informing people, and the authorities. You will also need to handle the paperwork to ensure you are leaving the country in peace. Why not organize a farewell party with your closest friends and family to spend quality time and show them your love and appreciation?
Next, plan all the essential activities such as house hunting, opening a bank account, a phone line, or taking care of the inevitable paperwork.
Do not forget to prioritize the points you have listed as your critical needs.
Finally, spare some time to have fun and relax. Start to explore your new surroundings and get in touch with new people. Slowly build your new life, your new habits. You have this incredible chance to start over and make this experience enjoyable.
Becoming an expat is a life-changing experience. You will be exposed to new feelings and face a new set of challenges. Since you are leaving a country you have been familiar with your entire life, we recommend that you take the time to reflect and plan ahead to make the best out of it.
The good news is you found us! In case this is the first time you land on our site, a WARM WELCOME to you!
We are the Golden Heart Expat Community. We are an online platform dedicated to expat women. Our mission is clear, we want to build the best community of successful and fulfilled expat women. We want you to feel inspired and grow your best life abroad.
If you finally decide to leap to the unknown, our final words would be: Just remember to have FUN! All the biggest worries you might have, you will probably find a way to mitigate the impact beforehand. Anything outside of your control is out of your hands. So Enjoy the ride and hope to see you around with a big smile 🙂 <3