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The time of year is changing, and you are thinking about making a big move. Whether it's because your company has asked you to relocate or you want to be closer to family, there can be many challenges that come with moving. Here are some of the significant challenges people face when relocating so that you're prepared for what might happen in the future.
Adapting to a New Culture
When moving to a new culture learn some things in advance to avoid unexpected surprises, and challenges that you may face. Among the main ones is adapting to different values and lifestyles, leading to misunderstandings with friends and family members. For example, cultural differences in communication styles may cause conflict at work because people from your home country perceive direct conversation as rude or disrespectful. At the same time, those from abroad think that indirectness means that you are evasive. As a result, you might misunderstand your coworkers and feel isolated from them.
Adapting to New Rules and Regulations
When you relocate to a new country, consider green card renewal in advance, especially if the country has vastly different rules and regulations from what you're used to, then you need to adjust appropriately. For example, in most parts of Europe, the drinking age is lower than 18 years old, while here in America, there are higher restrictions on who can drink alcohol. There is also the issue of driving. In most places, you can sit wherever you like in a car, but you have laws about this and must follow them.
Learning a New Language
The next most challenging aspect of relocating abroad is learning a new language. Each country has its dialect and, in some cases, it can be quite different from the languages you use at home. This makes for a highly complex process that will require you to put extra effort into studying your chosen language. An excellent idea would be to investigate before you leave, so you can at least get used to the language. If possible, take some lessons during your relocation period as well.
Making New Friends
Moving to a new city means making new friends. This is an exciting adventure, but it can also be overwhelming at first. You might feel lonely or isolated in your new home without family and friends around you. However, with the right mindset you can use your friends to network to make new friends while learning to adapt to the new environment.
If your children are moving schools or starting a new activity, find out if there is an opportunity for them to meet their peers before the school year starts. For example, your child may participate in summer camps with other students who will attend their future school during the next academic year. This is an excellent way for them to get a head start on making new friends. In addition, if they have an opportunity to meet potential classmates before school starts, it will ease the transition into the classroom and make it less stressful.
Conclusion
It takes time to settle down, so don't expect too much from your new home at the beginning. One last thing to keep in mind is that hard work is needed. However, you'll have a great life abroad if you are willing to adjust yourself and let go of the things holding you back.
I've moved states, but never somewhere with a completely different culture or language. Even moving from Florida to Texas was difficult. I didn't really feel settled until my kids started school and I was able to meet a few people through their activities. Now we have an amazing school with the best teachers, awesome friends, and a wonderful community.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more! My husband's job requires moving from one state (& country) to another, and we have been doing this for the past few years. We have faced some of these challenges too! When we were in Hong Kong, we learned Cantonese language to know more about their culture and make new friends🙂
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Everything Enchanting
I haven't moved around a lot and always within the same country. I have friends who have moved countries and it can be super hard.
ReplyDeleteIn the past 6 years we have moved 3 times, not only from cities but from Continents! I can not agree enough with everything you have listed in this post. I would personally say the most challenging are the language barriers and the culture but I wouldn't trade those experiences from anything! Being away from you "usual" environment certainly does open your perspective and that is priceless.
ReplyDeleteMariah is headed off to Colorado at the end of October to get a feel for the state. I'm a bit nervous for her, but I think relocation will be a good thing for her career. Maybe we'll follow her some day, but I'm still pretty set on TN or even NC.
ReplyDeleteAww good luck to her. I've heard Colorado is stunning. I hope she loves it.
DeleteMaking friends as an adult is something I really struggle with when moving! It's just such a strange thing to navigate.
ReplyDeleteRelocating is always challenging, for me finding a new group of people I can trust is the most difficult part
ReplyDeleteAdaptation is key! This is good info!
ReplyDeleteI know it really hard moving from one country to another. Making friends as adults can often be challenging.
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