A good way of learning about what to expect as an expat is to find someone who has lived overseas previously, and to ask them about their experience living abroad as well as any other questions you will have. This person is your most valuable resource and they will be able to give you essential advice about living and working abroad.
A good idea to ensure that you are well prepared for your overseas trip is to take the time to visit your chosen destination before you move there. By visiting your new neighbourhood, you will be able to get an idea of what your new life may be like. This will also help when you are looking for a new home as you will know what area of the city you enjoyed the most and what may be most practical for you during your assignment.
Being prepared before you move is essential for a smooth transition to your new home. When moving to a new home overseas you should always use a well known removals company such as Allied to get settled. Allied will be with you from the moment they pick up your belongings for transit to the moment everything is unpacked in your new home. You even have the option of choosing Valet Packing and Unpacking services so that during this, one of the busiest times of your life so you can focus on getting yourself settled in, and not needing to worry about unpacking boxes
Once you arrive overseas
Making friends is the best way to make sure that your life as an expat goes well. One of the most common forms of culture shock is isolation, where people who are accustomed to having a strong social group around them find it difficult in their new home when they are no longer surrounded by friends. Building a good social group in your new location will mean that you have their support when you are feeling homesick.Making friends in a foreign country can be difficult. It is important to remember that you will need to put yourself out there to make friends with the locals. Joining a local sports team is a great way of meeting new people and making new friends. Many sporting organisations will have social functions where you will get a chance to chat with locals and form new connections.
If you are moving to a country that does not speak English as their native language then you should do your best to learn their language. Locals will appreciate it when you go to order your morning coffee in German or French, and will be much more receptive of you if you ask for directions in a language that they understand. Learning the language is a great way of understanding more about the culture of your new home.
Joining a language school is a great way to get started on learning the new language. It is also a great way of making new friends, as many people in the class will be expats and will be looking to make new connections.
When living abroad it is important not to spend your time comparing your new home to your home in Australia. Both places will have their good and their bad, and it is important to appreciate what your new country has to offer. Instead of spending your time thinking about the coffee back in Australia, appreciate the bread in France and you will find that your mindset and experience will be improved!