Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience. If you’re moving away from everything you know including your family, your friends, and even your language - it can be difficult to adjust. More people are moving to a different country to study or to work than ever, taking advantage of the many opportunities a new start can bring. Read the advice below on settling into a new country and how to make it your new home from home.
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Create your own family
Not everyone feels comfortable moving to a new location and living by themselves. Finding a house share is one great way you can meet new people easily and ease yourself into your new surroundings. Another solution is to find homestay accommodation with a local family who will be able to help you settle in as well as help you adjust to the lifestyle and language of your new home. Make sure that you find your homestay accommodation through a trusted provider that has vetted potential homes for you.
Learn the language
Moving to a new country with new surroundings and customs is difficult in itself, but if you aren’t familiar with the local language, you might start to feel isolated. There is some great advice on learning a new language while abroad available from the British Council, who suggest immersing yourself in local TV programmes and spending your time with native speakers. There are plenty of great resources out there to help you learn a language and you’ll soon feel more at ease if you can speak or understand what the locals are saying.
Say ‘yes’ as much as possible
Making new friends isn’t always easy, especially as you get older. The only way you’re going to be able to start is by saying ‘yes’ to the invites and offers that you’re given. If someone asks you to go for a coffee or to some social setting, don’t be afraid to say yes. Of course, if you’re feeling pressured or if it’s something you’re not really interested in, don’t agree to something for the sake of it. Make yourself open to opportunities to meet new people, and don’t be afraid to try new things.
Stick it out
Like any new adjustment in life, you might find that you face a period of fear or anxiety that will make you want to move straight back home. This is a normal part of the settling in process, and once you get yourself into a routine and start adapting to where you are - the feeling will pass. Technology is a wonderful thing and means you can be face to face with your family and friends in an instant, and they will always be there for you to talk to if you have doubts or are feeling homesick.
Settling into a new country can be daunting, but it can be an exciting and life-changing experience too. Immerse yourself in the culture and life of your new home, and you’ll soon start feeling yourself again. This useful, unofficial guide to be being British is a great example of the different things you can learn about your new country, helping you fit in like the locals. Embrace this amazing opportunity with open arms and enjoy every minute of your new adventure.
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