How To Adjust To Life Faster In A New Country

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How To Adjust To Life Faster In A New Country

So, you have moved to a new country and you are looking to acclimate quickly. To help you take the plunge and get used to life there as soon as possible, we have put together a list of things you can do. Each country is different, but these are general rules to help you along, so they should be useful anywhere.

Learn the Language Using Apps

You can learn languages the old fashioned way, by taking classes, or you can try to absorb the language through your daily activities and conversations. But there is another way that is even faster, and that would be to use language learning apps. There are lots of them available, many of which are free or nearly free. Probably the two most popular and effective are Duolingo and Rosetta Stone. They will help you learn the language fast, if you do need to learn foreign language.

If you are moving somewhere like Canada and you only know English, we recommend learning the secondary language there- French. These language apps can help, and they work faster than classes or natural absorption, at least for most people. You can also use YouTube videos to brush up on your new language and learn it on the go, as you are driving or even when you are doing chores at home. Use video sessions to complement the language apps and use both each day to quickly absorb the language and become proficient at it.

Use GPS Tools

One of the worst things that can happen to you in a new country is getting lost. Who wants to try to figure out where to go after ending up on the wrong street in a new city? That can be scary and even dangerous, so to avoid that problem, we suggest using GPS technology as soon as possible. If you know you will be moving to a new country, prepare your GPS for that location, updating the maps so that they can guide you in the new area.

Your current GPS tool, whether a phone or a device used only for GPS, is probably set to offer maps of your current country. Moving to a new country will likely mean that the maps need to be updated.

You can download them ahead of time, on some device. If that is an option, do that before you make the move to the new country. This will save you a lot of hassle, and you never know how soon you will need the GPS technology.

If you don’t have a GPS device, then get one as soon as you can when you move. You can have one shipped to your new address or to a friend or employer at the new location, so it is waiting for you when you get there.

Do Some Research

You know you will be moving countries soon, so how do you prepare yourself ahead of time? You can take the time you have to do some research. Start looking up guides on what to know about the new country and what kind of customs are in use there. Make sure you get accurate and up-to-date information. If you are using books for research, ensure they are current. The same holds true for any research you do online.

Check out the official government site for tourism first and see what info you can glean there. Then, go to blogs and other research sources online to find out what locals and visitors are advising people who come to the country.

Go Socialize

One of the best ways to get used to a new country is to spend some time socializing with people from that country. Get out and attend events, volunteer at a shelter or another charitable organization, attend sporting events, go out on dates, and do other social activities. If you have friends in the country already, you can socialize in a casual way that offers little pressure by having a night with your friends over. Play some games and get to know each other, and along the way, you will pick up important cultural cues and customs. This is a great way to avoid embarrassment while out in public later on.

If you need to carve out some extra time in your schedule for socializing, then you may want to hire professional cleaners for your home to do some of the chores for you. This is also helpful if you want your home to be a place where people can come and socialize. Consider having a deep cleaning in Phoenix or whatever city you have moved to, so that your home is welcoming and tidy.

Make Your Home Comfortable for Yourself

Adjusting to life in a new country can be hard. You will struggle sometimes and have numerous frustrations to deal with, and you want to give yourself a place where you can just go and relax and be yourself. Is your home that space for you, and if not, then what can you do to make it safe and welcoming?

We suggest placing family photos and cultural times from your own land around your home. Try not to turn your home into too much of a copycat of what everyone else has in the new country. By keeping some of your culture in your home, you will provide a place where you can get away and feel less pressure, and this will help with your adjustment.

This strengthens you against the risks of culture shock, which is a real problem you will likely face. You will probably have some trouble adjusting and feel overwhelmed at moments. If your home is safe and familiar, then you can always retreat there for a chance to unwind and relax.

As exciting as it will be to move to a new country, you need to be prepared for the adjustment period.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.