The idea of moving abroad often comes with a sense of excitement and adventure. Social media is filled with posts endlessly talking about the advantages of relocation, offering countless reasons why living in a foreign country is the best decision you could make. 

However, as an expat coach, intercultural psychologist, and someone who has lived abroad for over 40 years, I’ve learned that the reality of moving abroad is far more nuanced. While it can indeed be a transformative experience, it’s not the right choice for everyone at every point in their lives.

Before you start packing your bags and applying for visas, it’s crucial to take a step back and honestly evaluate whether moving abroad aligns with your current life situation and future goals. In this post, we’ll explore some essential questions and considerations that can help you determine if relocating to another country is the right move for you right now.

The first and perhaps most crucial aspect to consider is how well a move abroad aligns with your overall life goals. Your life is multifaceted, comprising various areas such as personal growth, family, career, finances, and health. A successful relocation should ideally enhance multiple aspects of your life, but it’s rare for it to improve everything simultaneously.

Start by reflecting on your goals in each area of your life:

Personal Growth: How will living in a new culture contribute to your personal development? 

Family: If you have a spouse or children, how will the move impact them? Will it provide better educational opportunities for your kids or career prospects for your partner? How will the move impact being close or present with extended family or aging parents?

Career: Does moving abroad open up new professional opportunities? Will it enhance your skills or make you more marketable in your field?

Finances: How will the move affect your financial situation? Consider differences in cost of living, salary expectations, and long-term financial goals.

Health: Will the new location provide better healthcare or a lifestyle more conducive to your well-being?

It’s essential to be honest with yourself about potential trade-offs. For instance, you might be moving to a place with better air quality and a more relaxed lifestyle, which could significantly improve your health. However, this same location might offer fewer job opportunities or have a higher cost of living. Are you willing and able to cope with these challenges for the sake of better health?

Another example might be a move that’s excellent for your career but puts strain on your family relationships due to long working hours or less time with your children. Is this a sacrifice you’re willing to make, and have you discussed it thoroughly with your family?

By carefully considering how a move abroad impacts each area of your life, you can make a more informed decision about whether the benefits outweigh the challenges.

The second crucial question to ask yourself is about timing. Just because moving abroad isn’t right for you now doesn’t mean it won’t be the perfect choice in the future. Many of my clients have a strong desire to move abroad but face temporary obstacles that make immediate relocation impractical or unwise.

Here are some common reasons for postponing a move:

Financial Preparation: You may need more time to save money or pay off debts before you can comfortably afford the move.

Family Responsibilities: You might have elderly parents who need care, or children who are at a crucial point in their education.

Career Development: Perhaps you’re in the middle of an important project or working towards a promotion that could enhance your prospects abroad.

Personal Readiness: You might simply feel that you need more time to mentally and emotionally prepare for such a significant life change.

By reframing the question from a simple “yes or no” to “when,” you remove the pressure of making an immediate decision. This approach allows you to create a long-term plan that includes moving abroad as a future goal, rather than an immediate necessity or an abandoned dream.

For example, you might decide that moving abroad makes sense, but not until your children graduate from high school, or after you’ve saved a certain amount of money. This perspective turns the idea of moving abroad from a dilemma into a planned life stage, allowing you to prepare adequately and make the transition when the time is right.

While the emotional and personal aspects of moving abroad are crucial, it’s also important to consider the practical elements:

Language: How will language barriers affect your daily life and job prospects?

Legal Requirements: Have you researched visa requirements, work permits, and residency rules for your chosen country?

Cultural Adaptation: Are you ready to adapt to new cultural norms and potentially different social expectations?

Support Network: How will you build a new support network? Are there expat communities or local groups you can join?

Long-term Plans: Do you see this move as a permanent relocation, or a temporary adventure? How might your plans evolve over time?

These practical considerations can help you visualize the reality of your day-to-day life abroad, beyond the initial excitement of the move.

After reflecting on these questions and considerations, you may find yourself in one of three positions:

1. Ready to Move: You feel confident that moving abroad aligns with your goals and that now is the right time. In this case, you can start the practical planning process with enthusiasm and clarity.
2. Not Right Now: You want to move abroad, but recognize that now isn’t the ideal time. Use this insight to create a long-term plan, setting specific goals and timelines for when you’ll revisit the idea of moving.
3. Not the Right Choice: You’ve realized that moving abroad doesn’t align with your current life goals or values. This is a valuable insight that can help you focus on other ways to achieve fulfillment and growth where you are.

Remember, there’s no “right” or “wrong” answer. The decision to move abroad is deeply personal and depends on your unique circumstances, goals, and values.

If you’re still unsure or want to explore these ideas further, consider taking a structured approach to your decision-making process. The key to a successful international relocation lies not just in the practical logistics of visas and housing, but in setting a strong foundation by understanding your motivations, researching thoroughly, and preparing mentally for the challenges ahead.

If you want the support to plan your move abroad, join us in the Expat Journey Program. You’ll find a step-by-step roadmap with all you need to do to decide, research and move abroad with ease and confidence.

Communicating effectively in a new culture can be challenging, especially when the communication styles differ significantly from what you’re used to. Whether you’re moving abroad or working with people from different cultural backgrounds, understanding and adapting to different communication styles is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to navigate these differences and communicate with ease and confidence.

Recognizing Different Communication Styles

As a Brazilian having lived abroad for many years, when I returned to Brazil, I received feedback that my communication style was very assertive and intimidating to others. This made me realize that my straightforward approach, which was effective in some cultures, was not well-received in a high-context culture like Brazil. In high-context cultures, people often engage in small talk and build rapport before getting to the main point. So I had to learn how to adapt my communication style if I wanted to thrive working in this culture.

According to Edward T. Hall, there are two primary communication styles: high context and low context.

• High Context Communication: This style involves formal communication, many silences, and a non-linear, spiral logic. Relationships and the bigger picture are highly valued. 
• Low Context Communication: This style is direct and to the point, with informal verbal interactions and linear logic. People in low-context cultures prefer to get straight to the issue at hand without much preamble.

Understanding these styles is vital if you’re moving to a new culture or working with people from diverse backgrounds.

If you find yourself in a high-context culture, it’s essential to adapt your communication style to build rapport and engage in small talk since relationships matter. For example, instead of immediately requesting information or assistance, start conversations with greetings and inquiries about the other person’s well-being. This approach helps in establishing a connection before diving into the main topic. While it may take longer to get things done, the relationships are there for future interactions. 

Conversely, if you’re in a low-context culture, being direct and concise is usually more appreciated. Cultures that are predominantly Low Context will value the interaction, and transactions more than relationships. So getting “down to business” before engaging in conversation is valued positively. 

Understand your own style and be mindful of how it’s perceived by others. For instance, my assertive style was effective in a low-context environment but needed adjustments in a high-context one.

Knowing your own communication style is crucial. Reflect on your tendencies: do you prefer to get straight to the point, or do you engage in more roundabout conversations? If you feel impatient with small talk, you likely have a low-context style. If directness feels abrupt to you, you might lean towards a high-context style.

Understanding your style helps you recognize potential communication barriers and adapt accordingly. It also aids in not taking things personally if others communicate differently.

When communicating in a new culture, observe how people interact and respond to you. Experiment with different approaches and see what works best. For example, if you’re a low-context communicator, try engaging in small talk before addressing the main topic and notice how people react. Similarly, if you’re a high-context communicator, practice being more direct in certain situations.

Remember, it’s about finding a balance that respects the local communication norms while staying true to your values. Adjusting your style doesn’t mean abandoning your identity but rather enhancing your ability to connect and convey your message effectively.

By understanding and adapting to different communication styles, you can navigate intercultural interactions with ease and confidence. 

If you are moving abroad and want more personalized support, check out my Expat Journey Program. This program offers a comprehensive approach to managing the challenges of moving abroad and adjusting to a new life in a different country. 

Visit the Expat Journey Program to learn more and take the first step towards a smoother transition abroad.

Cultural transition is a significant part of moving abroad, and understanding it can make your experience much smoother. The process of adjusting to a new culture involves several phases, each with its own challenges and rewards. In this blog post, we’ll explore the U-curve model of cultural adjustment and provide tips on how to navigate each phase with ease and confidence.

The U-curve model is a well-recognized theory that describes the stages of cultural adjustment. This model, developed in the 1960s, resonates with many people experiencing cultural transition. It helps individuals understand that the challenges they face are temporary and part of a natural process. The U-curve includes the following phases:

1. 1. Honeymoon Phase
   2. Culture Shock Phase
   3. Adjustment Phase
   4. Stable Stage

The honeymoon phase usually happens when you first arrive in a new country. Everything feels new and exciting, and you view your surroundings with a sense of adventure and curiosity. You might enjoy trying new foods, exploring new places, and experiencing the novelty of a different culture. However, this phase can vary in duration. During my last move, I think I had a 6-hour honeymoon because I already knew the country well. Factors such as financial stress, dealing with bureaucracy, or the presence of children can shorten this period.

Once the initial excitement fades, you enter the culture shock phase. This phase is typically characterized by feelings of homesickness, frustration, and helplessness. You might struggle with communication and start to miss the familiarity of home, crave familiar food and idealize your previous or home country. This is also the phase where knowing what you moved for is crucial. 

This is typically the same moment when we realize that our dream of moving abroad is now a reality, so we might experience grief. And if we think about it, our dream is now replaced with a new reality and some expectations will have been met, others not so much.

In a work environment, the expectations from colleagues may shift, increasing your stress. Understanding that these feelings are normal and temporary can be reassuring as this is a common phase – and knowing how to deal with it can be the secret sauce for a successful life abroad – whatever success means to you!

The adjustment phase is when you start to feel that your reality is in fact your “new normal”. You begin to reconcile the pros and cons of the new culture. For instance, you might find that while productivity levels differ, the welcoming nature of the people makes up for it. This phase is marked by growing comfort and the development of new routines. You may start to value these changes and they will start to grow on you. In my personal experience, I know I’m getting into the Adjustment stage when I navigate local supermarkets with ease, I know what to buy and even have favorite brands.

The final phase, the stable stage, occurs when you start to feel at home in your new culture. Elements of the local lifestyle become part of your own, and you might even miss these aspects when you leave. Whether it’s the timing of meals or local customs, these elements become integrated into your daily life. This stage means that you have successfully adapted to your new environment.

Understanding the U-curve model can provide a roadmap for navigating cultural transition. Here are some tips to help you through each phase:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize that what you’re experiencing is a normal part of the cultural adjustment process.
2. Seek Support: Engage with coaches, therapists, or empathetic friends who understand what you’re going through.
3. Stay Positive: Focus on the positive aspects of the new culture and remember that the challenging phases will pass.
4. Learn the Language: Improving your language skills can enhance your ability to communicate and feel more integrated.
5. Have a framework: Create a strategy for integration, starting by defining what integration means to you and taking action. You can see my tips for integration here. 

By following these tips, you can navigate the cultural transition process more smoothly and confidently. 

For more personalized support, check out my Expat Journey Program. This program offers a comprehensive approach to managing the challenges of moving abroad and adjusting to a new life in a different country. Visit the Expat Journey Program to learn more and take the first step towards a smoother transition abroad.

Learning a new language can be both exciting and daunting, especially if you’re planning to move abroad or have already made the move. It’s common to feel the urge to start learning the language immediately by downloading apps, hiring tutors, or watching YouTube videos. However, diving in too quickly might not be the best approach. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential tips for language learning that will help you achieve better results and make the process more enjoyable and effective.

Before you start learning a new language, it’s crucial to understand your motivation. Many people feel obligated to learn the language because they believe it’s the polite or proper thing to do. However, this external motivation can lead to frustration and burnout. Instead, focus on finding an internal motivation. Ask yourself why you want to learn the language. Is it because you need it for work, to make your daily life easier, or because you genuinely want to immerse yourself in the culture? Identifying a clear and personal reason will keep you motivated even when the learning process becomes challenging.

Understanding your learning style is essential for effective language learning. Different people have different learning preferences, and knowing yours can help you choose the right resources and methods. There are three main learning styles:

Visual Learners: If you are a visual learner, you learn best through images, videos, and written notes. Use flashcards, watch videos with subtitles, and create visual aids to help with your studies.

Auditory Learners: Auditory learners excel when they listen to information. If this is your style, focus on listening to podcasts, music, and language learning tapes. Repeat phrases out loud and engage in conversations.

Kinesthetic Learners: Kinesthetic learners need to move, touch and use their hands while learning. Use interactive apps, write down new words, and practice speaking with gestures.

Combining resources that cater to your primary learning style will make the learning process more effective and enjoyable.

It’s important to consider the timing of your language learning journey. Jumping into learning a new language too soon, especially before you’re settled into your new environment, can add to your stress. Instead, give yourself some time to adjust to your new surroundings and daily routines. Once you feel more comfortable, gradually integrate language learning into your schedule. This approach will make the process less overwhelming and more sustainable in the long run.

Additionally, start with practical language skills that you will use in your daily life. Focus on learning phrases and vocabulary that are immediately relevant, such as greetings, directions, and common expressions. This will help you build confidence and see progress quickly.

By following these tips, you can make your language learning journey more manageable and enjoyable.

Check out the interview with a Portuguese language teacher where she shared lots of tips and advice.

For more personalized support, check out my Expat Journey Program. This program offers a comprehensive approach to managing the challenges of moving abroad and adjusting to a new life in a different country. Visit the Expat Journey Program to learn more and take the first step towards a smoother transition abroad.

Moving abroad can be an exciting yet challenging experience. Today, I want to share three common mistakes people often make when preparing for a move abroad, so you can avoid them and ensure a smoother relocation. These insights come from my own experiences and those of my clients, and my own research. Let’s dive into these mistakes and how to steer clear of them for a successful move.

When preparing to move abroad, many people focus so much on reaching their new destination that they neglect to properly say goodbye to their current one. Creating closure is essential for a positive transition. It’s important to acknowledge that this is the end of a chapter in your life and to say your goodbyes in a meaningful way.

Hosting a goodbye party, giving small gifts like handwritten cards, and visiting favorite places and enjoying beloved foods one last time can help create this sense of closure. By recognizing and celebrating your past, you’ll be better prepared to embrace your future in a new country.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving abroad is waiting until they arrive to start making friends. Building a social network in a new country takes time and effort, and it’s often not as natural as you might expect. To avoid feeling isolated, start connecting with people before you move.

Use technology to your advantage by joining online expat communities, participating in forums, and scheduling video calls. By establishing these connections in advance, you’ll have a support network ready when you arrive, making your transition smoother and more enjoyable.

While knowing why you want to move abroad is important, focusing too much on the reasons pushing you away from your current location can be counterproductive. Instead, shift your focus to what you want to achieve with the move. This change in perspective can make a significant difference in your experience.

Clearly define your goals and aspirations for your new life abroad. What do you want to accomplish? How do you envision your life changing? Recognize that different family members might have different goals, and that’s perfectly okay as long as everyone’s objectives are clear.

To recap, the three common mistakes to avoid when preparing for a move abroad are: not creating closure, waiting to make friends, and focusing too much on the ‘why’. By being mindful of these pitfalls, you can ensure a smoother transition and a more fulfilling experience in your new country.

If you’re looking for more resources and support for your move, consider joining the Expat Journey Program. This program offers comprehensive guidance and a supportive community to help you navigate every step of your relocation.