Learning a new language is a common challenge for many people moving abroad. It’s an essential skill for integrating into a new culture and navigating everyday life in a foreign country. It’s also especially important if you are going to work in the new country. 

Most people start learning a language wanting to be “fluent”. In this article, I’ll delve into pragmatic and concrete strategies to help you approach language learning effectively, including clarifying your goal.

The first step in learning a new language is to be specific about your goals. Understanding what you want to achieve with the language is crucial. Having “fluency”, or “conversational level” is not specific enough. Think of it like this: when you want to go somewhere and include an address in a GPS, you need to be specific, so you can decide if you need to take a plane, train, bus or it’s a walkable distance. 

This is the same with your language goals. If you are vague, you’ll take longer, it’ll be more frustrating and you won’t even know how to measure success.

Are you aiming to write academic papers, deliver speeches, or simply communicate at the grocery store? Maybe you want to understand local news or chat with friends. Your goals will shape your learning process and determine the level of proficiency you need.

For instance, if you’re moving for work, your language requirements might be more formal and professional. On the other hand, if you’re working remotely and interacting primarily with people from your home country, your language needs might be different. Writing down your specific goals can help you measure your progress and stay motivated.

Think about your goals and how much focus and mindspace you have currently. Moving abroad takes a lot of effort, time and energy. Maybe you need to tweak your goal and timeline taking into account the amount of dedication you can offer to this task.

Consider creating smaller goals, or milestones that will take you closer to your ultimate goal. This will keep you motivated and help you track your progress.

The latest app might be great for your friend but do nothing for you. We all have different ways of learning and absorbing information. Make sure the resources you are using are adequate to your learning style. 

If you have an auditory learning style, listening to local radio stations or podcasts helps with understanding accents and common phrases.

If you are a visual learner, watching TV shows or movies in the target language as it provides context and visual cues that aid comprehension.

Learning a new language is a significant part of the cultural transition when moving abroad. By defining your goals, setting a realistic timeline, knowing how much energy you can dedicate to this goal and using the resources that are relevant to your learning style can make this process more manageable and effective. 

If you found these tips helpful, join the Expat Journey Program for more personalized support on your relocation journey. You’ll find a roadmap for your move and life abroad, live workshops, and a fantastic community to make your move and life abroad easy and smooth. 

Feel free to reach out with any comments or specific topics you’d like me to address in future posts.

When planning to move abroad, thorough research about your new destination is crucial. This ensures a smoother transition and helps avoid common pitfalls. In this blog post I’ll share some expert tips to make your research more productive and effective.

These are tips that I personally used over the years in my many moves abroad – and that I’ve helped clients from all over the world over the past decade.

One common mistake people make when researching their new destination is asking vague questions. For instance, asking “Are clothes expensive in country X?” will yield varied and often confusing responses. Instead, define what you mean by “clothes.” Are you referring to casual wear, formal attire, or specific brands? The more specific your question, the more accurate your answers will be.

For example, if you are interested in casual clothes, look up prices for brands you currently wear, like Gap or Benetton. Check the prices of these brands in the country you are moving to using trustworthy sources online, rather than relying solely on social media. This approach will provide you with concrete data to make informed decisions.

Once you have specific questions, use reliable sources to gather information. Websites of brands, cost of living calculators, and official statistics are good places to start. After gathering your data, you can use social media to confirm your findings. For example, you might ask in a local expat group, “I found that a pair of Gap jeans costs X in this country. Is this accurate? How frequently are there sales? Is tax included in the price?”

This method ensures that you have solid information verified by people who have firsthand experience.

You can find pretty much everything online, and the added bonus is that you get to practice reading in the new language!

Join the Expat Connection Facebook group and connect with expats and expats-to-be!

As humans, we have a cognitive bias that makes us more likely to pay attention to and remember information that confirms our pre-existing beliefs. This confirmation bias can skew your research and lead to biased conclusions. 

To counteract this, be conscious of your biases and seek out information that challenges your assumptions. Ask others to review your research and question your conclusions and when looking at posts on social media, remember to keep your confirmation bias in check!

This practice helps ensure that your decisions are based on a balanced view of all available information.

These research tips are not limited to just cost of living. They apply to various aspects of moving abroad, including:

• Deciding where to live
• Choosing schools for your children
• Understanding healthcare systems
• Navigating cultural differences

By following these steps, you will be better prepared for your move abroad, ensuring a more informed and confident transition.

Remember, after following these steps, you can then go to social media and, with a very specific and focused question, get valuable input to your questions. Use social media to confirm your findings.

Researching your new destination thoroughly is a vital step in preparing for a move abroad. Be specific with your questions, use trustworthy sources, confirm your findings, and be aware of confirmation bias. These strategies will help you gather accurate information and make informed decisions.

If you are preparing for your move abroad, check out the Expat Journey Program for more personalized support on your relocation journey. You’ll find all the steps you need to follow for a smooth move and life abroad.

Moving abroad and adjusting to a new culture can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can navigate this transition smoothly. I’ve been living abroad for over 40 years and after I finished my Masters in Intercultural Psychology I realized there was a way to jumpstart our adjustment abroad. 

In this post, we’ll explore the OAR methodology—Observe, Act, Reflect, that I created —designed to help expats integrate into their new environment effectively.

Your cultural transition starts the moment you decide to move abroad, not when you physically arrive. Observation is the first step and that means you should start learning about your new destination.

• Learn the language or familiarize yourself with key phrases and communication styles. You can watch movies, series, and read books about the country. 

• Observe how people do things – how they speak, how close they are. Make it a habit to observe with a genuine curiosity about your new environment and country.

• Understand the country’s history, political system, geography, and major industries. Watch the local news to learn about the political scene, research the most common cities and what role they play in the country’s economy.

• Explore cultural norms, holidays, and traditions. Learn about the typical foods, fashion and arts. 

Observation isn’t just external. You should also observe “internally”, so make sure to pay attention to your internal reactions as well. Notice how you feel during your research—excited, anxious, or fearful? Acknowledging your emotions helps prepare you for the transition.

Additionally, while you’ll naturally compare the new culture to your own, focus on similarities rather than differences. Remember, despite cultural variations, human beings share core desires such as love, acceptance, and belonging. And when you do notice differences, make sure to limit your judgment of “good” or “bad”. Sometimes things seem bad just because we’re not used to them.

The next step is to actively engage with the new culture:

• Learn the new language and connect with native speakers and locals.

• Make friends within the new culture and with other expats. Balancing these connections helps you gain diverse perspectives and support systems.

• Maintain relationships with friends and family back home to keep your roots intact. These relationships are important when everything is new.

• Apply what you observed – put into practice the social norms and customs that you observed in step 1.

Also, prioritize physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise and seeking help from a coach or therapist if needed can make a significant difference during your transition.

Reflection solidifies your experiences and insights:

• Write down your thoughts, feelings, and observations.

• Use audio recordings, drawings, or other creative outlets to process your experiences.

Reflection helps you make sense of your journey and ensures that valuable insights aren’t lost. It’s also crucial to keep your ultimate goal in mind. Regularly revisiting why you decided to move abroad helps maintain motivation, especially during challenging times.

It’s important to know yourself and assess what you are willing to adapt and when. Adjustment is a process and sometimes starting slow can make sure you are in it for the long run.

The OAR methodology—Observe, Act, Reflect—empowers you to take control of your cultural transition. By observing the new culture, actively engaging with it, and reflecting on your experiences, you can navigate your move abroad with confidence.

If you found these tips useful, join the Expat Journey Program for more support on your relocation journey. You’ll find a step-by-step framework to make sure you are on the right path to a successful move and life abroad!

Deciding to move abroad is a major life event. It involves a huge investment—emotionally, financially, and energetically. It’s crucial to determine whether moving overseas is the right decision for you and your family before you start the process of planning and research.

But, how exactly do you do that? It’s not like we’re planning a move abroad every other month, right?

As someone who has lived abroad for over 40 years, and has been working with expats for almost a decade, I’ll share three essential questions to help you assess if relocating to another country aligns with your goals and life plans.

One of the most common questions people ask themselves is why they want to move abroad. Many people feel unhappy in their home country and want to escape their current situation. While this is understandable, and part of the equation, it’s not enough. 

It’s essential to have clear goals for your move. It’s extremely important to also know what you want to move for. Ask yourself:

• What do you hope to accomplish by moving abroad?
• How do you envision your life will be different?

If your primary reason for moving is to escape something, rather than to achieve specific goals, you might find yourself disappointed after the move, and find it harder to adjust. It’s important to have positive and clear objectives to avoid feeling lost once you relocate. For example, if you are moving because where you live is too expensive, you can phrase it as “You are moving to have a better financial situation.”

Approaching the “whys” and “what fors” is especially vital if you are moving with family, as their goals and expectations need to be considered as well.

Consider how relocating aligns with your long-term aspirations. For instance, if one of your goals is to stay close to your extended family, moving abroad might contradict this aim. This doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t move, but it does require a re-evaluation of your goals and perhaps some compromises. 

Here are some questions you can reflect on:

• How does moving abroad fit into your overall life plan?

• Are there any long-term goals that might be impacted by this move?

Thinking about these aspects beforehand can save you from potential regrets and help you plan more effectively for your future abroad.

Visualization is a powerful tool in decision-making. Picture your life in the new country:

• What do you see?

• How do you feel in this new environment?

• How do you want to feel in this new country?

It’s important to have a balanced view, considering both the positives and potential challenges of your new life abroad. This exercise can help you understand your true motivations and ensure that they are aligned with your long-term happiness and fulfillment.

Moving abroad is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. By addressing these key questions, you can better determine if this move is right for you. Making a sound decision even before looking into locations is crucial to save you energy, time and money.

If you found these tips useful and want to delve deeper into preparing for your relocation, check out the Expat Journey Program for more personalized support on your relocation journey. 

Feel free to reach out with any comments or specific topics you’d like me to address in future posts.

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.