Moving abroad is a life-changing decision that touches every aspect of your life. As I say in my workshops and classes, every single thing will change – the air you breathe, the food you eat and everything in between.

For sure, it’s exciting, challenging, and transformative—but how you navigate this journey depends largely on your personal values. These deeply held beliefs serve as a compass, guiding your decisions and shaping your cultural adjustment. Understanding your values before you move can make your experience more fulfilling and aligned with your true self.

Values are the principles that guide your life. They influence how you make decisions, prioritize goals, and evaluate what matters most. Examples include:

• Stability vs. excitement
• Family vs. adventure
• Financial security vs. a nature-based lifestyle

Most people aren’t fully conscious of their values, even though they influence their actions. Taking the time to identify and reflect on your values makes decision-making clearer, especially when faced with significant choices like relocating to another country.

Your values act as an internal compass, helping you choose paths that align with your priorities. For instance:

• If family is a top value, a job offer that takes you far from loved ones might be difficult to accept. If you do decide to move, you’ll likely find ways to maintain those family connections, such as frequent visits or hosting relatives.
• If adventure and excitement rank higher, you might prioritize exploring new cultures over staying close to home. This could lead you to embrace the challenges of starting fresh in an unfamiliar environment.

There’s no right or wrong set of values—what matters is that you understand your priorities and how they influence your decisions. Values also may change with time. When you are younger and adventure and excitement be a priority. The older you get, and maybe with family and children, family and stability might replace the adventure seeking decisions.

Your values also play a critical role in how you adapt to a new culture. For example:

• If you value a nature-focused lifestyle, you might choose a location with access to parks or hiking trails and select housing that connects you with the outdoors.
• If financial security is important, you may prioritize affordability and budget-conscious choices when selecting a city or neighborhood.

Being aware of your values ensures that your decisions align with what truly matters, making it easier to feel at home in a new environment.

To uncover your core values, reflect on past decisions and experiences. Ask yourself:

1. What has driven my major life decisions?
2. Which choices left me feeling fulfilled, and which didn’t?
3. How did those decisions affect my relationships, career, and well-being?

Once you’ve identified your values, rank them to understand what holds the most weight. Then, determine your non-negotiables—those aspects of life you absolutely need to honor, even when moving abroad.

For example:

• If family is a top value, a non-negotiable might be the ability to visit loved ones at least twice a year.
• If adventure is key, you might prioritize opportunities to travel or explore multiple destinations from your new home base.

Aligning your life abroad with your values can lead to greater happiness and ease during the transition.

When your choices reflect what you care about most, you’re more likely to feel grounded, purposeful, and satisfied. This doesn’t mean every decision will be easy, but having clarity on your values provides a framework to navigate even the toughest choices.

Get your FREE Move Overseas with Ease Ebook – your step-by-step guide to a stress-free move: www.deborahdahab.com/freeresources

Moving abroad is an exciting step toward a new chapter in life, but let’s be honest—dealing with the paperwork can be a headache. This is actually one of the tasks that I procrastinate, and I know I’m not alone!

From visas and tax documents to medical records and school transcripts, the administrative side of relocating can feel like a never-ending to-do list. However, with the right strategy, you can navigate this process smoothly and with minimal stress.

The key to handling paperwork efficiently is organization. Instead of seeing it as one overwhelming task, break it down into manageable steps.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when preparing for life abroad is approaching paperwork as one massive, intimidating task. Instead, break it down into manageable categories:

• Health Records: Includes medical and dental records for all family members (including pets), vaccination certificates, and prescriptions. If you have pets, remember to include their information and paperwork as well.
• Insurance Policies: Research which of your current policies apply internationally, and note any cancellation deadlines. 
• Personal Identification: Make sure passports, national IDs, driver’s licenses, and social security documents are up to date. Remember to make copies and digitalize everything.
• Education Records: If you or your children will be studying abroad, gather transcripts, diplomas, and any required school transfer documents. Make sure to get documents translated if necessary.
• Financial & Tax Documents: Collect tax returns, bank statements, and research tax obligations in your new country.
• Real Estate & Legal Papers: If you own property, keep records of deeds, rental agreements, and any necessary legal documentation.

By sorting documents into clear categories, you’ll know exactly what you need and avoid last-minute panic.

Once everything is categorized, setting a timeline is the next crucial step. Assign deadlines to each category and work on them in two-week increments. 

This timeframe is long enough to make progress but short enough to maintain momentum. If your move is happening within a year, you can take a more gradual approach. However, if your relocation is imminent, prioritize time-sensitive documents like visa applications and legal paperwork.

• Start by listing all the categories that apply to you.

• Set a two-week goal for completing the paperwork for one or two categories at a time.

If you’re moving within a year, take a slower approach. If your move is imminent, prioritize time-sensitive documents like visas and legal paperwork.

Make sure to involve other family members in the organization of documents so they know what is available and where to find the paperwork if they need to access it.

When researching requirements, always verify information from official sources such as government websites, embassies, and immigration offices. Visa rules and tax regulations can change frequently, and relying on outdated blog posts or forum discussions might lead to misinformation. If language barriers make it difficult to access the necessary details, tools like Google Translate can help you navigate official websites.

Even with careful planning, dealing with foreign bureaucracy can be challenging. If you find yourself feeling lost in a sea of regulations, consider hiring a relocation expert or an immigration attorney. 

Many people assume this is an unnecessary expense or excessively expensive but professional guidance can save time, prevent costly mistakes, and provide peace of mind.

By categorizing documents, setting realistic deadlines, and seeking professional help when needed, you’ll simplify one of the most stressful parts of moving abroad. With these strategies in place, you can focus on the exciting aspects of your journey—exploring new places, meeting new people, and creating a fulfilling life abroad.

Get your FREE Move Overseas with Ease Ebook – your step-by-step guide to a stress-free move: www.deborahdahab.com/freeresources

Cultural training is often seen as an essential step in preparing for life in a new country. While it can provide valuable insights, relying solely on it can leave you feeling unprepared for the complexities of adjusting to a new culture.

When I did my Masters in Intercultural Psychology and coaching certification, I realized there was a huge difference between what we know intellectually and how we behave and feel. 

That’s why I started to think about how cultural training can be misused. So I decided to write this article to address this. I’ll share why cultural training isn’t enough, how to use it effectively, and what to do to truly ease your transition.

Cultural training is often seen as a key to navigating life in a new country, but it has its limitations. One significant challenge is that such training often relies on generalizations. 

Cultures are incredibly diverse and complex, and while training can provide useful guidelines, it frequently oversimplifies. This approach risks missing the nuances of individual behaviors and regional differences that define how people truly interact.

Another limitation is its lack of focus on emotional responses. Understanding that a culture may have a different approach to punctuality, for example, doesn’t necessarily make it easier to adapt emotionally. I recall a client who felt deeply frustrated by the relaxed attitude toward timeliness in his new country, even though he intellectually understood and accepted it as part of the culture. Emotional adaptation often requires more than just knowing the facts—it demands empathy, patience, and personal growth.

Perhaps the most critical shortfall is that cultural training doesn’t always translate into behavioral change. Learning about cultural differences is one thing, but effectively adjusting your actions and reactions to align with those differences is another. Adapting takes practice, self-awareness, and sometimes stepping far outside your comfort zone. Without these efforts, knowledge alone can fall short of fostering true integration.

Cultural training has its value, but it’s only the starting point. The real journey involves not just learning about other cultures, but also addressing emotional barriers and taking deliberate steps to change how you interact with the world around you.

Although cultural training has its limitations, it can still be a valuable tool when used correctly. Think of it as the foundation for understanding a new culture rather than a complete solution. Use it to:

• Gain basic knowledge about social norms and etiquette.
• Identify potential challenges or cultural mismatches.
• Start building an understanding of the values that shape the culture.

However, cultural training should be combined with other strategies to foster genuine adaptation.

To truly adapt to a new culture, you need to go beyond knowledge and engage in a more mindful and experiential process. Here’s a three-step approach that I created to help you navigate cultural differences:

1. Observe
   Start by observing how things are done in your new culture. If you haven’t moved yet, read about the culture, watch videos, or talk to people who have lived there. Once you’ve arrived, pay attention to daily interactions, traditions, and behaviors. Try to observe with an open mind, setting aside your own cultural biases as much as possible.

2. Act
   Step out of your comfort zone and engage with the culture. Make friends, try the local food, and practice the language. By immersing yourself in these experiences, you’ll discover what resonates with you and what doesn’t. Interaction allows you to learn through lived experiences rather than second-hand knowledge.

3. Reflect
   After your interactions, take time to reflect on your experiences. Ask yourself:

• What felt positive or enjoyable?
• What made you uncomfortable or frustrated?
• How did your expectations align with reality?

Reflection helps you identify your own cultural biases and adapt your behavior or mindset for future interactions.

This process of observing, acting, and reflecting creates a cycle of continuous learning, helping you navigate cultural differences in a more personalized and meaningful way.

While cultural training provides a helpful introduction to a new culture, it’s not a substitute for mindful engagement. Real adaptation requires experiencing the culture firsthand, reflecting on your reactions, and gradually integrating what works for you into your daily life. By combining the knowledge gained from cultural training with this experiential approach, you’ll build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in your new environment.

Looking for support on your move and life abroad? The Expat Journey Program offers a comprehensive approach to preparing for your move and adapting to a new culture. Check it out here: www.expatjourneyprogram.com.

Preparing for a move abroad is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming. I’ve moved more times than I can count and every single time I found myself overwhelmed, and many times by things I thought I had totally mastered!

Beyond the practicalities of visas, housing, and logistics, there are emotional and mental preparations that can make or break your experience. Based on my own expat journey and insights from working with clients for almost a decade, here are three essential things every expat needs to know before making the leap.

Understanding why you want to move is important, but it’s only the beginning. To truly prepare for a successful transition, you need to dig deeper and define your what for. This goes beyond simply listing reasons for leaving and focuses on what you want to achieve with this move. Ask yourself:

• What are my goals for this new chapter?
• How does this move align with my long-term vision?
• What do I want to accomplish personally and professionally?

Knowing your what for helps you stay focused and motivated when challenges arise. It serves as your guiding star, reminding you of the purpose behind your decision and helping you make choices that align with your bigger picture.

I have a video that can help you tap into your ‘what for’, you can check it out here.

One of the most disorienting aspects of moving abroad is how much changes—your surroundings, the language, the food, and even small daily habits. To maintain a sense of stability amid the chaos, establish routines as quickly as possible.

Simple habits like waking up and going to bed at the same time, drinking water regularly, and taking breaks during the day can help ground you. These routines create a sense of normalcy and provide structure when everything else feels unfamiliar. They also contribute to a healthier lifestyle, giving you the energy and resilience to adapt to your new environment.

These routines are especially important when moving with kids. If they practice a sport, or play an instrument, make sure they engage in this activity as soon as possible.

Loneliness is one of the most common challenges expats face, and it often stems from unrealistic expectations about how quickly you’ll build a social network. Friendships take time and effort, especially in a new cultural context. Be patient with yourself and others.

Understand that the deep, meaningful friendships you’re used to may not form overnight. Think about how long it took to build your existing friendships—they likely developed over years, not weeks. Start by taking small steps, such as joining local groups, attending events, or participating in activities that align with your interests. Don’t take rejection or slow progress personally; making friends is a gradual process that requires persistence and an open mind.

Having a strategy to make friends is crucial for this new phase and start connecting with people in advance. Use social media, online courses or even international parents’ groups if you have kids going to an international school. By starting early, you’ll get an excellent headstart when you arrive and already have some meaningful connections to help you.

Moving abroad is a life-changing decision that comes with incredible opportunities and challenges. By clarifying your what for, establishing routines, and approaching social connections with patience, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother and more fulfilling transition.

Imagine having a community of likeminded people who know what you’re going through! 

In the Expat Journey Program you’ll find a pre-move roadmap and a welcoming community that will make the overwhelm feel like a distant memory! Join us here.

Settling into a new country is an exciting adventure, but creating a space that feels like home takes time and effort. Your home will be where you recharge, process new experiences, and find comfort amid the challenges of adjusting to life abroad. Here are some tips to make your new place feel like home, no matter where you are.

When packing for your move, set aside a few items that hold personal significance, such as:

• Family photos
• A favorite mug or pillow
• Artwork or books that evoke positive memories

Keeping these objects in your new space creates a sense of familiarity and grounding. They serve as reminders of the comfort and joy from your previous home, helping you settle in more easily.

If you’re moving with family or a partner, ensure everyone feels involved in making the new space cozy. Encourage each person to bring or choose something meaningful to them—whether it’s a piece of décor, a favorite scent, or a beloved item from home. By incorporating everyone’s preferences, your new home will feel welcoming for all.

Creating a home isn’t about expensive furniture or flawless design; it’s about meaningful details that resonate with you. Reflect on what makes a space feel comfortable and joyful:

• Colors: Choose shades that bring you happiness and calm.
• Scents: Incorporate smells that evoke fond memories, like candles or essential oils. For instance, one client used cinnamon-scented candles to replicate the comforting scent of her grandmother’s home.
• Textures: Add cozy blankets or soft cushions for warmth.
• Foods and Drinks: Stock your kitchen with flavors that remind you of good times.

These small, thoughtful touches can transform your space into a personal sanctuary.

Adjusting to a new culture, language, and lifestyle can be mentally draining. Your home should be a haven—a place where you can recharge and feel at peace. By surrounding yourself with meaningful objects, colors, and scents, you’ll create a supportive environment that helps you adapt to your new life.

Looking for support on your move and life abroad? The Expat Journey Program is an all-in-one resource to make your move and life abroad a breeze. Check it out here: www.expatjourneyprogram.com.

Culture shock is a term many people use without really knowing what it means. Culture Shock is not only the “strangeness” we feel when living overseas; it represents a real and often challenging phase of cultural adjustment when moving abroad. 

As an expat coach, intercultural psychologist and someone who has lived abroad for over 40 years, I’ve not only studied the theory but also experienced culture shock firsthand during my own moves. 

In this post, I’ll share my personal experience with culture shock, the symptoms I faced, and the strategies that helped me navigate this phase successfully.

Culture shock happens when the realities of a new culture clash with your expectations or familiar ways of doing things. It’s not just about big changes; it can stem from small, everyday differences that accumulate over time. For me, these challenges became very evident during my move to Portugal, even though I spoke the language and shared some cultural similarities as a Brazilian.

Despite knowing about culture shock, living through it was entirely different. I found myself complaining about things I wouldn’t typically think twice about. Everything felt like a struggle, from navigating social norms to managing small tasks. 

I felt self-conscious about simple interactions, such as addressing people in a way that conveyed respect without offending anyone. Many times I thought people were rude to me, and I had no idea if that was my perception or was actually true. And if it were true, I was at a loss as to if I had done something to offend. 

Food became an emotional trigger for me. I deeply missed the foods I loved from previous countries I had lived in. Food had always been an emotional connection to places and moments I cherished, and the absence of those comforts added to my feelings of disconnection. I craved certain foods that were usually hard to find. Even today, after over a decade, I still crave certain foods and go on long drives – and spend a good amount of money – to get that small bite of nostalgic nourishment. 

Perhaps the hardest part was the sense that people treated me differently. While I couldn’t always tell if this was real or just my perception, the feeling of “otherness” made the adjustment even harder.

Realizing I was in the culture shock phase was the first step toward overcoming it. From there, I implemented strategies that helped me not only adjust but also thrive in my new environment.

I noticed that constantly comparing “here” to “there” only amplified my feelings of separation. Humans naturally judge by comparison, but this mindset wasn’t helpful. Instead, I began looking for similarities between my old and new environments. Shifting my focus helped me see the common humanity in people and experiences, making me feel less like an outsider.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of generalizing when things don’t go as planned. For example, attributing a frustrating encounter to “people here are always like this” creates unnecessary barriers. I started viewing my interactions on a case-by-case basis. Perhaps someone was rude, but that didn’t mean the entire culture was like that—it might have just been a bad day for that person. This perspective reduced my frustration and allowed me to approach people with more empathy.

When I felt mistreated or excluded, I reminded myself that it wasn’t always about me. People’s reactions could stem from their own struggles or circumstances. By not personalizing these experiences, I freed myself from unnecessary emotional weight and focused on building genuine connections.

These strategies helped me navigate culture shock more effectively. While I still experience moments of disconnection or discomfort, I now have tools to handle them. The key is recognizing that culture shock is normal and temporary, and by taking proactive steps, you can minimize its impact.

If you’re preparing to move abroad, it’s important to understand that culture shock is a common part of the adjustment process. Knowing what to expect and having strategies in place can make all the difference. Adapting to a new culture takes time, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. Be patient with yourself as you navigate unfamiliar surroundings.

Looking for support on your move and life abroad? The Expat Journey Program offers tools and coaching to help you navigate every phase of your transition. Check it out here: www.expatjourneyprogram.com.