The short answer to this rather complex question would be: it depends. There are so many different factors to consider when you’re uprooting and leaving for a completely new environment, and it always depends on you as a person as well as the circumstances surrounding the move itself. Everything from whether or not you speak the language of the destination country, if you’re familiar with their ways of life, all the way to if this is your first time moving to a new country or you’ve been a digital nomad for years can affect how you feel upon your move.
Since such a change of your life can be stressful, intricate, and may become an obstacle to you successfully devoting yourself to your professional growth, let’s go over a few tips that can help make the transition easier.
Take Up A Hobby
When you think of starting your life in a completely different place, especially if you’re moving with your family, then taking up a hobby is most likely the very last thing on your mind. It seems frivolous and like a waste of time considering that you’ve just made a major lifestyle change. However, taking up something you enjoy doing can help you integrate more seamlessly with this new culture. You’ll meet people with similar interests, locals as well as foreigners who’ve come for the same reason you have.
You’ll be able to use this time during the week to detox from stress and socialize with people you meet during those classes. It can be a dance course, an art workshop, martial arts lessons, or even a yoga class. Keep an open mind when it comes to expanding your social circles with the help of such simple methods, and you’ll soon start making connections in your new country of residence.
Learn And Use The Language
Culture shock stems from a wide range of circumstances, and it can be quite stressful, especially for kids who have a hard time picking up the local language and if they don’t speak a common language to communicate with other kids. That’s why many families moving to exotic destinations in Asia such as Hong Kong often make sure to send their kids to learn English and spend more time with local youngsters while they master this new language.
Certain schools such as Monkey Tree in Hong Kong specialize in providing such courses that make it easy for your little ones to learn English through play and without stress. Soon enough, these classes can make them feel more integrated and allow them to bond with other kids in the school as well as outside of the classes. This is definitely one of the easiest ways to make the transition all the simpler for your entire family. You could also listen to language learning courses during your commutes, or even while swimming or in the shower with waterproof headphones!
Do Some Volunteer Work
When you join a new community with very little knowledge of how best to fit in, especially if you come from an entirely different culture and you’re joining them with your family, it can seem like an intimidating endeavor. Still, moving to a new country to advance professionally leaves plenty of room for volunteer work in the community which you’re joining. Even the smallest acts of kindness and care can help your new culture to embrace you, and for you to feel more welcome among them.
For instance, you can work with kids in South Africa if you’re a versed swimmer or surfer, which can help you stay active, improve the local community, and even allow your own kids to bond with local youngsters. It’s a triple-win in every sense, and a wonderful way for you to show your appreciation and gratitude for being given an opportunity to build your life in this new place.
Plan Your Move Thoroughly
Whether the reason for your move stems from your job, or you’ve decided that you’d like to spend more time learning about new cultures with your family, you need to be prepared. Any scenario requires you to think in advance, anticipate potential issues, and think of contingencies that will help you overcome obstacles in case you ever need to.
Talk to people who’ve already moved to this new country, and ask for specific tips on adapting with greater ease. Learn as much as you can about your new work environment, and how you can be your most productive self. Educate yourself and your family about the culture you’re about to join, as knowing certain customs and traditions can be of great help when moving to a new country.
Talk About The Transition
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help with the transition. Many have done it successfully, and asking for their support and advice is one of the best ways to make the move all the smoother for you and every member of your family. While this may be a major step up for your career, you should also make sure it’s an improvement for your overall life. Use these tips, and you’ll be able to eliminate or minimize certain issues of this new chapter of your life!
