The things people never tell you about living in other Countries

When I reflect on my 18-year relocation journey, I wonder if anything could have prepared me for it. I started thinking about things I wish people told me about living in different countries. Who knows how different my journey would have been? In service to people who just moved or are thinking about moving to a different country and city, I am sharing some things to help them prepare better and enjoy the journey.
 
Continuing the Her Relocation series, in this blog post, we will discuss ten things people never tell you about living abroad or in a new city. It is crucial to know these things as it will help you address them heads on and increase your happiness in your new home.
 
It gets lonely sometimes
Leaving your social network behind when you move to a new country or city can be very difficult. And the truth is that it takes a lot of effort to build your new social network. At different phases on your relocation journey, you will miss people in your life.
 
MC's Tip: Make it a priority to build a new social network when you move.
 
The search for the food you enjoy will take more effort
Food is an integral part of feeling at home in a new environment. If you have followed my previous posts about my relocation journey, you know that finding food that I really enjoyed when I moved to Germany and the US was a priority.
 
MC's Tip: Find your favorite meals early.
 
There may be hurdles on your way
Settling into life in a new country may not be as smooth as you expect. The truth is that there will be some unexpected challenges that you may face on your journey. Even with very good plans, reality may look slightly different.
 
MC's Tip: Remind yourself of the good that is happening to you.
 
Your experiences may differ from previous experiences
For a while, you might be trying to draw parallels between your current relocation journey and prior experiences. When I moved to the US, I kept expecting my experience to be like when I moved to Germany about fourteen years before. I can now confirm that there are some similarities, but some experiences are very new.
 
MC's Tip: Accept that your relocation journey may be very different
 
People will ask you questions you are not prepared for
In my recent video titled Questions not to ask an Immigrant and Questions to ask an Immigrant, I discuss the different questions people have asked me in the different countries I have lived in.
 
MC's Tip: Guard your happiness by assuming the best intentions with the questions people ask you.
 
You will eventually adapt
The good news about change is that eventually, you will adapt to your new life. Especially at the beginning, it's hard to think about things improving. However, as you learn more about your new home, you'll grow to enjoy it.
 
MC's Tip: Be patient and hopeful. It gets better with time.
 
There will be things you don't get used to
In the previous point, I stated that you would eventually get used to your new life. While that is true, there are still somethings that you will never adapt to. In my post titled "10 Things you never get used to when you move to new countries" I share some of the things for me.
 
MC's Tip: Accept the fact that somethings may remain foreign.
 
You will continuously learn something new
Even after many years of living in a place, there is still so much to learn about your new home. Live each day with an open mind to learn new things about the people, culture, food and environment.
 
MC's Tip: Be open to learn and expand your perspective continuously.
 
You will have many opportunities to learn about yourself
The best way to grow personally is to take yourself out of your normal situation. When you move to a new environment, you are pushed to spend a lot of time getting to know yourself. With the right focus and having a growth mindset, you will become a better you.
 
MC's Tip: Spend time getting to know yourself and your boundaries
 
It could potentially be the start of a great future
The change associated with your relocation may be the well-needed beginning of a successful future. From my experience, I can confidently say that moving to new countries has propelled my life in the right direction and brought me a lot of success.
 
MC's Tip: Seek out new opportunities and make the best of them.
 
Final Thoughts

• Relocating to a new city and country may seem daunting and scary. However, a lot of good comes out of change.

• Sharing our journeys can be very beneficial to the people around us.

• Enjoy the ride and your experiences.

 
Call to Action
What are some things you wish you knew before you moved?
What has been your favorite moment of your relocation journey so far?