Venturing abroad which is commonly known as international moving or relocation is challenging. But many a times it is a necessity due to work or family circumstances. Many fancy the thought of venturing out to live in a foreign country. But shortly after arrival they are often faced with some of the cold realities of living in a foreign country. Your international move very often with dreams of spending every day discovering exotic spots and hidden treasures are replaced with discoveries of lapse of higene food, water or electricity shortages. In fact, daily life abroad can be both physically and emotionally draining if you are not well prepared.
As you might have experienced, life in an alien country may be depressing, but don't let it get you down. If you have moved to a new country, A living abroad experience, as a whole, can be greatly enjoyed and valued. The key to this result is handling day-to-day life. It’s all about learning how to keep your head above water instead of sinking. Adopting an appropriate life style will enable you to make the most of your abroad experience.
When you have decided to move internationally there are few essential principles you need to practice to get going smoothly. We'll take a closer look at each one of these principles.
Adapt Yourself: The first principle deals with adjusting to circumstances, people, culture and schedules in a different country. I have explained some of these information for expats moving to India in an article called “Relocation to India – Your first aid box”. (http://www.moverworldwide.com/articles/article3.htm) Plan to eat at the same time as others, schedule similar work hours, check the most celebrated festivals, go out on the town with the rest of the crowd. Find out when national holidays are. By adapting to the surrounding rhythm of life, you are discovering part of the culture on a firsthand basis.
Keen Observation required: This is a key element to keeping your head above water. Observe how people great each other, what subject people like to talk in a party/gathering, physical gestures etc. Cultural books and tourist guides may contain important information on a new culture, but some of the best ways to learn are simply by observing firsthand. Take into account what is classified as appropriate behavior. The same can be said of language. What you consider or practiced, as cultured behavior could be insult in your new country of domicile. Take note of these differences and you will save yourself from many embarrassments.
Be an Optimistic: You have decided to move to the new country or already moved in. Let the new atmosphere put you down. Be an optimistic. Pessimism can only add to your agony. The most satisfied, contented expats that I have known credit their happiness to a positive attitude. This does not mean that you will wake up smiling every day and spend it jumping up and down with excitement. What it does mean is keeping the right perspective in each situation. Look for ways to get involved in what the culture has to offer. Take advantage of the activities that you can do in your new environment. Try new foods, take a day to go exploring, or sign up for a cooking class. By focusing on what you can do in your situation and being confident that you can do it will make your stay more enjoyable.
Be a Part of the Society: You need to get involved in the society. Work on being a good team player. Most people who move to a different country form part of a group in some way, whether it be work, school, or social committees. Offering few hours of your busy schedule to a charitable organization or a community club with your expertise will work fast to get to the society. Look for ways to get involved with the group and consider the members to be your home away from home. By getting along with others you can form a support system that you can count on. I have come across multinational Expat house wives forming groups with members of the local community or parents association of a local minority school which are welcomed, accepted and appreciated by locals and the expat ladies finding it a relaxing and mingling experience. Those who involve in the local social groups are found more contented than that stick with clubs of their own nationalities. Remaining content in a foreign place for long periods of time can be a challenge. The first excitement fades away quickly and the realities of living abroad set in.
Flexibility works: While adapting deals with daily routines and developing a similar lifestyle, flexibility focuses on handling spontaneous situations. Life in foreign countries can be filled with sudden changes. If you only get one thing done a day due to numerous surprises, consider it successful anyway. Oft