There are many things to know about moving to a new country. I’ve moved twice in my life and I wish someone had told me about those following six facts that are crucial to know if you’re planning to move to a new country.
First impressions are everything, most of the time.
I can’t stress enough how important first impressions are. The impression you first give to new people you meet sometimes tends to be the only background check that they are able to do.
Not just that, also your first impression of the country plays a big role in the mixture of emotions you’re going to have along the time you’ll be living there.
That is why, it is best to keep in mind the importance of first impressions. Try to ‘act’ the way you want others to view you and the way you want to view yourself. However, remember, first impressions can be wrong too
It’s like nothing you’ve experienced before
You’re thinking, “I’ve moved schools before, so it should be similar.” No. Trust me, you’ll wish it was just that you changed schools. But just buckle up for the journey and you’ll be okay.
Age matters
It’s just what it is. The older you are, the harder it gets to adjust to a new setting.
Don’t forget to say goodbye
I know a lot of people would rather not say goodbye when they leave, but trust me, just get them over with. Cut the drama, avoid “what if’s” and carry on. You’re not really over someone or something if you aren’t facing them.
Stop counting the days
You’ll lose count and you will lose a hold of your sanity if you happen to stay in that country for more than you’ve originally anticipated. Instead, try to make your stay fun, or try staying busy enough. Eventually you’ll forget to count.
Some ships sink
Some friendships last, others don’t. The people you meet at the beginning aren’t always the best friends you might be seeking and that’s okay. Just don’t enclose yourself in a circle of friends, nor in a bubble without human contact. Try and talk to people. Find common grounds and you never know who might be “the one” you’re destined to call at 3 a.m. to complain about how your waiter didn’t put enough parmesan cheese on your pasta.
Also, keep in mind that friendships back home are hard to keep, but nothing is impossible. Being in different timezones doesn’t help either, but at some point you and your friend will come to an understanding that you are both on two different routes, but share a connection, that no one can cut, not even distance.
At the end of the day, everyone has different experiences when moving to a new country, sometimes positive and other times can be negative experiences. To conclude, just be yourself, love yourself and try to remind yourself that nothing is permanent. Everything is temporary, be patient and find out how you can get the best experiences or lessons out of situations. Last but not least, don’t be scared to start new journeys. I promise you, they are worthwhile.