5 Things About Moving Abroad That You Can’t Let Scare You

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Moving anywhere can be a little scary, especially if you don’t know what to expect. However, here are five things that may create fear and apprehension when preparing to move abroad, but they don’t need to deter you from moving forward. These five things, if embraced or approached with love can help you appreciate your journey versus creating fear and hindering how you move forward. 

Cultural Differences

Culture is what binds and often defines who a person truly is. If you are living in a foreign country, then most likely you have a fondness for culture in the first place. You may love different foods, music, language, and art. However, when you move to a foreign country and you are faced with unfamiliar cultural norms that you weren’t aware of, then you might begin to question, “Why in the hell did I move here?” Yet, don’t let this deter you because adjusting to cultural differences takes time and toleration, which you may often find a shortage of when trying to adjust to living in a foreign country. But time is on your side when it comes to this. Let’s face it, we have people in our own families that we have to learn to adjust to as well. So, if you view moving abroad like going to a family reunion, then you should be fine. Take everything as a learning experience and remember, “When in Rome, do as the Romans”.

Language

It’s easy to be intimidated by someone speaking a mile a minute in a foreign language when you are struggling with how to say, “Hello”. However, don’t let fluency prevent you from moving abroad nor should you allow it to intimidate you. Ideally, you would want to speak a language fluently before moving, but honestly, it is a whole lot easier to learn the language in the country with the natives than it is sitting in a classroom of people practicing. Also, moving abroad is an adventure, as long as you are trying, then natives may find you funny but adore you for the attempt. Allow this the be your great language learning experience you did not get in high school.

Politics

Ok, we live in a world where Donald Trump has become president. So, with that being said life anywhere and everywhere can be a little scary. However, you don’t have to agree with the politics of said country to live there. However, please be aware of the politics and know how one should conduct oneself. Please don’t go to a communist country and think you have all the freedoms in the world, cause that may land in jail, and remember Trump won’t come get you if you are American. The best advice here is to leave the politics to the politicians, don’t open converse about your political views, and be wise enough to do your homework on the politics of the country you are moving to and all should be well.  

Propaganda

The news will keep you scared or on some fear base excursion if you make it part of your daily practice. However, if you watch the news taking all that is says with a grain of salt you will most likely sleep better at night. Journalist or better yet broadcasters have this way of spinning the news and creating fear base accusations that keep people bound to the status quo. However, I don’t want to make it seem like I am selling the “Fake News” notation either because I am not. Yet, some news especially when it comes to foreign affairs is spent to make some countries less attractive than others based on politics and economics. So, with that being said, go and find out for yourself, you might be surprised what you learn.

Other Peoples Perspective

Okay, other people have experienced based off of who they are, what they believe, and what they are attracting to them. So, I know it seems like a good idea to ask people how they feel about a place and what they have encountered, but remember that may not be your experience. I think it is a good idea to be mindful of what other people have experienced, but know that honestly, your journey is yours to own. Sometimes we let what other people have been through paint a picture in our minds that hold us hostage to their fears that simply aren’t really for us. Do yourself a favor and trust in your own divine instincts.