Living abroad can be an incredible experience that many people choose to try on for size for a year or two and then end up staying in their country of choice forever. Others however, have a more difficult time of it. Try as they might they miss the comforts and familiarities of home and never feel like they fit in.
How can would be expats prepare themselves and ensure they stand a chance of fitting in? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the answers to that question. Whilst they can depend a lot on the particular country in question, there are ways to help yourself feel at home when loving abroad – especially when you’re living in your own house or flat!
Some of the best advice for expats or would be expats does in fact, centre on making one’s house truly feel like home. This can provide a sanctuary as you play stranger in a strange land. Tips here include: -
Decorating touches. Whilst it is cost prohibitive in many cases to ship the entire contents of a British home to another country, do make sure to bring some important decorating touches. Whatever truly speaks of “home” to you in the UK should come along. Perhaps it’s a special piece of furniture, the crockery or maybe even blankets, curtains or linens. Whatever the case, make an effort to bring along the homeliest of decorating touches.
Personal effects. Making sure to bring along photos of loved ones, favourite places at home and other similar personal effects can help make a new flat or home in a strange country feel just right.
Food. Whilst imported food can cost a fair amount, having a few tastes of home in your new place can go a long way psychologically. Whether it’s a favourite tea brand, a type of biscuit or breakfast cereal, stock it along with staples from your new country of choice.
Television. Don’t discount the importance of having a channel or two from the UK on a cable set up. This can be especially helpful for expats who live in countries where English is not commonly spoken. It is very comforting to hear a familiar voice now and again. Plus, the cable set up can help with learning the new language too. This is of course if you remember to turn the channels to local ones from time to time!
Music. Not every country where expatriating is popular has ready access to British or American music. Load up an MP3 player or CD collection before moving. The same can go for American and British movies.
Other ideas. The best things for expats to do to start making themselves feel at home in their new land is to get out, explore and try to meet people. The sooner you are acclimated and things look familiar and welcoming, the more likely you are to enjoy your experience.
Living abroad can be a life-changing experience. Making sure you feel at home – especially in your home – can help take away some of the homesick pangs that plague many expats.
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