Having Realistic Expectations When Moving Abroad

Are you ready for the challenges of living abroad?

Are you considering moving abroad? Have you thought through all the implications and challenges? If you are planning this massive step, it is important to have an "end game". The first question you must ask yourself is, "is this permanent?"

My wife and I are emigrants* who left the United States 25 years ago. We have not had any (or many) regrets, but it certainly did present challenges that we were not expecting and for which we could never have planned. It also has brought untold joy and satisfaction, but this only if you have the right mindset and approach!

When we look at others who have proclaimed they are "moving abroad", only to return home after a few years, we can observe some of the following reasons why it didn't work out permanently for them. Bearing these in mind as risk factors before you go can help your chances of success...or at least allow you set a realistic about your end game.

• Family. The number one reason people return to their home country is to be closer to their family. You may not realise how much you will miss them when you are abroad and can only see them occasionally. The breaking point for many is when a couple have their first child abroad.

• Lifestyle differences. The next most common reason for throwing in the towel is that the challenges presented by the lifestyle in the new country, coupled with nostalgia for the old, drives people home to what is more familiar. It is often at about the 5 year point that the novelty of the new country wears off and the challenges feel like they supercede the joys of the abroad experience. Common themes are housing differences, climate, financial or employment challenges. Let's face it, being abroad is not the same as being a tourist and your lifestyle will have to change. The key question you must consider: are you willing to accept, and to a certain degree adopt, the lifestyle of the new country? If you are unsure about this, spend more time reflecting on it. *For more on the kinds of "being abroad", see my post on the differences between digital nomads, expatriates and emigrants.

• Language. Language is not number one in this list, but it is very important. My advice is, if you are going long term to a country where a different language is spoken, learn that language! Don't believe people who tell you that you can "get by with English". You may be able to get by, but that won't help you overcome the lifestyle and integration challenges. In the long term, you must learn the language at least somewhat, unless you want to remain in an "expat bubble". Remember that even if you can "get by" in English, this won't help you fill out a tax declaration, apply for a driver license, or call a plumber!

• Cultural Differences. This is a bit like a relationship. The "quirks" of someone you are starting a relationship with either become annoyances longer term or they become the things you truly love about that person! The same is true in your relatioship with the new country. Those little habits of the locals, the mannerisms, the cultural differences - you will need to either love them, or you will end up hating them! For many, the characteristics of the people and the cutural mores and folkways become a burden.

• Social Isolation. There's no getting around it - moving abroad means starting over. If you are a very social person, or thrive on having lots of friends around, then you will have your work cut out for you in the new country, especially if you don't learn the language. We have lived in both the UK and Switzerland long term and can reflect on the challenges building a social network in both. It is hard - there is no denying it - but it also possible.

So you see, moving abroad has a lot to consider besides the cost of shipping, and what kind of visa you need! It pays to reflect on each of these points before you jump! We will publish more on each of these points in subsequent posts.