The idea of getting to move abroad is exhilarating; not a lot of people get the opportunity to strategize about moving abroad, getting to change their environment, learning a new language, learning about a culture, and so on. Needless to say, all of this is incredibly exciting.  Leaving behind the familiar and stepping into the unknown can be a challenging experience. Sometimes, at the last second, households will drop this idea, this opportunity, because of how intimidating it can be. Sure, it’s exciting, and at the same time, it’s intimidating too. 

This isn’t a vacation; it’s a whole new lifestyle, and you’re having to go completely outside of your comfort zone and learn new things. But you need to keep in mind that this can absolutely be done, and anyone can do this. Seriously, this is an incredible opportunity, but it’s all about getting over that intimidation first. So, here’s exactly what you need to do. 

You Should Start By Acknowledging Your Feelings

It's perfectly normal to feel intimidated and anxious about moving to a new country. Acknowledging your emotions and accepting them as a natural part of the process is the first step to managing them effectively. Remember that many people have faced similar challenges and emerged stronger from their experiences. Seriously, it’s normal, and bluntly put, moving abroad isn’t easy either. You need the right documentation, you need to hire local movers, you need to find a new home, learn a new language, and the list goes on and on. So, by simply acknowledging your feelings rather than burying them can help you approach this much better. 

Research and Connect with Expats

Of course, everything seems intimidating if you don’t know the whole truth about how it is to live in another country. Knowledge is a powerful tool for reducing anxiety. So you’ll be helping yourself a lot by learning about the culture, language, customs, and practical aspects like healthcare, transportation, and housing. But it shouldn’t end there either.  

Websites and even YouTube videos will sometimes be vague, or they’ll only cover the basics of what soon-to-be expats need to know, but not the nitty gritty. Since there’s still that unknown aspect, it’s going to help a lot to connect with ex-pats. Join online forums and social media groups (especially on Facebook) for expats in your target country to connect with others who have faced similar challenges and can offer guidance.

If You Can Visit the Destination in Advance

So, it’s important to note that going on a vacation to said destination is not going to feel the same as moving. Sure, it’s going to give you an idea of how the people are, the culture, and the way of life, but it’s not going to be the same. So, with that in mind, this can still help out in losing that intimidation because the place is already familiar enough to you. Not everyone really has the chance to try it out, so if you have the funds and the time, this could immediately help you overcome that intimidation.