They say that everyone should move abroad at least once in their life and it is not difficult to see why. You get the chance to experience an entirely new country, live the high life, enjoy some sunshine (depending on where you go, of course), and create some amazing memories.
However, there is no denying that it can be a roller-coaster journey. There are going to be some ups and downs and your relationship is going to go through some tests along the way. With that being said, read on to discover some amazing tips for couples that are moving abroad.
Don’t make a strict timeline
Most people like to have a timeline when they make the decision to move abroad. For example; they want to have a job within ‘x’ months, they want to return back to their home country by ‘x’ date and so on.
Not everything goes to plan and you need to be prepared for the unexpected, so it is better not to have such a strict timeline and go with what feels right and embrace the journey. Putting a timeline on your new life only creates more stress and pressure.
Discuss your goals
It is important to discuss your goals before you move overseas. Why did you decide to move? It will be a question you will be asked in job interviews, by your partner and also by protective family and friends. It is vital to discuss your precise expectations and goals of those dreams, and to be on the same page in your relationship when making such a big decision.
Learn the language together
It is always a good idea to learn the local language when moving to a new place. At the very least you should learn common everyday phrases before you even get on the plane.
Once you arrive it is a smart idea to take language classes with your partner. The locals will respect you immensely for trying to immerse in their way of living, no matter how broken your dialect is.
Spend time apart
Spending time apart in any relationship is healthy but it can be incredibly difficult when you are moving to place where you only know each other. It is important to take time to yourself so you have a break from depending solely on each other. Go for a run/walk or take a few hours to go shopping and explore the city.
You will both need to make an effort to meet some new friends. This can be challenging especially when there is a language barrier. Nevertheless, there tends to be large expat communities in most international cities so this should make life a lot easier.
Join a forum where you will be able to talk to people that were once in your position. You may make some new friends from this and at the very least you will gain some valuable advice that is going to make your move a lot easier.
Get help when needed
There are so many different things you will need to do when moving abroad and you can often feel like you are drowning in your to-do list. This is why it is a good idea to enlist help when needed.
This could be anything from hiring a migration agent to assist with your visa, to asking some of your friends and family members to help with packing up your belongings. This will ease the pressure you’re both dealing with and give you some peace of mind that everything will be done on time.
Don’t lose the romance in your partnership
It can be easy for the romance to dwindle away when there are so many other pressures that come with a big move! Romance can often take a backseat on the priority list; especially when you are trying to budget. However, it is important to keep the romance alive and to have regular date nights to keep your love flourishing.
Communicate with each other
It is so important to be vocal with your partner when you move abroad. The worst thing you can do is keep things bottled up until you end up exploding in frustration. You need to listen and hear each other concerns.
Don’t expect to adapt perfectly right away
You need to be prepared for a few hurdles along the way. Some people assume that everything is going to go perfectly. You are moving to a new destination with so many amazing things to offer from sunshine to a more luxurious lifestyle.
What could possibly go wrong?
When you have this unrealistic attitude, any type of pressure can hit you twice as hard. Adapting to a new environment isn’t easy for many people. After all, you are going to be embracing any entirely new way of life and you are doing this without the support of your friends and family nearby. Understanding and accepting this will help you both adjust to your new home.
Understand each other’s differences
When moving abroad, you need to understand that you and your partner are different people and because of this, you may have completely opposite experiences with how things unfold early on. It is important to respect that your partner is not always going to be feeling the same way as you about the experience and honor that.
Have patience
Having patience is one of the most important tips when moving abroad. Not only do you need to have patience with each other (because you may view this journey differently) but you also need to give some time to adjust to your new surroundings.
Many people move abroad and when everything does not fall into place immediately, they decide to pack their bags and go home. Don’t give in this easily because you are homesick.
You should also avoid going back home for a holiday too quickly. This will only make the move more difficult. Wait until you are settled and content before taking a journey home. Why not ask your family members to visit you instead?
Living out of a suitcase is not going to be easy
When you move to a new country you may only have as many belongings as you can carry in the early stages. This can be very frustrating not having all the comforts you are used to. This can be very hard for some people and for others it is a great adventure and does not bother them at all.
Immerse yourself into the culture
It is all about immersing yourself in the culture when trying to adjust to a new environment. You should get out there and mingle with the locals. Enjoy the local delicacies and embrace their way of life. Be mindful and respectful of their customs. This will make your transition into their way of life much easier.
Set aside some extra money
Finances can be a strain on any relationship and this is definitely the case when moving abroad. Some people are shocked by how financially tough moving to a new destination can be. Be prepared by setting a budget ahead of time and put some money away so that you have a buffer for any unexpected financial situations that may arise.
Learn how to cope with missing family and friends
Last but not least, dealing with family and friends back home is one of the most difficult parts of moving to another country. You are leaving your loved ones behind and they can feel the loss even more than you do. Be gentle and honest with them by explaining this decision to move and ask for their support.
Hopefully you now feel more prepared for the journey that is ahead of you. It is important to stick together and help each other through this difficult journey. Stay connected and talk to each other often to combat the initial loneliness you may all feel.
Preparing yourself with all of these tips mentioned above will give you and your partner the greatest chance of moving abroad successfully. It is never easy to uproot your life to a completely new city where you know very few people, but with every new adventure you learn so much about life and the diverse experiences it has to offer.
Collaborative Post
Susan McCord @ The Dear Sybersue Talk Show
