How to live in another country

- Becoming an expat

Moving to another country is a significant decision that can bring new opportunities, challenges, and experiences.

Living abroad allows us to immerse ourselves in a different culture, step out of our comfort zone and gain a better perspective on ourselves.

Through this experience, our eyes are opened to a new way of seeing and understanding the world. We have the unique perspective of seeing ourselves more clearly and understanding our values better - sometimes for the first time.

How to live in another country is not a straightforward question to ask. 

On this page, we discuss a few areas to help you as you navigate how to live in another country :

How we answer the question “how to live in another country?”
Get clear on if moving abroad is right for you
Top 5 reasons people move abroad

(coming soon)

Do your research to help with planning

How we answer the question “how to live in another country?”

If you score the internet you will come across dozens of articles telling you how to prepare to live abroad (think visas, savings, health insurance) but not as many that equip you with tips and tools on how you can make the decision to move or not, what to focus on once you arrive, and what steps you can take to make your life abroad fulfilling and enjoyable.

When moving to another country, you have the logistical side to consider and you have the personal and emotional side. This is the side that is often forgotten and left out but arguably is the most important.

As expat coaches, we understand the “how to live” part in terms of good living; well-being; fulfillment; and being purpose-driven. This is the part we concern ourselves with most.

Our core business is supporting expats to live joyfully and purposefully as they navigate their lives abroad. It is what we know best.

Get clear on if moving to another country is right for you

Whether moving to another country is the right choice for you depends on a variety of factors, such as your personal and professional goals, financial situation, and the cultural and lifestyle differences of the country you're considering.

Getting clarity on whether moving to another country is right for you can be a challenging process.

Here we offer 10 journal prompts to help you

reflect on your decision:

  • What are my motivations (my why) for moving overseas?
  • What are my biggest fears or concerns about moving overseas?
  • How will moving overseas impact my relationships with friends and family?
  • What are the biggest challenges I anticipate facing in a new country?
  • What do I hope to gain from moving overseas?
  • What are the non-negotiables in my life that I must have in a new country to be happy?
  • How will moving overseas impact my career or professional goals?
  • What are the most important cultural differences I should be aware of in my new country?
  • What support systems or resources do I have in place for making the move?
  • What would I need to do in order to feel prepared for the move overseas?

By reflecting on these prompts and writing down your thoughts, you can gain a deeper understanding of your motivations, fears, and goals, which can help you make a more informed decision about whether moving overseas is right for you.

Do your research to help with planning: logistical resources to help you with your move abroad

Here are a few helpful articles to help you think about the logistics of moving abroad.

Your Ultimate International Moving Checklist

The ultimate moving abroad checklist

9 Steps to Get You Ready to Move Abroad

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And start living your best expat life today!