Challenges of Living Abroad: 10 Harshest Realities and How to Overcome

Choosing to live abroad can be a life-enriching decision, yet it immediately presents the challenges of living abroad. From navigating different cultures and customs to making new friends and learning a new language, the transition from your home country to a foreign land can be demanding.

In this blog post, I'll explore some of the common challenges of living abroad and share tips on how to navigate them. From experiencing culture shock and reverse culture shock to ensuring safety as an expat orimmigrant, I hope to provide valuable insight for anyone planning or considering a move abroad.

1

Navigating Unfamiliar Traditions: The Culture Shock

Culture shock is a natural response to the unfamiliarity of your new surroundings and is one of the most common challenges of living abroad. It can manifest as confusion, frustration, or even homesickness.

For someonemoving from the Philippines to Sweden, there can be a significant difference in societal norms and expectations. For instance, the climate, food, language, and social behaviors may all vary.

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This book offers insights into navigating cultural differences in a global business setting. Through real-world examples, Meyer provides practical strategies for improving communication and collaboration across cultures.

As newcomers, you might need to adapt to new clothing styles, ways of communicating, and self-expression. During this transition, it's important to keep an open mind and explore new aspects of life while staying true to yourself.

With patience and effort, adjusting to a new culture can be a fulfilling journey that expands your horizons!

Sweden's social norms and culture matched my preferences, so moving there didn't require a significant adjustment.

TIPS

How to overcome the culture shock

• Learn about the culture, traditions, and customs of the country you are moving to before you arrive.
• Being open to new experiences and different ways of doing things is important. Try to embrace the differences rather than resisting them.
• Create a daily routine to provide a sense of normalcy. It can also help you integrate local customs and practices into your life in a controlled, manageable way.
• Try to build a support network by connecting with other expatriates, and locals, or joining social groups. Sharing experiences and gaining different perspectives can be comforting and enlightening.
• Explore and find ways to make life abroad easier through practical advice and insights.

2

Lost in Translation: Conquering Language Barriers

Language barriers can be one of the most frustrating challenges of living abroad. It's a natural part of living in a foreign country, especially for those who have not yet learned the local language.

They can crop up in everyday situations, from ordering food at a restaurant to navigating public transportation or simply trying to make new friends.

For travelers and newcomers alike, being unable to communicate effectively can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration.

My Favorite Language Apps

• Duolingo
• iTalki
• Language Reactor
• Tandem
• YouTube
• Podcasts

TIPS

How to overcome the language barriers

• Utilize Duolingo or other language learning apps to help build your vocabulary.
• Enroll in classes on iTalki or use Tandem to practice conversations, improving your fluency and boosting your confidence.
• Dive into the language by listening to music, watching films with the Language Reactor extension, or reading books in the target language. This exposure can enhance your listening skills and help you grasp common phrases and cultural nuances.

3

The Professional Pivot: Adapting to a Different Work Culture

Work cultures can greatly differ from one country to another. Aspects such as work hours, business etiquette, and communication styles can vary drastically.

Adjusting to adifferent work culturecan be one of the challenges of working abroad, but it's important to learn the local norms and expectations. For instance, punctuality may be highly valued in certain countries, while others might adopt a more relaxed attitude.

Communication style is another important aspect to consider. Some cultures may prefer indirect communication, while others appreciate a more straightforward approach.

However, if you prefer working within a culture you're already comfortable with, consider exploring remote working opportunities. Platforms likeFlexJobsoffer a wide variety of remote jobs, allowing you to work in a familiar environment while living abroad. This approach can help ease some of the cultural challenges associated with working in a new country.

Regardless of your work setting, bylearning about the local work culture, you can avoid misunderstandings and build strong professional relationships.

TIPS

How to adapt to a different work culture

• Research the work culture of the country you'll be working in. Understand the general work etiquette, communication styles, and hierarchy within the workplace.
• Embrace the new work culture with an open mind. Respect the norms, values, and traditions of the workplace even if they are different from what you are used to.
• If you're unsure about something, don't hesitate to ask. It's better to ask and learn than to make assumptions that could lead to misunderstandings.
• Pay attention to how your colleagues behave, communicate, and handle work situations.

4

Miles Apart: Coping with the Distance from Home

One of the challenges of living abroad is the distance from home and the emotional impact it can have on immigrants and travelers!

Whilestudying in Australia, I didn't worry about the distance since it was just a short flight to the Philippines with a small time difference.

However,living in Swedenis different. The quickest flight to the Philippines takes around 18 hours, and airfare is costly, making frequent trips home less practical.

Being far from home can be both exciting and daunting. For many people living abroad, the distance can create feelings of homesickness, longing for familiar surroundings, and missing loved ones. The emotional struggle is a natural part of the experience and can manifest in various ways, depending on the individual and the distance involved.

Save on airline tickets and accommodations when you want to visit back home! Book withBooking.comand make your journey without stretching your budget.

• On our way home after 4 years!

Distance from home is inevitable, but it doesn't have to define your time abroad. By acknowledging the challenges and embracing strategies forcoping with homesickness, you can enjoy your adventures abroad while staying close to your roots!

TIPS

How to overcome homesickness

• Stay connected. Regularly communicate with family and friends back home through video calls, messaging, and social media.
• Build relationships with people in your new location. Having a supportive community can provide a sense of belonging and help alleviate feelings of isolation.
• Engage in activities or hobbies you enjoyed back home to maintain a sense of familiarity. Using NordVPN can help you bypass geographical restrictions, allowing you to access content or participate in online communities from your home country easily.
• Discover what your new environment has to offer. Exploring new places, trying new foods, and learning about the local culture can be exciting and help take your mind off what you miss.
• If possible, plan visits home or have family and friends come to visit you. Booking flights in advance can also snag cheaper deals, adding to the anticipation.

5

Celebrations at a Distance: Dealing with Missing Special Events Back Home

Living abroadoffers countless opportunities for growth and adventure. However, one of the often overlooked challenges of living abroad is the reality of missing out on special events back home. Life will continue for your loved ones back home.

Birthdays, weddings, holidays, and other important events will still take place, being far away can lead to feelings of guilt, disappointment, and disconnection.

This emotional struggle is one of the common challenges of living abroad and can impact your overall well-being.

Missing out on special events back home is part of living abroad, but it doesn't have to overshadow your experience! By finding ways to stay connected and involved in the lives of your loved ones, you can continue to cherish your relationships while embracing the opportunities that come with living abroad.

TIPS

How to deal with missing special events back home

• Make use of technology to attend events through video calls or live streams. This way, you can still be a part of the celebration and interact with loved ones.
• Start new traditions in your current location. This can help shift the focus from what you are missing to the new and exciting experiences you are creating.
• Connect with people and share your feelings with others who might be going through the same situation. Connecting with people who understand can provide comfort.
• If possible, plan visits home around significant events. Booking flights in advance can also snag cheaper deals, adding to the anticipation.

6

Balancing the Budget: Overcoming Financial Difficulties Abroad

People often say it might take up to two years to truly feel at home in a new country. This is one of the challenges I've experienced firsthand since moving abroad.Although my employer covered my moving expenses to Sweden, I've faced my fair share of financial struggles. Thecost of livingin Stockholm was a real adjustment for me.

Moving to a new countryoften involves adjusting to a different cost of living, managing currency exchanges, and navigating unfamiliar financial systems. These changes can lead to unexpected expenses, budgeting challenges, and financial stress.

Moreover, securing employment in a new country can be difficult, especially if there's a language barrier or a lack of recognition for your qualifications.

You can start planning, staying informed, and adopting smart financial habits so you can successfully navigate the complexities of money matters whilemaking the most of your life abroad.

TIPS

How to overcome financial difficulties abroad

• Set a realistic budget to manage your finances efficiently. Apps like YNAB can help track your expenses and identify areas for savings.
• Learn about affordable local resources that can help stretch your budget further.
• If facing employment challenges locally, consider finding a remote job. Websites like FlexJobs list various remote work opportunities across different fields.

7

Red Tape Roadblocks: Legal and Bureaucratic Challenges

Living abroad comes with its fair share of legal and bureaucratic challenges. Navigating the legal and bureaucratic systems in a new country can be both confusing and time-consuming. Fromobtaining visas and work permitsto dealing with local authorities and institutions, immigrants often find themselves facing unfamiliar processes and paperwork.

These challenges of living abroad can create feelings of frustration and stress.

In countries like Sweden, you need toobtain a personnummer (personal identification number)for various aspects of daily life, such asopening a bank accountoraccessing healthcare services. The process of obtaining a personnummer can be lengthy and complicated, causing delays and inconveniences in settling into your new life.

Acquiring the required visas and work permits is often one of the most intricate and lengthy procedures you'll encounter when living abroad.

The challenge often increases due to constantly changing immigration rules. This can be overwhelming, causing worry and unease as familiar rules may suddenly change.

TIPS

How to navigate the legal and bureaucratic challenges

• Look for content or local organizations that offer guidance on the legal and bureaucratic processes in your new location. If you're moving to Sweden, resources like this blog can provide valuable insights.
• Keep important documents well-organized and easily accessible. Utilizing organizational methods like the Building a Second Brain and the PARA method can be beneficial in managing your information.
• Seek advice from legal professionals familiar with immigration and local laws to ensure you are compliant with all legal requirements.
• Always use official channels for obtaining necessary permits, visas, or any other legal documentation. This ensures that you are receiving accurate and legitimate information.

8

Understanding Healthcare Differences

Another one of the challenges of living abroad isadapting to the healthcare system in your new country. Healthcare systems vary greatly from country to country, and understanding the differences is crucial for maintaining your well-being while living abroad.

Frominsurance coverageand costs to the availability of medical services and language barriers, navigating a foreign healthcare system can be overwhelming and confusing, especially during times of illness or injury.

More Insurance Options

AXA
SafetyWing
World Nomads

Communicating with medical professionals can be challenging if there's a language barrier. This can make it difficult to understand diagnoses, treatment options, and instructions, potentially impacting the quality of care you receive.

When I ended up in the emergency room and realized an ambulance brought me there, my first concern was the cost. But after spending a night in the hospital, I was surprised that I could leave without paying upfront, as they'd send an invoice to my home. The total bill ended up being less than $30.

TIPS

How to learn about healthcare in your new country

• Research how healthcare works in your new country, including the types of services available and how to access them.
• Sign up with a local doctor or within the healthcare system to ensure you have access to medical care when needed.
• Obtain health insurance to help cover medical costs and provide peace of mind while living abroad.

9

Making New Friends in a New Land

Whenmoving to a new country, leaving behind your familiar social circle can be intimidating and lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Making new friends and creating a support network in your new home can help you feel more connected, settled, and happier in your new environment.

Making new friends while living abroad can be challenging in various situations. Here are a few examples that I have experienced:

• Cultural differences: It can be difficult to connect with others and form close friendships. Understanding social cues, customs, and communication styles can take time, and misunderstanding may occur along the way.
• Language barriers: If you're not fluent in the local language, it can be difficult to communicate and connect with others. Conversations may feel limited or superficial, making it harder to form deeper connections.
• Busy schedules and priorities: As an immigrant, you might find yourself juggling work, family, and adapting to your new surroundings. This can leave little time for socializing, making it difficult to meet new people and foster friendships.
• Mismatched values: At times, the desire for new friendships might lead you to connect with individuals who don't quite share your values. While these connections might offer temporary companionship, they may not evolve into lifelong friendships - and that's okay.

TIPS

how to overcome the challenges of making new friends

• Engage in local clubs or activities based on your interests to meet like-minded individuals. Shared interests are a great foundation for friendships.
• Be open about your thoughts and experiences, and encourage others to do the same. Clear communication can help bridge cultural or linguistic gaps.
• Stay positive and patient as making new friends can take time, especially in a new country. Appreciate the diversity of experiences and perspectives you encounter.
• Utilize Social Media and Apps. Platforms like Meetup or Facebook Groups can be great resources to meet new people in your area. They often have events aimed at connecting locals with newcomers.

10

Adapting to a Different Pace of Life

Adapting to a different pace of life can be one of the more challenging aspects of living abroad. Each country has its own rhythm, influenced by cultural values,work-life balance, and social norms.Adjusting to a new pace of lifecan impact your daily routines, productivity, and overall well-being.

Depending on your destination country, you may find that the work environment moves at a much faster or slower pace than what you're used to. This can affect your ability to manage time, meet deadlines, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The way people socialize and spend their free time can also differ significantly between countries. You might find that social gatherings are more spontaneous and frequent, or perhaps they're more planned and infrequent. Adjusting to these differences can impact your ability to form connections and maintain friendships.

Even everyday tasks, such as shopping or using public transportation, can move at a different pace in your new country.

TIPS

how to adapt to a different pace of life

• Allow yourself time to adjust to the new pace. Every change requires a period of acclimatization, and it's okay to take it slow initially.
• Embrace the rhythm of your adopted country through mindfulness practices using BetterHelp. Whether it's through meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature, being present can help you adapt more easily.
• Understand that things may operate differently and at a different pace than what you're accustomed to. Setting realistic expectations can help reduce stress and frustration.
• Having a flexible schedule can help you adapt to unexpected delays or changes in plans. It also allows you to explore and enjoy the unique aspects of your new environment without feeling rushed.

Some Problems of Living in Another Culture

Living in another culture can present many challenges. One of the most difficult is adjusting to the new language. People living in a different country must learn to speak tparhat country's language, which can be difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, different cultures may have different customs and norms, which can be difficult for people from other countries to understand or accept.

Furthermore, living in a place with different cultural mores can mean finding it difficult to fit into the existing social structure and dynamics. All of this often leads to loneliness and frustration as one attempts to integrate into their new environment without completely losing their own cultural identity.

FAQs About the Challenges of Living AbroadHow can I learn the local language before moving abroad?

Learning the local language of a country you're planning to move to can be an enriching part of the relocation process. Not only can it make it easier for you to get around and go about your daily life in your new home, but it also allows you to better connect with the locals and learn more about their culture.

Start your language learning with platforms likeiTalki,Duolingo, orMemrise. They offer a variety of languages and learning paths to suit your needs.
What should I know about healthcare when living abroad?

When you recently moved abroad, chances are you still don't have access to public healthcare and you'll need to have international health insurance. Companies likeAXA,SafetyWing, andWorld Nomadsoffer plans that can provide you with peace of mind while waiting to access your new home's healthcare system.What are some essential items I need when moving abroad?

Depending on your destination, travel essentials might include travel adapters, luggage, packing organizers, etc. You can find these and more on mymoving abroad packing listpost.How can I access my home country's services when living abroad?

A reliable VPN service likeNordVPNcan help you access home-country services such as streaming platforms or online banking.What's the best way to manage finances when living abroad?

International money transfer services likeWiseorRevolutoffer low-cost, quick, and safe options for managing your money across borders.

Final Thoughts: Challenges of Living in Another Country

Living abroad presents a unique set of challenges that can test your adaptability and resilience. From navigating healthcare systems and making new friends to adjusting to a different pace of life, these hurdles are an integral part of the experience.

Embracing these challenges of living abroad with an open mind, patience, and a willingness to learn from our surroundings can lead to personal growth and enrich your life abroad. Ultimately, overcoming these obstacles will help you create unforgettable memories and transform your journey into a truly rewarding adventure!

Want more inspiration about moving abroad? Here are my favoritequotes about living abroad!

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