The buzzword you’ve been hearing everywhere: repatriation. Your friend moved abroad last year and says he’s never been happier. Your old boss is about to relocate with her family – 4 kids and the dog too. “Why not?” you think.
The buzzword you’ve been hearing everywhere: repatriation. Your friend moved abroad last year and says he’s never been happier. Your old boss is about to relocate with her family – 4 kids, and the dog too. “Why not?” you think. Could be just the change you’ve been craving. Could also end up being a lot harder than you initially thought.
We’ve got a few repats on the Kaitzak team. A common topic that comes up in our discussions is what makes a successful repatriation process and how can we equip others who are thinking of moving with the tools needed to make a decision that’s right for them now and in the future.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you pack your bags.
Who will you turn to for advice on the best phone provider? What about when you get homesick? Knowing who will be there for you to provide different forms of support can ease the transition to a new place.
Many of us move abroad hoping to find a new community – and that’s perfectly great! If you’re moving without any connections to your new home, you may consider looking for expat clubs to join or volunteer groups who share similar interests. According to psychologist Martin Seligman, relationships are one of the key pillars to maintaining our well-being. Start thinking about who you want to have in your community and how you’ll start growing your social connections in a new country once you arrive.
If you answered anything along the lines of “myself, my personal growth, to learn new things”, congratulations. It sounds like your decision to move is motivated by your interests and self-development.
If your answer includes things like “I’m bored, my parents made me, or everyone else is doing it”, consider reevaluating. While a move abroad may temporarily cure some of these, this decision is a big deal and you should be in the right mindset before you make it.
Despite the challenges you’ll face, making the decision from a place that aligns with your values will prepare you to take on new obstacles and enjoy the benefits for the right reasons.
Have I Considered the Practical Essentials?
This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how often repats get swept away by the excitement of it all and forget these seemingly simple but important things.
Will you be crashing at a friend’s? Have you rented out a place already? Having a plan for housing in a new country for the first few months will alleviate unnecessary stress.
Currency, banking, exchange rates, oh my! If you can, take a few months of savings with you until you settle into your new home. Learn about the exchange rates and open a bank account as soon as possible.
In our tech age, no internet can be a problem. There’s nothing worse than moving abroad and realizing your phone isn’t unlocked for a SIM card (been there, wouldn’t do it again). You can grab a SIM card at the airport and start looking for Internet providers if your accommodation doesn’t already have access.
Oh, change. We hate when it’s completely absent and can’t stand it when it arrives. We all cope with change differently. Some of us crumble into pieces, others thrive and want more of it. Whatever your coping style is, know what helps you when times get tough. If you turn to peers for support, prioritise meeting upcoming repats before you move. If your mind gets cloudy without exercise, activate that gym membership your first week there. Knowing what puts you in the best shape mentally and physically will save you a lot of time and energy – and let you focus on enjoying your new life.
You booked your flight, you’ve packed your bags. But what will you actually be doing there? If you’ve traveled to your new home in the past, remember the tourist experience rarely overlaps with the reality of living there. Whether you’re continuing your education, starting a new job, or launching your own business, it helps to know what roles and responsibilities you’ll have that will give you purpose and structure in your days.
Do your research. Trust us. And some of this information will not be on Google. Talk to a friend or a local to understand big no-nos. Every culture is unique and everything from how you greet people to what you say when getting off the train may be radically different from what you’re used to. Don’t make assumptions. Taking the time to learn about spoken – and unspoken – rules will help you immerse yourself in the culture’s logic and ease in more effortlessly.
