Living abroad
One of the biggest difficulties with moving overseas is the separation from friends and family – but this should be one of the most exciting times of life for anyone making the leap. Here are some suggestions on how to make the most of your new situation.
With everything else involved in moving overseas, it is easy to think that leaving the ‘social' side of your move to look after itself will be fine, but in many ways, this needs as much research and thought as the rest of the process. The last thing you want is to be stuck in your new home on a large development with no idea of where to get a pre-dinner drink, or bereft of the company of others.
Perhaps the biggest thing to do is to make sure you ‘network' before you get to your destination. Find out as much as you can from people who have already made the move by engaging in internet forums and discussions – many websites, including BuyAssociation.co.uk, have a way for you to ask honest questions without fear, and encourage other users to help with the answers. Thousands of people have moved overseas and enjoyed the experience, and most of them are more than happy to pass on their tips and advice to others.
Try to think of your holiday home as more of a ‘home' than a ‘holiday'. This sounds obvious, but if you treat the new property as your home from the start and get involved in residents' associations, neighbourhood watch or anything similar, you will make friends and connections quickly, and feel a part of the community.
This also applies to hobbies and interests. Find out in advance if there are any local groups to cater for your pastimes, and where you might find a place to mix with other people who share your passions. Whether it is paragliding, model trains or amateur dramatics, you will often find there are like-minded people around with whom you can spend time.
Don't stop with the local expat community either. The more effort you make to integrate with the local people, the more rewarding you will find you time in your new home. Learn some of the language before you arrive so that you have a way of connecting with local people, then you will find you develop quickly and gain in confidence. Being involved in a local group that caters for your hobbies is a great way to learn the language, as you will want to communicate your passion to other people.
Finally, make sure you keep in touch with friends and family in the UK. The more they come out to visit, the happier you will feel, and the more confident you will be in your new life.
Where next?
Enquiry form