Are you thinking about packing up your life and moving abroad? Well, let me be the first to say it’s normal to have reservations about the uncertainties that lie ahead. Life in a foreign country, whether you’re a digital nomad or backpacker, comes with a lot of X factors–challenges and circumstances you may have never considered.
But fear not! I’m going to walk you through all the unexpected challenges I’ve faced after living abroad for three years and how to overcome them. With a little cleverness and perseverance, there ain’t nothing that can stop you from living a life of adventure in a foreign country. So, let’s go!
1. Handling Culture Shock
Culture shock is real, and everyone who travels abroad experiences it–everyone. It’s no surprise that living in a foreign world where the customs are different, the language is different, and the sounds, tastes, and smells are different that you feel a bit overwhelmed. The symptoms of adjusting to a new culture start to creep in around the three-month mark for many travelers. If you suddenly notice you’re feeling irritated, disconnected, or resentful, that’s a clear-cut sign that you’re in the stages of culture shock.
So, how can you deal with it?
Remind yourself that you’re not the only one to go through it. Speaking with other travelers is a wonderful way to hash out your feelings and get advice from those who’ve been there. Be patient and take some time for yourself. Have a few nights in and watch your favorite shows or treat yourself to a familiar dinner–no one will judge you if you go to McDonald’s. Traveling is all about expanding your boundaries, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be comfortable now and again.
2. Figuring Out Visas
Figuring out the visa situations of other countries isn’t on anyone’s favorite-things-about-travel list. Depending on where you’re going, you may need to apply in advance, have a certain amount of blank pages in your passport, or even pay a fee. Most countries will only grant expats a few months of entry, which means you’ll have to apply for an extension or residency if you’d like to stay longer, and that can be a tedious, time-consuming process.
The good news is that more and more countries are making it easier for expats to move abroad. Countries like Costa Rica, Portugal, Brazil, Croatia, and many others offer visas specifically for digital nomads or online freelancers. The requirements vary in each country, but the general gist is that you have to make a certain amount of money each month, and–voilá!–you have a long-term visa (most last a year) that can be renewed over and over again!
3. Living in a Different Time Zone
Going overseas means living in a different time zone, and that can bring a slew of challenges. If you’re working online for a company headquartered in North America, routine business meetings could take place at two or three o’clock in the morning, depending on where you are. But whether you’re working or not, living in a new time zone will make it harder to keep in touch with friends and family.
Luckily, there is an endless catalog of remote jobs that allow you to work from any time zone. So, if your current employer won’t allow you to change your schedule, try something new or start your own online business! And to make sure you stay in contact with loved ones back home, agree on a time to talk with them every week. It’ll give you something to look forward to and keep your relationships healthy.
4. Building a Community
Here’s a big challenge many expats face while living abroad: loneliness. Despite what you might see on Instagram of these world travelers living seemingly perfect lives, there’s a whole other side to it. When you decide to live in a foreign country where you don’t know a single soul, you can anticipate some lonely days and nights. Even when you do meet fellow travelers, you know that the relationships will only last until one of you moves on to the next location.
Don’t let the fear of loneliness stop you from living abroad because spending time alone will lead to self-growth and mental resilience. There are also plenty of ways to build a community wherever you go. Join Facebook groups for expats in the area and attend social events. Staying at hostels is a great way to meet fellow travelers, and you might be surprised at how interested locals are in getting to know foreigners.
So, yes, there will be times you feel alone, but it’s all a part of the process, and if you put yourself out there, chances are you’ll make new and everlasting relationships.
5. Missing Family and Friends
Leaving home is exciting. There’s a whole world of adventure just waiting for you to experience but being away from family and friends is a price you have to pay. While you’re abroad, there are going to be birthdays, weddings, babies being born, and other events that you might not be able to attend. The result? Feeling homesick.
On those nights you’re scrolling through social media and seeing everything you’re missing out on, you might wonder if your decision to be abroad is worth it. Well, it is! You just have to remind yourself that the life you’re living comes with trade-offs. Great ways to combat homesickness are to schedule trips home in advance so that you don’t feel stuck and to invite family and friends to come out and visit you.
As you adjust to your new life and build a new community, your homesickness will start to fade day by day.
6. Facing Language Barriers
If you’re planning to live in a non-English speaking country, then you’re well aware there will be language barriers to overcome. Today, with the help of Google Translate, it’s never been easier to communicate in a foreign county, but that will only get you so far. There are going to be times–a lot of times–when you have no way to communicate or understand what’s going on. Doing simple things like buying a bus ticket, ordering food, or asking for directions will be much harder.
But that will only be at the beginning of your life abroad. If you put effort into learning the language of whatever country you’re in, over time, things will get a bit easier. And as English speakers, we’re lucky because our mother tongue is the most common second language in the world. So, if you’re in a big city or a touristy town, there’s a good chance there will be at least one person you can communicate with.
7. Finding a Work-Life Balance
When you live abroad, it can be hard to stay on top of your work obligations. Take Bali, for example. The Indonesian island is practically a playground for digital nomads. There are never-ending pristine beaches, jungle adventures, parties, and a community of expats to experience it all with. So, as you can imagine, you might be tempted to push off work.
In popular digital nomad destinations, there are wonderful co-working spaces that’ll help you focus. These workspaces are an excellent way to meet other motivated expats who can become your accountability partners. When in doubt, there’s no better way to obtain a healthy work-life balance than by setting a schedule and sticking to it!
8. Being Treated as an Outsider
Look, when you live aboard, some locals will treat you as an outsider. Well, guess what? You are an outsider! Vendors might try to charge you higher fees, and the locals might stare at you or treat you rudely. It’s just a part of living abroad, and it’s something you’ll eventually get used to and learn how to navigate.
For every one person who treats you as an outsider, there are a million others who will welcome you to their country with kindness and interest. Don’t let a few bad apples who try to upcharge you or give you the cold shoulder get you down!
9. Knowing Where to Find Housing
If you’re just a traveler or digital nomad who’s hopping from one place to the next, finding hostels, hotels, or Airbnb rentals is easy! But for those who are looking to find a long-term property, well, that can be a bit more difficult. Knowing where to look is half the battle, and trying to communicate with real estate agents and landlords isn’t always the most fun experience.
When it comes to getting information on housing options, the internet is your friend! Expat groups on Facebook are extremely helpful when trying to find places to rent or buy. You can also get recommendations on the best neighborhoods to live in and the neighborhoods to avoid!
Final Thoughts
Living abroad is a special experience that not everyone gets to have, but it comes with its own serving of challenges. The little speed bumps and hiccups you experience during your travels won’t be anything you can’t handle. In fact, facing adversity and getting out of your comfort zone is going to help you develop as a person. So, what’re you waiting for? Go enjoy a life abroad!
