The 4 stages of living in a new country

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Moving abroad is an interesting experience. Euphoria, frustration, boredom, anxiety, elation, it’s all there and you will experience it again, and again, and again, if you’re insane enough to decide to move abroad multiple times.The only good thing about it is that after the second time, you know what’s coming.  Don't get me wrong, moving abroad is awesome, and I think everyone should do it at least once, if only for the interesting things you will learn about yourself. Don’t even get me started on the emotional roller-coaster that you’re going to have to sit through before you leave, so let me just focus on the first weeks of your stay in this Great New Place.

Stage 1: Getting organised

Right, you’ve totally figured out how to get from the border (airport, boat, bus, car, train) to wherever you’re staying and are braving your jetlag or general travel tiredness to get there. You feel greatly accomplished when you do. Yes! You did it! You’re here. You let out a sigh and fall asleep (or don’t. Darn jetlag).

And then the fun starts. You’re not here on holiday so a map, a hotel, and your credit card are not going to cut it. You need a home, a local cell phone, a bank account, insurance, student or employee identification (including the jetlagged picture that will haunt you for the rest of your time there), you need to report to the authorities and you desperately need a trip to IKEA. Alright. Breathe and power through it.

Stage 2: Shiny and new

Everything is awesome. Your house is awesome, your new friends are awesome, this is the coolest thing you have ever done. And the whole world seems to think so too; your school has an introduction week, your work organises socials for new employees, your roommate drags you to 3 birthday parties in one week, the local restaurant even has a special of your favourite food. These activities generally include making random new friends (everyone is awesome!) and drinking cheap or free booze. What’s not to like?

Stage 3: Confusion

Wait. What have I done? Did I actually just move here? In the name of all that is holy, why?! That’s crazy! How could I have been so stupid! I miss my dog/climate/mom/apartment/friends/job/that very specific pair of shoes that I forgot to pack!

Stage 4: Settling

Finally, generally after a couple of weeks, the ‘I live here’-vibe sinks in. You no longer feel the need to move around the place like a tourist. You no longer look intently out the window on a bus, you lose the map that was in your jacket pocket and find yourself behind your laptop (ie: Facebook) at 11am or binge watching a new series for three evenings in a row, instead of being outside for the sake of being outside. You are no longer on holiday. This is also the moment that might lead you to not do anything touristy anymore. You know: living in a city for three years and not even having visited that one famous museum, or climbed that one obvious hill. As long as you know this is a risk, and are willing to remind yourself of that sometimes, you’re fine. You have time. You’re at home here.