How Do You Find Your Place in a New Country?
Explore the stages of settling in, ways to handle cultural challenges, and ideas for building a community that feels like home.
Hi fellow Expats, I’m Carl, a counselor living in Czechia for around 15 years. It’s been an amazing experience with its own challenges, and there were times when living abroad felt overwhelming. But after going through the stages of cultural shock, I’ve settled in, and now it feels like home.
With my background in psychotherapy and psychology, I’d love to share some tips for adapting to life abroad, whether you’ve just arrived or have been here for some time.
The Stages of Adapting to Life Abroad
Most people go through different phases when they move to a new country. Recognizing these can make a big difference in how you handle the ups and downs of life as an expat.
The Honeymoon Phase 🌟
At first, it’s all excitement! Experiencing a new culture, different habits, and sights feels like an adventure. This is the honeymoon phase, where we see things with rose-tinted glasses and embrace the thrill of new opportunities. This stage can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, but as we settle in, things often start to shift.
The Negotiation Phase 💼
As initial excitement fades, homesickness can set in. This is the negotiation phase when day-to-day routines like shopping, transportation, or language differences can feel overwhelming. Small things can make you nostalgic, and comparisons to home become frequent. It’s completely normal to feel some sadness, frustration, or confusion during this period, so try to give yourself time to adapt.
The Adjustment Phase 🔄
Eventually, we enter the adjustment phase. Things start to feel more manageable as you build routines and become familiar with the local way of life. You might have picked up some key phrases, made a few friends, and can navigate certain situations more comfortably. This phase is all about finding balance – it’s a turning point where life abroad begins to feel a bit easier.
The Acceptance Phase 💫
Once you’ve made it through these stages, you reach the acceptance phase. You’ve adapted to the culture, developed a sense of belonging, and built relationships that make your new country feel like home. You may still face challenges, but you’ve learned to handle them with confidence.
Coping with Loneliness and Finding Your Community
Even as you adapt, it’s common for expats to feel lonely or question their values and identity. This feeling of “in-betweenness” can be challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Stay connected with loved ones, and find communities with shared interests – it’s one of the best ways to feel more at home in your new country, for instance, Ostrava Expat Centre offers many events created especially for expats! And don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support if needed; there’s no shame in asking for a little extra help.
Join Us at the ‘Settling In Together’ Workshop! 📅
To support you on this journey, I’d like to invite you to our upcoming workshop on November 22: Adapting Abroad. Whether you’ve just arrived or have been here for years, come meet other expats in a friendly, welcoming environment. We’ll share insights on these stages of adaptation, hear how others have navigated the process, and leave with fresh ideas, new perspectives, and hopefully a few new friends.
If you’d like a more personal conversation, feel free to reach out to me for counseling. I’m here to support you through this journey – you’re not alone!
Hope to see you at the workshop!
Carl Davies, a professional counselor and coach, will share tips on mental health, communication, and how to thrive in your new environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and adapt to life abroad with confidence!
More info about Carl here: https://www.carldavies.online
