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Living Overseas

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Summary: A primer about living abroad from Expat Exchange.

You've done it.

After all of your careful preparations and travels, you're living a new life in a foreign country.

Now it's time to realize all of the dreams you had when you first pondered a move to another part of the world. Expatriate life is rich and has many rewards, but it also requires a conscious effort to truly assimilate into a new culture. We've got a few ideas to help you on your way, and to enjoy the journey from start to finish.

There are some pitfalls to avoid. It's easy to get discouraged for all kinds of reasons, and it's important to understand that you are going through an adjustment process. Be patient. Below are the key topics we'll cover in our Living Abroad primer articles.

Be Organized, Stay Busy - You may be getting tired of our focus on organization, but we think it can make all of the difference in settling into a new country. We've got a few ideas to make sure you don't forget anything while you are busy building your new life.

Expat Clubs - It sounds silly, but it is so important to understand that you are not the first person to move overseas. If there are expat clubs in your area, you should take advantage of them and all that they have to offer.

What if you can't work - There are often problems for dual-career couples who are limited to one work visa while living abroad. Don't panic! Turn an uncomfortable situation into a positive. Here are a few options.

Take advantage of being overseas - Many people move overseas and put off doing many of the activities they dreamed about until it is too late. Don't be one of them! This will also cut down on your idle time, too much of which can lead you to question whether or not you made the right decision. After all, if you live the life abroad you dreamed about, you'll think about home a lot less!

Dating - Predictably, singles often have a very different experience living overseas than their married counterparts. We'll give you some advice on how to navigate a new and probably more intimidating dating scene.

Are you an expatriate with a suggestion for this article? Send it to [email protected]


First Published: Jul 09, 2004

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