Life abroad can be very exciting and demanding, however, may also cause anxiety, stress and homesickness. It may make you feel helpless, alone, lost and uncomfortable, especially if you are looking to build your career and life in a new country. There are many expatriates, especially women, who are suffering in silence, either not asking for help or do not know how, where or who to ask for support to design the career they want and live a successful life abroad.

During my international experience, I experienced two culture shocks. First when moving from Poland to Italy, and from Italy to the UK at different stages of my life. I noticed also that even moving to a different city within one country can cause you some challenges.

Here are 7 steps which will help you to have the best of your international experience:

1. Be curious. Research the country you are moving in. Discover what are traditions, values and beliefs. Ask questions, read local newspapers and watch local television. This is what I was doing when I moved to Italy, even my Italian was very poor at the time I was watching the local TV and trying to speak Italian.

2. Learn a local language. It will help you to understand better your host country and improve your communication with the locals.

3. Go out of your comfort zone. Instead of hanging around with fellow expats from your native country, go out and make connections, and friendships with the locals. Attend social, networking or business events. Do not get me wrong I don’t want you to abandon your home country friends but sometimes foreign people stick too much to each other and do not make any contact with the local community.

4. Do not compare your native country with your new home. I know it is difficult especially when you have just moved. Keep your mind open and you will enrich your personal and professional background.

5. Be gentle with yourself. Count positive things, new experiences, and new challenges in your life. If you are facing an obstacle, for example, you didn’t pass the job interview, ask yourself what can you learn from that experience and what can you improve.

6. Ask for support. Sometimes asking for help can make you see everything from a different perspective. Get yourself a Coach, there are many great Expat Coaches out there, speak with a friend or a fellow expat. Create your support team!

7. Enjoy yourself. Whether your expat experience lasts a few months, or you are planning to stay abroad for a long time get the best of it. Keep the best memories!

I want to hear your voice. What is your experience of living and working in a foreign country, your daily challenges, and how did you overcome them? Share in the comments.

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