My Journey of Moving Abroad: Embracing Challenges

Hey there! So, here’s the thing: moving abroad is an adventure like no other. It’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Its ups and downs will test your resilience and push you beyond your comfort zone. Trust me, I know firsthand because I’ve been through it (twice, if I can add), and boy, did I face some difficulties! But you know what? Embracing those challenges head-on is what has made this journey truly rewarding.

First things first, let’s talk about language. Ah, the language barrier – it’s like learning to speak all over again! Our first move was to Ireland, so the language barrier wasn’t as great as when we moved to the Netherlands, but I can’t say it wasn’t an issue. Try to understand some of those thick Irish accents, especially after a few pints, was a story of its own.
You will often hear that you can also get along with just English in the Netherlands. While mostly true, they never stood in front of my daughters’ school surrounded by parents that spoke only Dutch. I still remember struggling to communicate, stumbling over unfamiliar words and phrases, and feeling frustrated when I couldn’t express myself. But guess what? Every mistake taught me something new, and soon enough, I started to pick up the local lingo. I am still horrible, but I can handle myself in basic conversation. It’s amazing how a smile and a bit of sign language can work wonders!

Now, let’s get real about procedures and processes. Oh boy, that administrative maze can be overwhelming! Navigating through all the paperwork and understanding different regulations left me scratching my head more times than I’d like to admit. But hey, I took it step by step, sought guidance from locals, and even made some mistakes along the way. The key is to keep your patience intact and believe you’ll eventually figure it out. And you know what? Eventually, I did!

One of the most daunting aspects was creating a new social circle, especially since I identify as an introvert. It can be challenging when you’re naturally more inclined towards solitude. The thought of making new friends feels like an uphill battle for me. I already had to create a new social circle when moving abroad from Croatia, but then had to start all over again after moving to Netherlands from Ireland. But here’s the silver lining: moving abroad forces you to step out of your comfort zone.

Luckily, I have an extroverted sister who attended local events, joined clubs, tried out some language exchange meetups, and gave me plenty of advice. I was happy to experience it secondhand as I am still gathering the courage to jump into a bigger social puddle. But I am making headway, starting conversations with parents in front of schools, inviting kids to playdates, and even being friendly at the playground. Sure, it was awkward initially, but you’d be surprised at how many kindred spirits you can find once you open yourself up to new connections.

Moreover, there were times when homesickness crept in like an unwelcome guest. Missing familiar faces, family gatherings, and the comfort of your old home is only natural. But let me tell you something: embracing these emotions is a part of the process. It’s okay to feel a little down now and then, and it’s okay to cry it out. But remember, there’s so much to explore and experience in your new home, so don’t let homesickness hold you back from creating beautiful memories.

Beyond that, adapting to the cultural nuances and lifestyle changes can be quite the rollercoaster. What’s considered polite in one culture might be a major faux pas in another. It’s like learning an intricate dance of customs, traditions, and societal norms. Again, I stumbled along the way, but that’s the beauty of the journey. Embracing these differences not only enriches your life but also broadens your perspective.

And let’s not forget about the little practical difficulties that come with the territory. Finding your way around the city, adjusting to the climate, and figuring out the best places to shop for groceries can be like playing a fun (and sometimes frustrating) game of trial and error. But with time, your new surroundings start to feel like home, and those once-daunting tasks become second nature.

So, my fellow adventurers, if you’re contemplating moving to another country and the idea feels both thrilling and terrifying, remember this: it’s okay to be scared. The journey won’t always be smooth sailing, but it will undoubtedly be one of the most transformative experiences of your life. Embrace the challenges, learn from them, and, most importantly, be kind to yourself along the way. You’ve got this!

Ultimately, I can proudly say I’ve come a long way since arriving in this foreign land. I am learning a new language ( thank you, Duolingo), getting better at conquering the bureaucratic maze, and building meaningful connections with people from all walks of life. Moving abroad has made me grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world. So, take that leap of faith, and you’ll find a world of possibilities waiting for you on the other side. Safe travels!