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How to make the most of your relocation
| Published: | 19 Oct at 6 PM |
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Tagged: Canada
Relocating to a new job overseas can be a lonely experience at first, but there are many ways to find a comfortable place in an already established expat community.
Most expats who relocate overseas for work will find themselves in the midst of a fairly large expat community, all of whom probably felt isolated as new arrivals. It’s far easier in the internet age to connect with like-minded souls than it was several decades ago, and building friendships is far less complicated as those you’ll meet up with understand exactly how you feel.
One way to get to grips with your new country as well as making friends is to take language classes. Every country’s language is closely related to its culture and history, and learning with other expats can be fun as well as challenging. Many classes take place in local universities or upper schools, giving you a chance of getting to know the locals as well as making friends with your classmates.
Wherever you’re working, there are endless internet sites and forum pages giving details of regular and special events taking place in your current location. Starting a blog on your own newbie experiences is another way to interact with more experienced expats in your area. Expat meetups are found in almost every location, and often have sub-groups for activities, hobbies and sports which also attract locals.
Expat clubs aren’t limited to older people, and are often centred on a particular sport, music, cycling, foodie evenings or tours of the most popular bars in town. It’s important for new arrivals to remember they’re not limited to expat social events, as there are many interesting activities going on in the local community. You’ll get far more out of your time overseas if you interact with locals and get to understand their culture rather than lurking in your own work environment.
Most expats who relocate overseas for work will find themselves in the midst of a fairly large expat community, all of whom probably felt isolated as new arrivals. It’s far easier in the internet age to connect with like-minded souls than it was several decades ago, and building friendships is far less complicated as those you’ll meet up with understand exactly how you feel.
One way to get to grips with your new country as well as making friends is to take language classes. Every country’s language is closely related to its culture and history, and learning with other expats can be fun as well as challenging. Many classes take place in local universities or upper schools, giving you a chance of getting to know the locals as well as making friends with your classmates.
Wherever you’re working, there are endless internet sites and forum pages giving details of regular and special events taking place in your current location. Starting a blog on your own newbie experiences is another way to interact with more experienced expats in your area. Expat meetups are found in almost every location, and often have sub-groups for activities, hobbies and sports which also attract locals.
Expat clubs aren’t limited to older people, and are often centred on a particular sport, music, cycling, foodie evenings or tours of the most popular bars in town. It’s important for new arrivals to remember they’re not limited to expat social events, as there are many interesting activities going on in the local community. You’ll get far more out of your time overseas if you interact with locals and get to understand their culture rather than lurking in your own work environment.
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