Navigating Not Feeling 'at Home' After Returning from Abroad

Dear Returnees,

Coming home after an extended period abroad is often anticipated with excitement, but what happens when the reality doesn't match the expectation? Feeling disconnected or out of place upon returning home is a common and normal experience. In this post, I'll explore practical strategies to navigate this transitional phase and rediscover a sense of belonging in your familiar surroundings.

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings:

Returnees' Reality Check

• Understand that feeling out of place or not at home is a normal part of the reintegration process.

• Give yourself the grace to acknowledge and accept your emotions without judgment.
  
  

2. Reflect on Your Experience:

Journaling Journey

• Take time to reflect on your experiences abroad and what has changed within you.

• Document your feelings, memories, and the personal growth you've undergone during your time away.
  
  

3. Give Yourself Time:

Patience in the Process

• Recognize that readjustment takes time. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this transition.

• Set realistic expectations for the pace of your reintegration.
  
  

4. Share Your Experience:

Connect with Others

• Share your experiences and feelings with friends, family, fellow returnees, or write a post online (e.g., Reddit).

• Seek understanding and support from those who have gone through similar experiences.
  
  

5. Reconnect with Hobbies:

Rediscover Passions

• Revisit hobbies and activities that once brought you joy. Engaging in familiar pastimes can provide a sense of continuity and comfort.
  
  

6. Explore Your Hometown:

Tourist in Your Own City

• Approach your hometown with fresh eyes. Explore new places, visit local attractions, and rediscover the charm of your city or town.
  
  

7. Establish New Routines:

Create Stability

• Establish new routines that align with your current lifestyle and goals.

• Integrate aspects of your abroad experience into your daily life to maintain a sense of continuity.
  
  

8. Embrace Cultural Exchange:

Infuse International Flavors

• Bring a piece of your overseas life into your home by incorporating international elements.

• Cook your favorite dishes from abroad, decorate with souvenirs, or embrace cultural practices that resonate with you.
  
  

9. Seek Professional Guidance:

Talk to a Professional

• If your feelings persist or become overwhelming, consider seeking support from a counselor or therapist.

• Professional guidance can provide valuable insights and coping strategies tailored to your unique situation.
  
  

10. Plan Future Adventures:

Keep the Wanderlust Alive

• Plan future travels or adventures, whether they're local explorations or international journeys.

• Having something to look forward to can instill a sense of purpose and excitement.
  
  

Returning home after being abroad is a complex journey of reacclimation. It's normal to feel a sense of displacement initially, but with intentional effort, you can rediscover the familiarity and comfort that home once provided. Remember that your journey is ongoing, and each step forward is a triumph toward finding your place in the tapestry of home.

Thriving Abroad: A Guide for Introverts Navigating Culture Shock

Dear Introverted Explorers,

Embarking on a journey to a foreign land can be both exhilarating and challenging, especially for introverts. The prospect of cultural adjustment and potential culture shock might seem daunting, but fear not. In this blog post, we'll explore specific steps tailored to introverts, providing a roadmap for not just surviving but thriving in your new cultural environment.

Embrace the Solo Exploration:

Step 1: Begin with Self-Discovery

• Take time to understand your own preferences, comfort zones, and recharge needs. Knowing yourself is the first step to navigating a new cultural landscape.
  
  

Step 2: Set Realistic Expectations

• Acknowledge that acculturation is a gradual process. Setting realistic expectations for yourself helps reduce the pressure to immediately adapt to a new social environment.
  
  

Small Steps Towards Socializing:

Step 3: Start with Familiar Hobbies

• Seek out activities you enjoy from back home. Whether it's reading, painting, or a specific sport, engaging in familiar hobbies provides a comfortable starting point.
  
  

Step 4: Attend Small Gatherings

• Opt for intimate gatherings or one-on-one interactions. Smaller settings allow for deeper connections, making socializing more manageable for you.
  
  

Leverage Digital Platforms:

Step 5: Join Online Communities

• Explore digital platforms to connect with fellow expats. Online communities provide a low-pressure space to share experiences and advice.
  
  

Step 6: Virtual Meetups

• Engage in virtual meetups or events. Participating from the comfort of your space allows you to dip your toes into social interactions without the stress of face-to-face encounters.
  
  

Cultivate Meaningful Connections:

Step 7: Quality over Quantity

• Focus on building a few meaningful connections rather than a large social circle. Introverts often thrive in deep, authentic relationships.
  
  

Step 8: Practice Active Listening

• Cultivate your listening skills. Introverts often excel at deep listening, a trait that fosters genuine connections with others.
  
  

Navigate Culture Shock:

Step 9: Establish Routines

• Create a routine that includes time for self-reflection and relaxation. Having a predictable schedule can provide a sense of stability amid the uncertainties of a new culture.
  
  

Step 10: Embrace Cultural Differences

• Introduce yourself to the host culture at your own pace. I would suggest discovering a couple of home bases in thorough detail - e.g., your apartment, a local supermarket or two, a local restaurant or two, and another location of your choosing (cafe/library/university).
  
  

Self-Care Strategies:

Step 11: Prioritize Alone Time

• Ensure you have dedicated alone time for recharging. Balancing social interactions with solitude is crucial for introverts to maintain mental and emotional well-being. Make sure not to overdo it though - try to tilt yourself in the direction on regular interaction with people in your new country.
  
  

Step 12: Establish Comfort Zones

• Identify safe spaces where you can retreat when needed. Having a designated "safe haven" in your new environment helps you navigate culture shock with a sense of security.
  
  

Seek Support:

Step 13: Connect with Fellow Introverts

• Reach out to other introverts in your community. Sharing experiences and strategies with like-minded individuals can be immensely comforting.
  
  

Step 14: Professional Support

• Consider seeking guidance from a counselor or therapist if culture shock becomes overwhelming. Professional support can provide tailored strategies for your specific needs.
  
  

Thriving abroad as an introvert involves embracing your unique strengths and finding a balance that aligns with your personality. Remember, the journey is yours to shape. By taking small, intentional steps and prioritizing self-care, you can transform the challenges of culture shock into opportunities for personal growth and enriching experiences.

By the Numbers: The Fascinating Statistics of the Global Expat Community

Greetings, Globetrotters and Future Expats,

From economic considerations to cultural nuances, let's delve into the fascinating world of living abroad, where every statistic tells a story of adventure, growth, and the pursuit of new horizons.

1. The Global Expat Population:

According to the United Nations, there were an estimated 281 million international migrants in 2020, a number that continues to rise steadily. Expats, driven by diverse motivations, contribute to the rich mosaic of global migration patterns.

2. Economic Impact:

• Remittances: Expats sent over $700 billion in remittances in 2020, according to the World Bank. These financial flows play a crucial role in supporting families and communities in their home countries.

• Salary Increases: A survey by HSBC found that 45% of expats experience a salary increase after moving abroad. The pursuit of better financial opportunities is a significant driver for those considering the expat lifestyle.
  
  

3. Career and Employment:

• Job Satisfaction: The Expat Insider 2021 survey reported that 79% of expats worldwide are satisfied with their job. This suggests that the pursuit of career advancement and fulfillment is a common and achievable goal for many expatriates.

• Top Industries: Expats are often found in industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and education, contributing their expertise to various sectors around the globe.
  
  

4. Cultural Integration:

• Language Proficiency: Over 80% of expats learn a new language while living abroad, as reported by a survey from InterNations. This statistic highlights the commitment of expats to immerse themselves in the local culture and communicate effectively.

• Friendship Networks: According to the Expat Insider 2021 survey, 60% of expats have formed close friendships with locals. Building meaningful connections with the local community is a common and rewarding aspect of expat life.
  
  

5. Quality of Life:

• Overall Satisfaction: The HSBC Expat Explorer survey revealed that 77% of expats believe their overall quality of life has improved since moving abroad. Factors such as improved work-life balance, access to healthcare, and a sense of adventure contribute to this positive sentiment.

• Happiness Index: The World Happiness Report consistently ranks countries with high expat populations, such as Finland, Denmark, and Iceland, among the happiest in the world.
  
  

6. Challenges and Resilience:

• Cultural Adjustment: Expat Insider 2021 found that 34% of expats experience difficulties adapting to the local culture. However, with resilience and time, many overcome these challenges and find a sense of belonging in their new surroundings.

• Returning Home: Approximately 40% of expats move back to their home countries, according to a study by InterNations. This statistic reflects the dynamic nature of expat life, with individuals returning for various reasons, including family considerations and career changes.

Making the Difficult Decision to Move Back Home

Hey there,

Today, let's talk about a decision that's both tough and brave—the decision to pack up, leave the life you've built abroad, and head back home. If you're contemplating this move, I want you to know that your feelings are valid, and whatever led you to this decision is a part of your unique journey. Let's take a moment to reflect on the challenges, the emotions, and the courage it takes to say goodbye to one chapter and open a new one.

The Weight of Change:

Deciding to move back home can carry a weight that's both heavy and liberating. It might be a mix of nostalgia, homesickness, or a desire to reconnect with what's familiar. Whatever it is, acknowledge the weight of this decision, and remember that change, while daunting, often brings growth.

Acknowledging Homesickness:

Homesickness can be a powerful force, and it's okay to miss the places, people, and experiences that shaped you. It's natural to long for the comfort of familiarity and the embrace of loved ones. Homesickness is a testament to the depth of your connections, and acknowledging it is the first step towards finding a sense of belonging.

Reflecting on Personal Growth:

Living abroad changes us in profound ways. It stretches our comfort zones, introduces us to new perspectives, and shapes our identities. Reflect on the personal growth you've experienced during this chapter of your life. How have you evolved? What valuable lessons have you learned? Carry these experiences with you as you embark on your journey back home.

The Courage to Start Anew:

Moving back home is not a step backward; it's a courageous decision to start anew. It takes courage to recognize your needs and make a choice that aligns with your well-being and happiness. Be proud of the strength it takes to listen to your heart and take a leap into the unknown.

Navigating Mixed Emotions:

It's natural to feel a mix of emotions—excitement, apprehension, sadness, and anticipation. Embrace the complexity of these emotions and allow yourself the space to feel them fully. Your journey is uniquely yours, and every emotion is a brushstroke painting the canvas of your story.

Connection and Reconnection:

Returning home offers the opportunity to reconnect—with your roots, with loved ones, and with the parts of yourself that may have been temporarily left behind. Cherish the rekindling of relationships and the joy of rediscovering the familiar. Home, after all, is not just a place; it's a feeling of belonging.

Building on the Foundations:

Moving back home doesn't erase the foundations you've built abroad; it enriches them. You carry the experiences, memories, and newfound perspectives with you. Home becomes a canvas where you can integrate the colors of your international adventures into the tapestry of your life.

Embracing the Unpredictable:

Life is an unpredictable journey, full of twists and turns. Embrace the uncertainty with an open heart. Moving back home might not mean settling into a predefined path; instead, view it as an opportunity to explore new possibilities and embrace the surprises life has in store for you.

To those contemplating the journey back home, know that your decision is valid, and your feelings matter. You're not alone in navigating this transition. Your story is uniquely yours, and it's beautiful in its authenticity. So, here's to the courage it takes to step into the next chapter, wherever it may lead.

Difficulty with Your Spouse Abroad

Hey there, dear readers,

Today's blog post is a heartfelt note, a virtual hug, and a reminder that, hey, we all face challenges, especially when navigating the sometimes stormy seas of relationships abroad. If you find yourself in the midst of a disagreement or struggle with your spouse while living in a foreign land, take a deep breath. You're not alone, and there's a way through this.

The Challenge of Being Abroad:

Living in a foreign country is an adventure, but it's not always smooth sailing. When you add the complexities of a relationship into the mix, the waters can get a little choppy. A new environment, potential cultural differences, language barriers, and overall adjustment can amplify tensions. Remember that! It's okay to feel overwhelmed; it's okay to feel like you're treading water.

Remember, You're a Team:

In the midst of disagreements, it's crucial to remember that you and your spouse are a team. It's easy to lose sight of this when faced with challenges, but taking a step back and reminding yourselves that you're in this together can make a world of difference. The strength of a relationship often shines brightest once you have made it through your adversity.

Open Communication is Key:

Communication is the lifeline of any relationship, especially when you're far from the familiar. Take the time to talk openly and honestly about your feelings, concerns, and expectations. Create a safe space where both of you can express yourselves without judgment. It's not about placing blame but about understanding each other's perspectives.

Find Common Ground:

In the midst of a disagreement, it's easy to focus on differences. Take a moment to find common ground. What brought you together in the first place? What shared goals and dreams do you have? Reminding yourselves of the foundation you've built can help navigate through rough patches.

Counseling and Support:

Sometimes, seeking external support can be incredibly beneficial. Consider counseling or talking to a trusted friend. There's no shame in asking for help, and sometimes an unbiased perspective can provide valuable insights and guidance.

Embrace the Learning Curve:

Living abroad is a learning curve, and so is every relationship. Embrace the lessons, even when they're tough. Use this time as an opportunity for personal and relational growth. Challenges are a natural part of any journey, and they can lead to stronger, more resilient connections.

Celebrate the Victories:

Amidst the challenges, celebrate the victories. Whether it's finding a solution to a problem, sharing a moment of laughter, or simply appreciating the small joys of life abroad, take time to acknowledge the positive moments that strengthen your bond.

A Final Note of Encouragement:

To those of you navigating rough waters in your relationship abroad, know that you're not alone, and you're stronger than you think. Relationships, like the seas, ebb and flow. So, chin up, sails open, and keep navigating the waves together. You've got this.