Moving abroad: 4 errors to avoid

In my 10 years as an emigrant I have often noticed small and large "errors" by those who are about to move abroad. Each of us has his own personality, but some attitudes would still be moderate, especially if he wanted to make the positive experience to its maximum.

Error 1: Do not learn local language

"What do I need to learn a new language for? I will deal with English!" Never more wrong statement.

During the first few months, good mastery of English is certainly vital. But in the long run, not knowing at least the basics of the local language can cause quite a few bureaucratic and personal problems.

France all official documents are always and only in French: tax returns, payrolls, employment contracts, insurance etc. Without adequate knowledge of the language, there is a risk of causing serious administrative incidents that are banally linked to a "fisque whistle". With all the possibilities that exist today, learning a foreign language becomes relatively simple: Online courses, private teachers, podcasts and films with subtitles can be of great help, especially at the beginning.

Beyond the practical aspect, I think that not wanting to learn a foreign language is also the perfect business card of "I do not care about your culture and I want nothing to do with it". Bad attitude for those preparing to live abroad!

Error 2: Do not interact with natives and local culture.

The second most common error is directly connected to the first one. Beyond the thousand ways available to learn a language, the best school remains the integration with locals. And by integration I do not necessarily mean friendship, but a minimum of interest in local culture and customs. Don't let the usual fools overpower you. stereotypes known only by "hearing." Although cultural differences can be important, even the desire to study a new language, interact and integrate will be greatly appreciated by the natives.

Example: Italians have a way of socializing very different from the French.

When moving abroad, especially as adults, the people around us have already established friendships, in which it is very difficult to enter. Feeling a little lonely is completely normal, but don’t despair. True friendship, in fact, takes a lot of time and effort. Do not overlook the impact that mutual friends, acquaintances and especially work colleagues. Actively participate in the lunch break, take advantage of the coffee break to talk about the last read book or the TV show the night before. Those same colleagues or "friends of friends" could open up a lot to you and teach you a lot about local culture: a movie cult not to be lost, a French dish to try absolutely, a song or quote that everyone but everyone knows.

The more you interact with the natives, the more you will gradually learn to be "one of them", avoiding remaining silent in front of a joke you do not understand or a gergal expression you do not know. The French in particular may seem very reserved and silent, but with time and confidence they prove to be really hearty people. Try to believe!

Error 3: Starting loads of prejudice.

One of the most serious mistakes of those about to move abroad is to fill their suitcase with prejudices and absurd convictions.

Travel That's what this should do: Breaking down mental patterns, questioning ourselves and our most rigid ideas. If you go abroad convinced that everything that is said about foreigners is true, I’m sorry but you are already losing at the start. Put aside all the evils told by social media or some of your friends who spent a weekend in Paris. You and only you must get a clear picture of the host country.

One cannot and must not generalize over an entire nation after a short stay or even worse a tale of dubious reliability. But if discontent comes after a few years, it means that the culture of that country may not be compatible with your personality. But if it isn't for you, it doesn't mean it will be for the rest of the world.

Before you go home and yell to the whole world that your expat is all a scam, ask yourself if Really You have done everything you can to adapt to the new country. Be self-critical, always. The blame for failure or bad integration cannot always be the government, the employer or the jealous neighbor.

Error 4: leaving only for work and money.

Some people are looking for work in Paris because they fell in love with the city and those who are expat in the strict sense, sent abroad by the company itself and with excellent career prospects. There is no choice less noble than the other, but being motivated by professional ambitions alone can prove to be one of the greatest mistakes for those who are about to move abroad.

Emigrating is not just about moving for work: it means adapting to new rhythms, learning a new language, tasting new foods and tackling cultural shocks that you would never have imagined. The difficulties of the expat go well beyond a high salary and a wealthy life, and can take over even for the wealthiest. Without the desire to face all these aspects, here is that life abroad turns into the hell of which many love to talk about: "people are pathetic, bad food, climate don't talk about it, but I make a lot of money." Everyone is free to make their own choices, but for me living abroad is not limited to a well - fed bank account. It is a real lifestyle of which to appreciate qualities, defects, difficult moments and unforgettable memories. A lifestyle not suitable for everyone and that doesn't have to be.

If you plan to live elsewhere, free your mind from all prejudice and be ready to get back into the game every day. In this way you will avoid making many very common mistakes for those moving abroad. Trust me, you won't regret it.