Travelling is a fantastic opportunity to see the world. If you get to enjoy it for longer, that’s even better. Taking the time to live overseas can be an incredible experience – a chance to meet new people, enjoy new experiences and enrich your life in a number of ways.
However, the prospect of spending a year in another country can be scary, especially if you’ve never been away from home for a long period of time. Whether you’re moving abroad to work, to study or simply to enjoy time away, it’s important to make the most of your stay.
Take a look at some tips for making the most of a year in another country for an experience you’ll never forget.
Leave everything at home in a good place
Leaving home is never easy, but it’s harder if you’ve left things unresolved or have concerns. Before you set off, make sure you have your bills, rent/mortgage, car, phone and other things taken care of. If you’re giving up your job or taking a career break, you’ll want to make sure you leave with a clean break and nothing left outstanding.
You’ll also want to make sure that you’re in a good place with friends and family before you leave. Leave on good terms and have a big going away party. Moving overseas is an exciting step for you, and while it’s sad to leave people behind, it’s definitely something to celebrate.
Need extra help? Check out InterNations’ tips for preparing to move abroad.
Research the place you’re moving to
One of the most exciting parts of moving to a new place is researching everything about it. From popular things to see and do to where the popular neighbourhoods are, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with your destination before you get there.
If you’re going to be looking for a job once you’re there, start looking before you leave. It doesn’t hurt to make contact with some recruiters or people who are hiring to help you show some interest and perhaps leading to some interesting prospects.
Be a tourist at the beginning
Starting life in a new location can be overwhelming. You’ll want to take some time to become familiar with your surroundings and get a clear idea of where things are. Spend time seeing the tourist spots, discovering places to eat, etc. and simply take the time to get to know you’re new surroundings. There are some great ways you can explore a new city, including taking buses everywhere, walking around and get talking to local people. Hotel and hospitality workers are fantastic sources of information, so ask for some recommendations and start falling in love with your new home.
Find some great accommodation
You’re going to be living in your new city for a long time, so you’ll want to find yourself a good home. You can find some great accommodation options that will give you your own space and somewhere to feel safe. A local search for properties can bring you some great finds. In Indonesia, you could get a great apartment by searching for properti rumah, including brand new apartments. It’s worth exploring local property websites to help you benefit from the best deals. You can also consider looking for shared accommodation as a way to meet some new people, especially if you’re nervous about living on your own.
Develop a routine
After the excitement of a new location has started to calm down, you need to start developing a routine for yourself. This is how you can start to feel comfortable in your surroundings and really start living there. There are some great ways to create a routine that will start helping you feel like less of a tourist, and more like you’re at home. From creating a morning ritual to how you spend your Saturday morning, a routine will give you purpose and direction and soon help you get to grips with your new home.
Learn the language
If you’re unfamiliar with the language of your new home, it’s time to start learning. If you want to make progress quickly, you can take tips on how to learn a language faster that will soon have you conversing with the locals. The good thing about learning a language in a foreign country is that you’ll immerse yourself in it, making it easier for you to pick it up and feel confident when speaking the language.
Make new friends
Making new friends can be difficult at any time, but even more so when you’re in a foreign country. Some of the ways you can make friends in a new city include:
- Going to fitness classes – make sure you go early to start conversations before you begin.
- Check out local events – you never know when there might be opportunities to meet new people.
- Make friends with work colleagues, fellow students, etc., they can introduce you to wider circles and help you develop a range of friendships.
- Look for ways to meet people online.
- Indulge your hobbies and interests to try and meet like-minded people.
- Simply talk to people, you never know where a conversation might lead.
Making new friends in a new location can be tough, but try to keep at it – it will help enrich your travel experience even more and could lead to lifelong friendships to treasure.
Take care of your health
Your health is important, and even more so when you want to enjoy your time away from home. As well as getting a health checkup before you leave, you should remember to keep up any medical appointments you need while you’re away, such as renewing prescriptions. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to help give you the best chance for a healthy, happy time. Burning the candle at both ends can take its toll, so try to get plenty of sleep and take some days off from being busy to help you recharge those batteries once in a while.
Don’t be afraid to venture further afield
One way you can make the most of your year abroad is to venture out and see more than just the place you’re living in. Spend your weekends and free time exploring nearby destinations – you want to take in the country as a whole and not just the city you live in. In places like Europe, where it’s easy to fly or take a train to another country for a day or two, you’ll be able to really make more of your time away and get to see as much as possible. Check out travel articles for inspiration and start planning all of the great things you can do!
Keep in touch with back home
Being homesick can be a serious issue, especially when you’re away for a long period of time. It’s easy for you to keep in touch with your family through the internet, which can help you ease your homesickness, even if just for a short while. Keeping busy is the most important thing, and perhaps you can invite family and friends to visit you so that they can experience a part of your new life too?
Settling into new surroundings takes time, but once you do, you’re sure to find that time starts flying by. So make sure you enjoy every minute, you never know when you might get the chance again! Be open to meeting new people and enjoy new experiences, you’ll soon make your chosen location a second home, ready to take it all in and make the most of it.
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