Starting life abroad seems bright and inspiring. New streets, a different rhythm, fresh impressions — everything beckons and promises changes for the better. However, the excitement often hides unexpected difficulties that people rarely mention.
This is when MigRun, a company that supports migrants and helps reduce the stress of moving, can come to the rescue. You can find free instructions and personal virtual assistance on their website on obtaining a residence permit.
Language and Cultural Pitfalls
Even if you have studied the language for several years, the encounter with real speech can knock you off your feet. Everything sounds logical in textbooks, but on the street, the reality is different: abbreviations, accents, jokes, words you have never seen.
Sometimes a simple phrase from a shop assistant confuses. And each country has cultural codes — how to greet, how to express gratitude, how to behave at the table.
These little things create a feeling of foreignness. In the first months, many feel like schoolchildren who are learning to communicate again. Confidence comes with time, but you need to reach this stage, which means you should not be afraid to make mistakes and ask questions.
Everyday Surprises
Everyday tasks are simple and the same all over the world. However, the reality is different. Buying medicine without a prescription may be impossible. The usual brands are unavailable, and replacements are more expensive. Insurance often requires dozens of papers, and sometimes you have to wait a week or a month for a doctor.
Even applying for a bank card turns into a quest with queues, certificates, and electronic signatures. In addition, little things like sorting garbage or parking rules can become a real headache.
At the start, life turns into daily quests — finding an affordable grocery store, catching the right bus, and preparing the proper papers for the notary. But then everything becomes familiar and automatic.
Financial Surprises
Moving is almost always more expensive than it seems. Even if you have a clear budget, reality makes adjustments. First, you have to spend money on rent and a deposit, which can amount to two or three monthly payments.
Furniture and appliances, which seemed like trifles, quickly turned into dozens of checks. Exchange rates, transfer fees, mandatory insurance, and subscriptions — all this increases expenses. At the same time, wages or income do not always arrive immediately. Therefore, you should consider the following nuances in advance:
- the rent is more expensive than expected;
- products at markets are more profitable;
- transport cards save money;
- insurance does not include everything;
- utility bills change seasonally;
- bank fees can surprise;
- furniture and appliances require investment;
- Internet and tv bundles might be a different price than you’re used to.
At first, this is annoying and unbalanced. However, after a few months, you understand where to save and where to invest — for example, buying groceries at farmers’ markets instead of supermarkets, or getting an annual transit pass.
Social Adaptation
The most subtle challenge is people (friends, colleagues, neighbors). At the beginning, everyone has their circle, and entry is closed. There are a few invitations, and conversations are superficial. It is challenging for those who are used to close communication at home.
Sometimes loneliness becomes painful, especially on holidays or in times of crisis. However, it is at such moments that initiatives help:
- volunteering;
- sports clubs;
- language courses;
- meetings for expats.
Through such activities, you will gradually make acquaintances, then friends. This process is slow, but each new communication brings confidence that you are becoming part of society.
Conclusion
The first year abroad is rarely easy. You will encounter not only discoveries but also trials. Disruptions to your routine can be caused by a variety of factors, including language, finances, everyday life, emotions, and finding friends.
Each obstacle makes adaptation more profound and the new country more accessible. The main thing to remember is that the first year is always the hardest, but it is the one that opens the way to a real home.
