What does your gut instinct tell you?
Whether you have been in your host country a few days or several months, there's an inner voice, which speaks emotions to you — your intuition. You probably recognise it already because it also helped you decide on moving abroad; you found the balance between the pros and cons of moving, and here you are. So, what kind of signals does your innate emotion send about your new environment? Take a moment to focus on the cues and the responses of your body when you think about your location: does it make you smile or frown? Do you yearn to explore or to withdraw? Is the time left an opportunity to do all the things you want before you go or an endless countdown on your desktop? Remember, there's no right and wrong about how you feel. However, understanding your feelings may start the process of changing them.
Do you have a daily routine?
When we talk about routine, we think of a good schedule and a structure that helps you find your peace of mind, sleep better, break bad habits, do more, and spend quality time with friends and family. However, moving abroad usually means you are unsettled for a while, and no matter how hard you may try to maintain your regime, it's non-viable. It is alright to take some time to plan your new routine by getting to know your whereabouts, the local cuisine, the transportation system, your new office, and your social network. But has it been maybe too long, and you are still living in chaos? Do you find that you always lack the time to socialise, exercise, get in touch with back home, and even relax? Not being able to create a routine can be a sign of denial to settle down (even if it's just temporary) and a yearning for being somewhere else.
How are your language skills?
If you are a well-prepared expat, you have probably started learning the language of your host country before your arrival. But not everyone is so responsible and organised, or has the luxury of time to undertake such a demanding project. Living in a country where the spoken language is different to your mother tongue or other languages you master, means that you should make at least the necessary effort to understand and communicate in the native language; it is a sign of adjustment and respect to the endemic culture. If you are trying to progress by keeping track of new vocabulary, coming out of your comfort zone, and joining a class, then you are probably doing great in adapting to your new country.
How do you feel about the local culture?
Depending on where you come from, the culture of your host country may seem more or less difficult to understand and fit in. However, the best thing you can do is to stay open-minded and allow yourself to have questions and doubts about the customs and traditions while you are trying to adapt. Of course, you don't have to forget or replace your cultural identity, but being at ease when you are with local people and being curious about certain practices is a good sign that you are adjusting to your new country. Browsing online expat guides and seeking answers on expat forums is a good way to go, as well as initiating conversations with the local people about festivals, the food, birthday celebrations, etc.
Are you independent?
Whether you are a solo expat or you have moved abroad with your family, it is important for your smooth adaptation to be able to move freely around and be confident doing things on your own. What you may have been taking for granted back home, may feel an arduous task in your host country either because being on your own makes you uncomfortable, or you are so homesick that you don't want to leave the house. Adjusting well means that you can effectively navigate the region by car, on foot, or public transport, and that you enjoy doing the shopping in the local market, going to the cinema, or meeting new friends in a restaurant you haven't been before.
Have you found your home away from home?
Having your personal space where you feel safe and cosy is a critical condition to meet when moving abroad — and we believe you shouldn't compromise it. We don't expect you to find your dream house as soon as you move abroad (we are proud of you if you have) but we think you should take the time to look for the right place for you depending on your priorities and budget. The quicker you unpack your suitcases and bring out some pictures of your loved ones and personal items, the sooner you will begin to settle in. Besides, what is better than inviting over your new friends for a pizza and some board games?
