Moving to a new country is one of the most exciting things you can do. It is also one of the most terrifying. No one ever realises how much they will miss their home and routine until they are gone. If you move to a new country, it’s so much more than just moving to a new city. You are going to experience a new culture with a new language possibly, and you will undoubtedly make mistakes. This article is here to try and help you minimise these mistakes and make sure that you don’t face too much trouble. 

Photo, Nathan McBride.

Health Insurance

Having health insurance is one of the most important decisions you need to make, especially if you are moving from a country where your health costs are taken care of rather than having to face the costs of private healthcare. For example, US health insurance for Canadians is one of the most overlooked costs that people moving to the US forget to purchase straight away. It is better to be safer rather than sorry when it comes to your health. 

Many services that may be free in your own country may cost in another. This can include flu jabs, breastfeeding support, and prescription drugs. You will need to look into purchasing a healthcare plan that covers you for all of these costs as well as for any emergency medical care that you may need. Do your research before you move so that you do not get caught out when you need it. 

Research Your New Country

You need to spend more time researching your new home than you may think. When you are planning a holiday, you may spend weeks leading up to you leaving investigating your destination. When you are moving somewhere, you should spend time exploring the new culture that you will be moving to and the area you will be living in. You need to understand the regular behaviour of the country that you will be moving to, this will help you acclimatise quicker and help you make friends easier. 

In addition to this, you should spend time learning the language of the place you are going to move to. This will not only help you with work and socialising but also help you to feel at ease in your new home. You don’t need to be fluent, but you should be comfortable enough to get through a regular conversation without too much struggle. 

Photo, Anthony Mapp.

Homesickness and Loneliness

These are two of the most regular feelings to experience when you leave your home country and move to another. No matter how confident you are that you are ready to move when you are in a completely fresh culture and with a new language then you will likely long for home. Accepting that this may be a problem is one of the best ways to deal with it. Acknowledge that it is a regular feeling but don’t let it stop you from enjoying your new home. 

One of the most practical things that you can do is to create a comforting and recognisable space that reminds you of your original home. This will help you feel that you are not just holidaying in a new country but that you have actually taken the plunge and moved away. You can fill your walls with pictures of your close social group as well as stock up on your usual staple foods to make sure that you don’t feel too homesick and lonely when you first move. 

Explore Different Areas and Immerse Yourself

One of the most exciting parts of moving to a new country is getting to explore your new home. It can feel like an entirely different environment that you are used to. You should make a point to get familiar with your local landscape and pick up some ideas for your favourite restaurants and landmarks. Check out the big sites and attractions to get a feel for your new home. 

You should also spend time eating local delicacies. This will help you learn about your new home but also introduce you to new experiences. This can help you find your favourite cafes for when your friends and family visit and truly make you feel at home. If you prefer to cook at home, then you should visit a local market and ask lots of questions to the stallholders. They will be able to give you tips on the most popular options in the local area. 

Move to a New Country

This list should hopefully make you feel excited about your new home. But also, you should know that feelings of anxiety are normal. Take your time to enjoy the experience and you will be able to settle in just fine. It will be an incredible experience for you to enjoy.