OMG, will I survive moving abroad alone?

Let's Blog About It!

By Nicole Burger

If you find yourself on a plane relocating halfway across the globe for work, then this blog is for you. Moving abroad solo is like jumping out of a plane without a parachute. You have no idea what you’re doing, but you’re hoping for a soft landing. An exciting adventure that will push you out of your comfort zone and expand your horizons. However, let’s be real: it can also be pretty daunting. Moving to a new country alone can be overwhelming, but with preparation and a positive attitude, you'll have a soft landing. In September of 2022, I moved to Taiwan, Hsinchu City from Cape Town, South Africa, for work. The best part is, I did it solo! I thought, perhaps I’ll share some of my advice with you.

Here are some tips and tricks to help make your solo move abroad a success:

1. Do your research:

Before you move, make sure you do your research on the country you’ll be living in. This means learning about the country's culture, weather, customs, and laws. You should also research the cost of living, healthcare, and transportation. This will help you set realistic expectations and avoid any surprises. For example, it didn’t cross my mind to do my research on potential occurrences of natural disasters in Taiwan, and how to prepare myself for it. So when I experienced my first earthquake, to put it lightly, I was dramatically surprised!

2. Learn some keywords of the language and be tech savvy (Google Translate and Google Maps):

If the country you’re moving to speaks a language other than your native tongue, it’s a good idea to learn keywords of the language such as; hello, please, thank you, and even, “Directions,” as you point to the google maps location. If you’re not fluent, knowing some basic phrases will go a long way in helping you navigate your new surroundings. If the interaction leads to a smile and a positive understanding, you've done well. Moving to a country such as Taiwan, I needed access to Google Translate, 90% of the time to get around as well as read the food menus, communicate with the Uber driver, doctor, landlord, and ask for directions. Therefore, it is handy to have it close at all times.

3. Connect with people:

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new culture is to connect with locals. Use social media or language exchange apps to find local groups or events that interest you. You can also join expat groups to meet other people who are in the same boat as you. In Taiwan, I managed to befriend my neighbor, my co-worker as well as the woman who worked at the local 7-Eleven. This was helpful in many ways. My neighbor made for a brief but wholesome conversation when I felt alone, anxious, or uncertain about the building's earthquake, and fire drills. Facebook was also of great help when I joined a South African group, called 'SaffaFest Taiwan'. They shared South African "braai" (BBQ) events, which felt familiar and inviting, a home away from home. It helps when you know you are not alone on this journey. Having a co-worker who can 'adopt' you and sympathize with you also changes the game. Having a friendly face at a new job makes the environment welcoming and you feel accepted. This support is vital for your happiness, culture will differ, although having this coworker in my life was of great support in times when I felt fearful of the new environment, earthquakes, and stressful work situations.

4. Get a hobby:

Moving to a new country can be isolating, especially if you don’t know anyone. To combat this, find a hobby or activity that you enjoy and join a local group or club. This will not only give you something to do, but it will also help you meet new people and make friends. My hobby in Taiwan was photography, I spent hours walking the streets of my city and the surrounding areas capturing moments. I got to meet interesting characters as well as feel a sense of freedom through this escape I call, photography. Catching up with foreigners through Facebook groups or other social media platforms is another way to ground yourself and explore your surroundings, with good company. For example, I went to the South of Taiwan with a friend, and this exposed me to the beach, different restaurants, and tourist attractions. However, there are many other options such as Yoga, gym, dance, or even pottery classes.

5. Stay organized:

Moving abroad requires a lot of paperwork and organization. Ensure you keep all your important documents (like your passport, visa, and work permit) safe. You should also keep track of important dates (like when your visa needs to be renewed), or utility bills. Set reminders so you don’t forget. When moving to a new country they have different ways of do, so something as simple as paying a bill may have different due dates and payment methods. Better to learn about them and make a note of this, than fall behind! For example, I had no idea how to pay my utility due to the language barrier with my landlord. After inquiring about this my 7-Eleven friend informed me that I could pay my utility bills at their branch. I felt relieved when I figured it out, and luckily never fell behind on these payments. It just made life easier to know about all of these procedures.

6. Embrace the adventure:

Moving abroad solo can be an incredible adventure, but scary for some people at the same time. Embrace new experiences, try new foods, and explore your new surroundings. You never know what you might discover! In Taiwan, there were many street markets, which allowed me to try all sorts of food. There were also lots of temples which enabled me to learn about the religion and cultures. It was these small things that allowed me to enjoy the journey. Sure there were mornings I felt homesick and lonely, which made getting out of bed difficult. Although, taking a walk in the neighborhood and being exposed to different smells, and the hustle and bustle of the city recharged and motivated me to continue my path of discovery. So, even if you feel lousy, go out, and do it!

7. Stay connected with loved ones:

It’s important to stay connected with your loved ones back home. Schedule regular video or audio calls to keep them updated on your adventures. With different time zones around the world and family members who work, make sure to plan calls ahead of time! It is incredible how a 5-minute call from a friend or family member can share a feeling of hope and courage for the days to come. My family called me often during the week and that made me feel like I could do what I set out to do and that I had constant support from across the world. If you have someone dear to you, make sure to stay in touch, this is vital for your mental health, especially when you’ve moved abroad solo.

Ultimately, whether or not moving abroad solo for work is worth it depends on your personal goals and values. So there you have it, some tips and advice for anyone who’s thinking about moving abroad solo for work. Remember, it’s normal to feel nervous, afraid, and, lonely, but with preparation and a positive attitude, you’ll be able to make the most of this incredible opportunity. Don't overthink it, a calculated risk almost always brings an incredible reward, be brave, you can do it!

Have you thought about moving abroad? Perhaps you've already made the move? Let us know in the comment section below. We'd love to hear from you!