Top 5 Things To Do as an Expat

So you moved abroad. Now what? There is a lot of learning and discovering that takes place during the transition from tourist to expatriate. Take a look at the top five things all expats should do when moving abroad. It’s a “To Do” list for moving abroad!

Travel
Sure, you’re an expat, which means living abroad, but learning about the surrounding area and discovering as much as you can about the world around you is a part of integrating yourself with the local culture. Travel as much as you can! Learn about the country you’re living in. It will broaden your perspective and enrich your learning experience.

Take a Language Class
A large number of expats move to countries where they don’t speak the native language. Take some time to learn! Not only will this improve your cultural understanding of your new home, but it will make running errands, making friends, finding a job, communicating, and understanding easier. It will also show the locals living in your city that you’re making an effort to learn, a gesture that almost everyone appreciates. It is also an advantageous skill to have on your resume.

Make Native Friends
If you’re living in an expatriate-popular city then you’ll probably be surrounded by native English speakers. Take the extra effort and make local friends. It isn’t easy, but finding local friends and branching out into local social circles will expand your living abroad experience. You will see places you would never have seen before and meet new people. You will also likely practice your local speaking skills and improve your life as an expatriate abroad.

Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your new community. Not only are you helping a cause in need but volunteering gives you practice with the language, a resume building opportunity, and the ability to contribute to a local cause. Volunteer now and give back to a community in need!

Teach
Although it may not apply to all expatriates, teaching is a great way to earn extra money and learn about the city in which you live. By teaching your own language (a very popular expat job) you gain an understanding of language in general and expose yourself to the difficulties of foreign languages. You may be teaching, but you will also be learning.

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