How to settle in a new country quickly

How to settle in a new country. This is, perhaps, the thing I am most experienced at. Recently, I even joked to my fiancé that it’s easier for me to move to a new country than to drive a car. And it’s true. So I can share a thing or two about it.

My life has been a weird geography. I was born in Lithuania, moved to France when I was eleven, travelled here and there for studies and internships, moved to Chile for three and half years, came back to France, and settled in Hungary. If you are lost already, I feel you.

In this article, I won’t be giving advice to take care of the formalities and learn the local language because you know it already. Rather, I’d like to drag your attention to other meaningful things that are necessary to settle in a new country quickly, according to my personal experiences.

Spend time with locals

I would be lying if I said that settling in a new country was a 100% my win. Especially when I moved twice for relationships — the first time to Chile and the second time to Hungary. I was lucky enough to have around my partners and their families and friends, who gave me immediate sense of integration. So if you are in the same situation, it will be easier for you as meeting local people will be guaranteed.

If you’re not moving after your boyfriend or girlfriend, but studies, work, au pair, or a working holiday, finding friends won’t be hard. However, I suggest (once again) you surround yourself with locals as much as possible.

As an expat, because of the linguistic and cultural barriers that a new country imposes on us, we tend to seek company of people of our own nationality. If you feel the urge to search for a French, Italian, American…group on Facebook, a friendly advice: do not, at least not during your first months. While this can provide some sense of some comfort, it will only delay your integration and make your expat experience less authentic. People are the core of every expat experience. So don’t be shy, and make local friends.

Embrace new traditions and rituals

Living abroad was always an internal battle for me between trying to preserve my personality while embracing foreign customs and habits. This can also feel conforting, but like with the previousus point, it’s not fun.

At the beginning, when you freshly arrive to a new country and during the first few months there, it’s important to show openness to new things instead of sticking to all your habits (I didn’t say you had to change your personality and routine entirely). It will probably take some time for you too to find the right balance, but that’s okay; you are not in a rush.

In France, I learned (the hard way :D) about diplomacy and courtesy. This country also introduced me to different eating habits—more ceremonial and slow.

In Chile, life was chill. The Chilean lifestyle is very laid back, and so is fashion. I learned to take life easier—both in my mind and looks.

Had I not done all those things, I would have never fully experienced the French, and Chilean way of life.

Really discover the town you live in and immerse yourself in local activities

When people move to a new country, they often focus on traveling around and to neighbouring countries. There is nothing wrong with that, as being an expat is also about discovering new places. However, unless you moved for work and holiday, traveling will likely be only a small part of your life.

As an expat, you have more time to discover a new country in all its aspects. So don’t just travel as if you were a tourist, but try to immerse yourself in the new daily life and routine in your city: enroll in a fitness club, art center, or whatever your hobby is (I wish I would), discover a local market, or simply walk in the neighborhood. You’ll be surprised how many things you can find out about your city once you take the time to really explore it—not just the popular landmarks and on a commute.

By doing some local activities, you will create a life for yourself. Despite having a local “support group” is important, it is equally important, in my opinion, to make your experience abroad personal and filled with your routine and things you truly love.

Shoutout to all the expats out there! Let me know in the comments where you live or planning to move to.