How to successfully adapt when moving to a new country?

Moving to Montenegro

Anna and her family moved to Budva, located in Montenegro, about a year ago. Before integrating into the new country, she decided that it was necessary to gather as much information as possible from the internet. Although the data may be contradictory, it will serve as a basis for forming her own opinion, which she will be able to confirm on the ground.

Searching for information

The process of searching for information is not that complicated: it's important to connect in advance with local groups on social media, where you can get up-to-date information on topics of interest, interact with people, and ask them your questions. Support from those who have already faced similar situations can significantly ease the adaptation process.

For example, there is a large Russian-speaking group on Facebook with over 13,000 members. In it, you can find a wealth of useful information and answers to various questions, which helped Anna gain access to additional resources for renting housing. She found an apartment to rent for the first month in advance, which allowed her to adapt and consider options for permanent living more thoughtfully.

Preliminary visit

Moreover, it is important to try to visit the country in advance to see everything with your own eyes and determine which city or area would be suitable for living, as well as where it would be better to rent accommodation. Anna strongly recommends not to rush into choosing large apartments, relying on potential visits from friends: high and stable expenses may not be justified, especially if visits from loved ones cannot be avoided.

Buying real estate

It is also worth emphasizing that in the first year, it is not recommended to purchase real estate, even if there are available funds. The optimal option is to live in the new place for at least a year to fully understand what type of housing will be most suitable. This includes not only choosing the city but also studying local conditions, such as the level of lighting, the environment, and the condition of architectural monuments.

In the beginning, it may seem like all questions are answered, but the real experience only comes with living in different seasons.

Legalization and employment

An important aspect is the issue of legalization and the possibility of employment. If there is an opportunity to earn income remotely, it will significantly simplify the process of adapting to a new life in another country.

Additionally, it's important to think ahead about education for children, if there are any in the family. In Montenegro, Russian schools are concentrated in Budva, so if the family decides to rent housing in another location, it's crucial to realize that daily commutes to school will be necessary. This can significantly impact the final choice of residence and the quality of life in the new country.

Conclusion

Moving to another country is a complex and exciting process that requires careful preparation and attention at every stage to ensure that each moment goes smoothly and leads to the desired outcomes. This journey demands an awareness of many nuances and a thorough consideration of all details to avoid unpleasant situations. A new country brings not only new opportunities but also the need to adapt to different living conditions, which can be both challenging and exhilarating.

Preparation for moving

First, it is important to find out whether foreigners are allowed to study in public schools. This can significantly affect how well a child integrates into a new culture, and, more importantly, it is a much more budget-friendly option. It is crucial to immerse oneself in language learning as soon as possible!

Understanding at least basic phrases and being able to communicate with locals will allow you to connect with neighbors, vendors and others. This will greatly improve your perception among the local population and help you feel more confident in your new environment. Sometimes it is good to visit your homeland periodically, especially when the nostalgia becomes too strong. Such trips can confirm the correctness of your choice and allow you to meet your family and friends again.

Personal experience

Maria Bogdankevich, a journalist, moved to Dubai, UAE, a year ago to be with her husband and newborn daughter. She notes that in the modern world, the concept of "moving for permanent residence" no longer exists – it's more of an outdated perception that creates more difficulties than it alleviates. People today live where they feel comfortable, convenient, or where their heart desires.

In any corner of the planet, life goes on if a person has financial stability and a suitable environment. It is important to actively adapt and integrate in a new place by any available means. For professionals, the easiest way to find a job, while for young mothers on maternity leave, good options would be various clubs and groups for parents and their children, organized by both locals and fellow countrymen.

Connections and acquaintances

When Maria moved to Dubai to be with her husband, she reached out to friends and acquaintances on Facebook asking for recommendations: "If any of you have friends in Dubai, please connect me with them!" This post received a lot of positive responses and led to many interesting connections – she was very pleased with the outcome!

As for everyday issues, they were resolved without much difficulty, and such tasks did not become a serious problem for her. Every country has its own pros and cons – both expected and unexpected.

• Maria believes it's important to focus on the positive aspects (after all, if you've decided to move, then the positives are clearly present)
• To perceive shortcomings as inevitable challenges in life.
• Try to adapt without exaggerating the difficulties.

Housing search

Finding housing in Dubai turned out to be quite easy: the rental system here is well-developed. There are popular online platforms where many people search for apartments and flats. Maria's husband has been living in Dubai for a long time, but his apartment, which is a two-level loft studio, turned out to be not quite suitable for living with a small child.

Therefore, before her move, he found more spacious apartments in close proximity to his previous residence. At first, it was important for Maria that the area was within walking distance to the sea and that it was convenient to get to the metro.

She couldn't drive right away because it required obtaining a local driver's license, which meant having to go through the training and exams again.

In Dubai, it turns out to be incredibly difficult to enjoy life in residential areas for families without a car. So at the beginning of our stay, we chose one of the modern high-rises located in a noisy and dynamic area. Later, when I finally got my driver's license, we decided to rent a more spacious place in a green settlement – a sort of country house. Although the distance to the metro and the coast increased, I am quietly happy here. Anna Goryainova, a writer and blogger, moved to Bali, Ubud three years ago.

Tips for adaptation

"My main advice is to not be afraid to experiment and trust your own decisions, regardless of the opinions of those around you. While in Bali, old acquaintances who arrived earlier offered me a room at a price that matched that of a luxurious villa. Meanwhile, the new people I interacted with became a true support and quickly became some of my closest friends."

Loneliness and its overcoming

The hardest thing to deal with after the move was the loneliness. The first six months in Bali were spent with very limited communication. My assistants were constantly busy, and although we exchanged a few words at times, it was infrequent and I didn't want to disturb those who were working. I enrolled in a surf school, language courses, even found a Russian-speaking Facebook group, but none of this led to new acquaintances. I remember wandering alone on the beach for hours, trying not to get discouraged and grieving the lack of communication.

Unexpected encounters

However, after six months, connections started to appear almost out of nowhere, and soon there was so much communication that there clearly wasn't enough time for work. Many of my fears were related to my professional field. But, as it turned out, they were completely unfounded: those who strive and are capable of performing tasks well will always find a legal way to earn a living, even in the most remote corner of the planet. The main thing is to believe in yourself and take the initiative, not succumbing to negative thoughts that can overwhelm a person. Later, I came across an insightful book that mentioned that adapting to a new place takes about six months, and during this period, there are indeed challenges.

New experiences and future plans

I didn't stay in Bali forever, but this island became a significant challenge for me that allowed me to realize my strengths. Now I'm preparing for a more serious step to Europe, to the country of my dreams. On one hand, it causes a bit of anxiety – after all, this is no longer Asia, where life flows at a more relaxed pace. On the other hand, if I was able not just to survive but to settle quite comfortably in Bali without any prior knowledge about it before my arrival, then what could stop me from repeating that in another country?

Summary and conclusion

My conclusion is that it is important to find and actively research expatriate communities on social networks, groups with names like "ours in..." and "Russians in...".

They can indeed be quite helpful, especially if you don't pay attention to the negative comments that come up quite often. Usually, such remarks are made by newcomers who are in the adaptation phase and miss their familiar surroundings. However, it's important not to limit your communication to just people who speak Russian. It is highly recommended to learn the local language to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and mentality of the environment you find yourself in. Firstly, your stay here will be long, and secondly, it's simply engaging and educational. There's no need to worry about difficulties, but you shouldn't relax too much either! Often, any difficult situation can be resolved by applying a friendly approach and common sense.

Housing selection

When it comes to choosing a place to live, after several moves, I've come to the conclusion that aspects such as management, neighbors, and the surrounding environment are of utmost importance to me. Having lived for some time in a luxurious villa with a pool, but located in a noisy tourist area, I preferred a small, cozy apartment where I spent two years. For a significantly lower price, I enjoyed a stunning view of tropical landscapes, access to a pool, cleaning services, high-speed internet, and excellent service from the staff.

Olga Vainer's experience

Olga Vainer, who works in the restaurant business, has received a green card and is currently in Boston, USA, in a "testing" phase with her two sons.“It’s really helpful to plan what to expect in another country!”If at all possible, try spending time in a new country for an extended "test" period. We spent 2.5 months in America, although we are planning a final move next year. This experience made me realize the challenges I may face and how to overcome them!

Social networks and preparation

Before leaving, it is very important to join social media groups related to the new country in your native language. Of course, it's worth going beyond just interacting within immigrant circles, but it's nice to have the opportunity to speak in your native language, and moreover, those who moved earlier can share their valuable experiences. However, be careful:

• Exclude people who spread negativity and can ruin your mood.
• There are always more supportive people and they will definitely come to the rescue!

Making a to-do list

Naturally, it's helpful to prepare a to-do list and determine the order of tasks. In a new place, it's easy to lose your bearings, and a pre-made list will help you focus on important tasks. The top priority tasks include:

• Searching for a rental car before your arrival.

Personally, I didn't do this at the very beginning, and it took a lot of effort and time to solve the problem that arose, which added stress. Even if you plan to buy a car, it's best to rent one right after you arrive!

Traveling without children

If you have the opportunity to visit the country without children first, don't miss that chance. It will simplify the adaptation process and allow you to take care of all the necessary tasks without extra worries. Moving always comes with its challenges, but with good preparation and the right approach, you can make this process less stressful and more enjoyable.

A trip with mom or a nanny

When people go on trips abroad, many of them consider taking their mom or a nanny with a tourist visa. For children, such trips are an exciting adventure, and it is very important to maintain their positive attitude towards traveling. However, it is worth remembering that little ones will need entertainment activities and opportunities for proper rest, while adults will have to deal with many tasks in a limited time. This can become a real challenge, so it might be wise to first go on a trip without the kids.

Choosing a school and housing

When beginning your search for a suitable home, it is important to first focus on choosing a school for your child. In most countries, such as the United States and European countries, educational institutions are often tied to specific neighborhoods. Therefore, it is more logical to first decide on a preferred school and then look for housing nearby. A great option is a summer camp for children, which will not only help them adapt to a new language environment, but will also give them the opportunity to familiarize themselves with local traditions and make new friends. My sons made many friends and now plan to keep in touch, hoping to meet up next year.

Searching for housing in Boston

We managed to find our house in Boston while we were still in Moscow. I reached out for advice on social media, asking which websites are the most convenient for finding housing. Thanks to the recommendations, we were able to rent a house. However, for long-term living, I strongly advise inspecting the property in person. Never sign a lease for permanent housing while you are in Russia!

Important points when choosing housing

• Only by seeing everything with your own eyes can you understand that photographs do not always capture all the important aspects.
• Pay attention to the location of nearby buildings and the atmosphere of the neighborhood.
• Make sure that the sound insulation level and the functionality of the household appliances meet your expectations.

In my opinion, a home should evoke positive emotions, as it provides significant support during times of change.

What to take with you

As for the things to take with you, I am convinced that all your favorite and familiar items should accompany you on your trip. I prefer to think that I am not starting a new life, but simply continuing my dear one in a new country. Of course, it's easier to buy furniture locally, which is quite understandable.

My personal belongings and equipment

Nevertheless, I plan to order a shipping container with the things that are dear to me:

• cooler,
• coffee machine,
• printer,
• kids' ATVs and scooters,
• bedding,
• with toys,
• the guitar that my father gave me,
• synthesizer,
• karaoke,
• a vast library,
• and also a carefully curated wardrobe.

Memories cannot be bought anywhere, and that is their unique value. Additionally, I intend to move all the kitchen appliances I have, of which I possess a significant amount.

Moving to another country: opportunities and challenges

Moving to another country is always a significant event that requires careful preparation and an understanding of many nuances. In my own experience, while studying the experiences of others, I realized how important it is to gather diverse information even before departure. Communities on social media become an essential support during this period. For example, I found a Russian-speaking group in Montenegro that helped me not only rent accommodation for the initial period but also timely identify all the necessary aspects of life in a new place.

A reconnaissance trip

One of the key points I've realized is the necessity of going on a "reconnaissance" trip. It allows you to see reality with your own eyes, rather than relying solely on friends' stories or information from the internet. In the first few months of living in a completely new country, I've come to understand how much the details matter.

• what environment
• what kind of climate,
• How people adapt to their seasons.

Don't rush into buying real estate.

It's not that I think it's important to rush into buying real estate at first; on the contrary, I believe the best approach is to give yourself time to adapt.A year can seem like a long timeBut during this time, I really understood what it means to live in a new country. I studied the market, learned about the properties I would like to acquire in the future, but I also realized that my perception of the surrounding reality could change during this time.

Legalization and the possibility of work

And of course, legalization is an integral part of life in another country, and work is another important aspect that should not be overlooked.Many people may have the opportunity to work remotely.which makes the adaptation process much easier. Also for parents, as for me, the issue of schools and other educational institutions becomes a priority. This was the case in Montenegro, where I not only encountered Russian schools, but also learned about local educational opportunities.

Language learning and returning to one's homeland

The more information I had, the easier it became to make such important decisions. I started actively learning the language, which not only improved communication but also significantly increased the trust and respect of the locals towards me.

Returning to my homeland also turns out to be part of the process. Each trip helps me understand how right the decision to move was, and finally, I realized that we are truly surrounded by an enormous number of opportunities. Living in another country is not always an easy path, but it is in this journey that the chance to see the world from a different perspective lies.In the end, you can not only live in different countries.But also to build their "house" of impressions and acquaintances, making each day unique and unforgettable.