college essay on moving to a new country

Essays About Moving to a New Country: Top 5 Examples

Being in a new country comes with both disadvantages and opportunities to thrive. If you are writing essays about moving to a new country, check out our guide.

Most of us can say that we have moved homes at least once before; if this is daunting on its own, what more a completely different country? People often move to have better opportunities for a job or a lower cost of living, but moving to a new country gives us a chance to thrive beyond that. A life-changing experience also presents us with many challenges, some quick to face and others that take months or even years to overcome. 

The experience of moving to a new country is only what you make of it. You can learn so much from such a dramatic lifestyle change, but only if you embrace it and make the most of it. This is not to say you shouldn’t feel stress, sadness, or confusion with the change, but change is constant in life and should not be shunned. Take advantage of the opportunity and thrive.

5 Top Essay Examples

1. moving to a new country essay by rosh, 2. what nobody will tell you about moving to a new country by zulie rane, 3. getting adjusted after moving to a new country by laura mueller, 4. how to cope with stress when moving abroad by josh jackman, 5. when moving to a new country please don’t do this by iva ursano, 1. why move to a new country, 2. where would you move, and why, 3. advantages and disadvantages of moving to a new country, 4. my experience moving to another country, 5. migration and immigration today, 6. lessons a new country can teach you.

“It goes without saying that moving to a new place is a thrilling adventure. The endless list of foods that you have never tasted before, visiting places that you have always seen on the television screen, smells and sounds that have captured your imagination and experiencing the cultures and traditions that are outright different from yours is something that no one wants to miss.”

In this essay, Rosh lists why one might want to move to a new country. These include professional growth, a new adventure, and making new friends. Moving can be a great new experience that can teach you a lot while being exciting at the same time. Rosh also describes a few problems to consider when moving to another country, such as the language barrier and financial issues. 

Looking for more? Check out these essays about moving to a new place .

“I wish I’d had a little more perspective back then. I wish I’d been a little better at detangling what I liked and what I didn’t like, and what the root cause was. I wish I’d been less caught up in the idea of myself as a worldly traveler, and a little more honest about what I aimed for in life. I wish I’d believed I could have stayed and made a difference about the things I cared about, instead of fleeing east.”

Rane discusses how she left Georgia, U.S.A., for the U.K. and why she regrets it. She was at odds with the slow pace of life, her peers’ political views, and her high school experience, so she decided to apply for college abroad. However, reflecting on it now, she is homesick and regrets her decision. She laments how moving is idealized without showing the negative aspects of such a change. 

“Think about the things that you’d like to achieve after moving to a new country, be it becoming fluent in the language, finding a job, finding a group of friends, etc. Then take active steps to achieve it. Working toward distinct goals will give your day’s purpose at a time when everything may seem so up in the air, and the goals themselves will help you become more a part of your surrounding community.”

In her essay, Mueller writes about several tips that can help you get used to a new country, such as learning a bit of the language and culture, going out to explore, and adjusting your routine to one more standard for the country you are in. Most importantly, she suggests setting new goals for your new country, so you have something to focus on. Mueller also stresses the importance of staying connected with your loved ones back home. Check out these essays about home .

“If moving abroad is all you think about for most of the next year, it will take your joy and your sanity – so take a break every so often. When you feel like you’re underwater, clear your thoughts, take a deep breath or five, and give yourself a moment to be silent. Then consider doing something else for a while, before you tackle the next moving issue.”

Similarly to Mueller, Jackman lists down several ways to adjust to the stress that comes with moving to a new country, such as selling some of your unnecessary belongings and listing what you are excited about. He also discusses the importance of self-care, saying it’s fine to take a break and relax, even taking time off work if necessary. You might also be interested in these articles about immigration .

“It was horrible. Downright pathetic. I showed up as an entitled North American not realizing that I’m the stranger here now. I’m the visitor. I’m the guest. If I didn’t like it, any of it, I could move. No one forced me to live here. Actually, no one even invited me or asked me to move here. Not a soul. I did this on my own.”

Ursano reflects on how she was when she moved to Guatemala, fresh from Canada. Having moved from a first-world country to a third-world country, she was, at first, incredibly entitled. She constantly complained about the internet service, language barrier, and “dirty” city. She explains that when you move to a different place, it can take a while to get used to it. But now, she loves Guatemala and never wants to leave. 

6 Prompts To Help You Begin Writing On Essays About Moving To A New Country

People move to other countries for many reasons, whether financial, social, political, or otherwise. In your essay, research the most common causes of moving to another country. Cite surveys, statistics, and research to support your claims, and be sure to explain your points adequately. 

Think of a country you would want to move to and consider the advantages and disadvantages. Then, for your essay, briefly describe your chosen country and explain what makes it so appealing to you. Then, describe some aspects of the country that make you want to move there, such as culture, economic opportunity, and laws. 

As stated previously, moving has its advantages and disadvantages. First, think of the different obstacles and opportunities moving to a new country may pose and discuss each one in your essay. Then, conclude whether you would personally want to move to a new country; consider whether it would be worth it or not. 

Looking for more? Check out these essays about personal growth .

If you have moved to another country before, reflect on this time and write about it in your essay. Describe why you or your family decided to move, how you initially felt moving and how your feelings changed over time. Also, explain how this big step in life has helped make you who you are today.

In an increasingly connected world, more and more people are leaving their countries to move to new ones. Research this phenomenon and discuss its causes and implications for the countries involved. You can also discuss statistics related to this, such as the nations where most people flee or go to. Lastly, discuss your feelings on this matter and how you would like to see this resolved: do you think more should be done so that people don’t feel the need to leave their countries? Answer this question in your essay.

Moving can give you a whole new outlook on life and can teach you a lot. Based on personal experience and research, decide on some lessons and life skills that moving to a new country can give you, including independence, tolerance, and an understanding of a new culture. Then, describe how each of these can make you a better person. 

Tip: If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.If you’re still stuck, check out our general resource of essay writing topics .

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Studying Abroad — A New Horizon: Moving to Another Country

A New Horizon: Moving to Another Country

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Essay on Moving To A New Country

Students are often asked to write an essay on Moving To A New Country in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Moving To A New Country

Introduction.

Moving to a new country is a big step. It means leaving your home and going to a place where things may be very different. You might have to learn a new language, eat different food, and meet new people. It can be exciting, but also a bit scary.

Learning New Things

When you move to a new country, you have to learn many new things. You might need to learn a new language or how to use different money. You also have to learn about the country’s customs and traditions. This can be fun, but also hard work.

Meeting New People

Moving to a new country means you’ll meet lots of new people. This can be fun because you can make new friends. But it can also be hard, especially if you miss your old friends and family. You have to be brave and try to make new friends.

Experiencing Different Cultures

In a new country, you’ll experience a different culture. You might try new foods, see different styles of clothing, or learn about new holidays. This can be exciting and interesting, but it can also be a little confusing at first.

Moving to a new country is a big adventure. It can be hard at times, but it can also be very rewarding. You’ll learn a lot, meet new people, and experience a different culture. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

250 Words Essay on Moving To A New Country

Moving to a new country.

Moving to a new country is a big step. It can be exciting and scary at the same time. It’s like going on a long adventure where you get to learn new things, meet new people, and experience a different way of life.

Why People Move

People move to new countries for many reasons. Some move for work, others for school, and some people move to be with family or friends. Some people also move to experience a new culture or way of life.

Challenges of Moving

Moving to a new country can be hard. You have to learn a new language, understand new rules, and adapt to a new culture. You might miss your old home, your friends, and your family. But it’s also a chance to make new friends, learn new things, and grow as a person.

Benefits of Moving

Moving to a new country can be a great experience. You get to learn about a new culture, try new foods, and see new places. It can make you more open-minded and understanding of other people’s ways of life. You also get to make new friends and have new experiences.

Moving to a new country is a big decision. It can be hard, but it can also be a great adventure. It’s a chance to learn, grow, and experience new things. So, if you ever get the chance to move to a new country, think about it carefully, but also be open to the adventure.

500 Words Essay on Moving To A New Country

Moving to a new country is a big step in a person’s life. It means leaving your home and going to a place that is different in many ways. This can be exciting but also scary. You might be moving for a job, to study, or to join family. No matter the reason, you will face many new experiences.

Learning New Culture

One of the first things you notice when you move to a new country is the different culture. Culture includes things like food, music, clothing, and traditions. In your old country, you knew all about these things. In the new country, you have to learn them all over again. This can be fun, like trying a new food for the first time. But it can also be hard, like not knowing the rules for a social event.

Language Barrier

Another challenge you might face is the language. If the people in the new country speak a different language, you will need to learn it. This can be hard and take a lot of time. But it is also a great chance to learn something new. Knowing more than one language can be very useful.

Moving to a new country also means meeting new people. At first, you might not know anyone. This can be lonely. But over time, you can make new friends. These people can help you learn about the new country. They can also be a support system for you.

Adapting to New Environment

The environment in a new country can be very different from your old country. This includes the weather, the landscape, and the city or town layout. It might take some time to get used to these changes. For example, if you move from a hot country to a cold one, you will need to learn how to dress warmly.

Moving to a new country is a big change. It can be hard at times, but it can also be a great adventure. You can learn new things, meet new people, and experience a different way of life. It might be scary at first, but with time, you can feel at home in your new country. So, if you ever get the chance to move to a new country, remember that it is a chance to grow and learn.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Moving On In Life
• Essay on Meeting New Friends
• Essay on Meeting Dad For The First Time

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Blog > Common App , Essay Advice , Personal Statement > The Best Way to Write College Essays About Moving

The Best Way to Write College Essays About Moving

Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University

Written by Alex McNeil, MA Admissions Consultant

Key Takeaway

Moving’s a big deal, especially when you’re in high school.

New state, new city, new school, new family dynamics, new friends—new everything, it may seem.

If you’ve recently moved, or if you’ve moved a lot throughout your life, you might be thinking about writing your college essay about moving.

Moving can work well as a personal statement topic, particularly when the experience shows your resilience and ability to adapt to new situations.

But because the topic is somewhat common, it can be risky if not done well.

In this post, we go over a few ways to approach a college essay about moving to avoid some of the biggest pitfalls and cliches.

Three Ways to Approach Your College Essay About Moving

Across the tens of thousands of college essays we’ve read, the following three approaches tend to produce great college essays about moving. They help writers avoid cliches and focus in on something deeply meaningful and strengths-based (remember: that’s the whole point of a college essay to begin with!).

Personal Insight

The first way you can think about your personal statement is by considering how your story about moving can reveal a personal insight about yourself to admissions officers.

Let me give you an example.

Emma moved from rural Montana to Los Angeles for her mom’s job. Sure, she could write about how she was shocked by the drastic weather differences, how she had to learn how to navigate a big city, or how she went from being in a school with 50 students to one with over 3,000.

Those topics would be interesting, but none would help us learn much about who Emma is or why we should admit her to our school.

To reveal a personal insight, Emma will have to be a bit more vulnerable and strategic. Let’s say that Emma wants to study agriculture. Emma’s college essay about moving would be more effective if it explored how she came to realize her love of agriculture only after she left her rural hometown.

Family Context

But maybe moving didn’t teach you something about yourself. Maybe it taught you about your family. Or perhaps you feel like admissions officers need to know about your family’s story to truly understand you.

This approach appears most often among students whose families have moved a lot because of a parent’s job or among those who have had a lot of changes in their home lives. Sharing your story, including the details of how a situation affected you personally, can help admissions officers learn about where you come from.

You can write about your experiences through the lens of resilience, diversity, or even joy or curiosity.

Lesson Learned

Finally, you can also approach your college essay about moving by reflecting on a significant lesson you learned throughout the process. Note that the key word here is significant .

Lessons like “I learned that I was strong and could handle anything thrown my way” or “I learned who my true friends were” are nice lessons, but they aren’t weighty enough for a college essay. Those kinds of lessons are too generic to actually tell admissions officers anything about who you are.

Let’s return to Emma for this example.

Instead of writing about how moving influenced her to study agriculture, Emma could also write about the lessons in diversity she learned when moving from a homogenous rural town to a big, diverse city.

Two Cliches to Avoid in Your College Essay About Moving

Okay, now that we’ve gone over three solid approaches, let’s go over what not to do.

Since college essays about moving are pretty common, you’ll want to avoid these overused and cliche methods. Your admissions officers will have read them a thousand times already, so they won’t be doing you any favors.

“Moving was the worst thing that ever happened to me…even though it wasn’t that bad.”

Listen. I know that moving can be really difficult. If moving was truly the most difficult thing you’ve experienced, then consider one of the approaches from above.

But too many applicants overstate the difficulty of their move solely because they think they have to write about something traumatic to get into college.

This approach leads to inauthentic essays that appear like they’re trying to pull the wool over the admissions officer’s eyes.

You don’t need to write about trauma, or even a difficult topic in general, in your college applications.

“Moving caused my grades to drop.”

The other big cliche that surfaces again and again in college essays about moving is the big Grade Drop following a move.

Moving can be such a disruption that it’s unsurprising if it affected your grades. It also makes sense that you want admissions officers to know that there’s a legitimate (and temporary) reason behind those less-than-perfect grades on your transcript.

But the problem with this approach is that it takes one of the most valuable pieces of application real estate—your personal statement—and fills it with information that probably belongs in the Additional Information section of the Common App.

Instead, save your personal statement for a topic that draws out your strengths and says something meaningful about who you are.

The Big Picture

Not every college essay needs to be written about a challenge. If your experience with moving has deep personal meaning, you can try it out in your personal statement.

But remember that you can also address something like moving in your additional information section.

Ultimately, you need to craft essays that say something personal about you while showcasing your strengths. It’s all part of what it means to create a cohesive application narrative .

Liked that? Try this next.

How to Write a Personal Statement for Colleges

12 Common App Essay Examples (Graded by Former Admissions Officers)

The Incredible Power of a Cohesive College Application

How A Selective Admissions Office Reads 50k Applications In A Season

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Moving to a New Country: Expat Lessons and Observations

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It’s fair to say we’ve bounced around quite a bit in recent years. Moving to a new country has become second-nature to us now. We have our little routines and requirements to meet before we feel at home, which helps us to easily slip into daily life in new places all the time.

Moving to another country used to seem like a daunting prospect to me – as I’m sure it does to many of you!

Whether you’ve never moved out of your hometown or you’ve been living in the same home for years, uprooting ourselves can challenge our every sense and emotion.

I have learned quite a bit in the many moves we’ve already done. While this is by no means a comprehensive guide to moving overseas , I just wanted to share some of my thoughts based on my experiences.

Moving to a New Country for the First Time

I first  lived in Spain  12 years ago. It was my first foray into living overseas and I relished the opportunity to travel.

I had all of Europe at my feet and plenty of weekends to traipse around. I was 20, turning 21, and I (of course) felt invincible.

Read next: Find out what it’s like for an American living in Scotland , especially in the Edinburgh area.

Moving to a new country seemed like a long time coming, having first been introduced to the concept of backpacking through Europe by my 4th-grade teacher, Ms. Elliott. Years later, it was finally my turn and I was so excited!

But I was also still a sheltered kid from the suburbs. Accordingly, I didn’t like the weird food very much, I didn’t really connect with my host family, and I didn’t love the city itself. It was all just too overwhelming for my senses.

My first move abroad wasn’t the romantic ideal of galavanting that Instagram might now have you believe!

Instead, it was a constant barrage of new feelings associated with normal activities. The longer I was there, the more I realized that, in fact, it was overall very much like home , except for all of those little things.

And those little things added up to create an entirely new experience.

This new country challenged my perceptions and it forced me to consider my daily life at home in comparison with daily life in another place.

Those small comparisons created an overall feeling of unfamiliarity…a lack of belonging and feeling like an outsider looking in.

Nothing was so extraordinarily different, yet every small change made me hyper-aware of my surroundings.

These simple, tiny lifestyle differences made me pause and wonder at my life back home versus my life here. Was one necessarily better than the other? Had I never noticed these small moments back home?

That awareness drew my attention to moments and scenes from my new life that made me smile.

I loved having the river to walk along in my new city. I learned to love bridges and to simply cross one for a better view of where I’d just been.

And I loved the convenience of having every shop I might need along the walk between the university and my apartment. As a suburbs girl, this was monumental!

I adored the old women chatting on street corners, eyeing everyone in the neighborhood with slight judgment.

The laundry hanging from windows overhead in colorful layers drew my eyes up and offered a swaying greeting around every corner.

Having always had a clothes dryer at home, this simple difference elicited an emotional reaction from me; it made Europe seem more romantic and traditional (cliche though it may be!).

But – above all – what charmed me the most was the pure autonomy I felt like I finally fully possessed.

For the first time, I truly felt the freedom to be a whole new me. And it was as terrifying as it was enchanting.

Moving to a New Country Shakes Your Foundation

That’s the thing with moving to a new country: You are forced out of your little protective shell and left exposed before the world.

For some people, it’s too much.

For me, I exploded with joy at each new experience. I had the chance to learn new things and to decide who I wanted to be here in this new place.

I was in another country, surrounded by a language that I wasn’t confident in and a culture that wasn’t mine.

I was uncomfortable at least once every single day .

This perfectionist was struggling to keep up with the conversations around her. The not knowing was a full-handed slap across my face.

And yet it also made me feel  so alive .

Nobody there expected anything of me. There were no preconceived notions about who I was or what I should be doing. For the third child in a family, that was truly revelatory!

It was also my first time living in a city, where I realized that I was just another face in a busy place. I could happily melt into it and become part of the fabric.

It was liberating and exciting and exhausting and debilitating and it made me feel so tiny and insignificant, yet so utterly free.

That’s the dichotomy of expat life:  It can make you feel like you are a part of something so grand while also reminding you just how tiny you actually are in this time and space.

Every time I move to a new place, I feel like 20-year-old me, surrounded by discomfort but finding so much joy in the challenge of creating an updated – and, hopefully, better – version of myself.

It’s the Little Things in a New Country

Moving to a new country shakes up your life in so many ways. The big things, like new housing and the language and a different environment, are obvious.

But it’s the little things that minimally alter your daily life that create a lasting impact. You need to change the ways in which you interact with the world around you.

It’s in not knowing where items are in a grocery store. You have to wander aisle after aisle after aisle. And then you wonder if the thing you’re looking for is not actually there or if you just missed it.

Maybe it looks a little different here? Maybe it’s called something else? ( I’m looking at you, Scottish English. ) So you circle back and start again. Grocery shopping can become an all-day affair.

It’s the feeling of confusion as you search for the right bus stop. You check the signs and double-check the app that you just downloaded because someone in that random expat group online recommended it. 

But – are you in the right place? Which direction do you even want to go? Where the heck  are you?!

And then you finally step on board the bus and the driver says something. You don’t understand, but you just smile and nod and feel like a moron because you don’t want to ask “What?” for the umpteenth time today.

Instead, you give up on understanding and give in to this life of mild social discomfort and perpetual confusion. It is, after all, the expat way!

But then you smile to yourself because you know that this discomfort and this confusion will fade. You know that you’ll soon fit in and melt into the fabric of this new community. And, in the meantime, watching this new world pass by through the windows is mesmerizing!

Soon enough, none of this will feel so new anymore.

That bus stop will become your routine commute and you won’t even notice the other people standing there.

That bus driver won’t even acknowledge you because you just pay your fare as you scroll through the news on your phone.

And you won’t even bother looking out the window because you’ve seen those views a thousand times before and it’s just not that exciting anymore.

Once the newness fades away, you enter the mundane bits of life. You rebuild that comfort bubble with new habits and routines, and the challenges of yesterday become memories.

Those challenges of moving to a new country force you to create a new life for yourself. You have to figure out how to live your new daily life, filling it with errands and paying bills and socializing.

Because, remember, life is life everywhere !

Getting Sucked into a Routine

I find routine to be a dangerous thing. I relish this persistent need to focus that forces me awake. It shakes me into actually noticing those otherwise mundane moments.

Moving abroad forces you to pay attention to every single step you take.

Sure, moving to a new community in your home country can shake up your routine a little bit.

But moving to a new country will completely explode that little bubble of comfort. It will make you painstakingly rebuild it, piece by piece, through countless uncomfortable and confusing moments.

You’ll learn to laugh at the chaos and love it, or you’ll go back home to your comfortable routine and love that instead.

A new expat home means a heightened and perpetual sense of awareness that can feel utterly exhausting. But, at the end of each confusing day, falling into bed while your mind races through each crazy moment, at least you know you lived.

I dislike that glossy-eyed life of routine, the one that has us knowing exactly where to stand to get on the right subway car that will drop us at the exact exit at our destinations.

Those grocery shoppers who don’t even look up? They just methodically go through only the aisles they need…and they drive me nuts.

They know exactly where each item is and they don’t even bother searching for something new. It’s just:  keep your head down, get the job done and get out of there.

I implore you: Go down the other aisles. Get into a different subway car. Look up and look around and see who else is sharing this space and this time with you!

Even better: Smile at those strangers.

This world is vast and beautifully filled with unique individuals, but so many of us simply float along and ignore the wonders around us.

But it is so hard to continuously observe and marvel at that which becomes routine and normal.

Moving to a new country all the time shakes me out of that trap.

It forces me to observe tiny details that otherwise fade into the background. I find myself charmed by small moments that never would have caught my attention back home.

And I couldn’t be more thankful every time that it does.

My New (Again) Country: Scotland

After 11 years, I finally returned to Spain to live for a short while. It felt like a homecoming of sorts, like I’d made it full circle. It felt somewhat familiar but still so foreign and surprising.

It also awakened that language part of my brain finally, which felt so damn good!

Read next: How house sitting works as an ideal test run for your new expat life.

From Spain, we’ve returned to Scotland , which is another familiarly foreign home for me. This return also felt like a homecoming and we slipped into old habits quite quickly. It’s something I’m fighting at the moment, for all the reasons I outlined above.

But in a familiar-enough place, it can be hard to constantly see things anew and to regularly challenge ourselves to explore and to learn.

It’s a real challenge, but it just requires that we try a little harder and we fine-tune our focus.

After so many country moves, I struggle when I feel myself becoming stagnant. My mind and heart crave adventure and variation.

I found that variation in the sea in Honduras and in Malta, and again in the mountainscapes of Ecuador and of Spain…now I’m searching for it in my daily Scottish life.

Life here feels so similar to life back home, so this is a welcome challenge to keep my senses heightened and to purposefully, proactively observe the tiny differences and those small moments that make up a life.

Who knows what will come next for us. But I’m open to anything!

I’ve learned through all these country moves that the unknown and those unforeseen challenges make me a better version of myself each and every time.

So, bring it on, Scotland! I’m ready for you this round.

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Amanda Walkins

Amanda Walkins was an expat for more than a decade and has been a travel and tourism professional since 2013, a fully remote worker since 2015, an international house and pet sitter since 2016, and a writer since she learned to read. Join her for whatever the next adventure may entail!

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A New Country, A New Life, And New Beginnings: Moving To A New Country

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Moving From One Country To Another (Essay Sample)

Moving to a new country.

It is always an adventurous and fun experience to explore and discover new places. Not only is it informative but also provide an individual with the chance to learn about the ways of life in other places too. Moving to another country however, offers a new dimension. People move to a new country for various reasons. It might be political, career, or simply for the sake of discovery. People flee wars or go for greener pastures in new countries. While it might be for all the possible reasons, moving to another country might come about with mixed results, while it also calls for a lot of things to be considered.

Moving to another country calls for some great degree of psychological preparation. This is especially the case when the move is pre-planned. In the unplanned moves, such as in the case of war, one might not have the chance to even prepare, since it happens so abruptly and the change is mandatory. It is never easy for anyone to just change the environment one has been used to for a long time. Well, it is human nature to dislike change, especially the sudden ones. As a result, moving to a new country means inviting new culture, lifestyle, and generally, starting one’s life afresh in a new environment.

There would be a high likelihood that one can suffer culture shock in the destination country, since some things would be automatically and obviously different to the home country. Some psychological preparation is key. Culture shock can be caused by anything and everything, the foods there might be different, the nature of sports, dressing as well as forms of entertainment. They might be quite contrasting to the ones back home. Loneliness might also ensue, since it would mean leaving all the friends and family back home, to venture into new territory where one might not know anyone. Depending on one’s personality, making friends is a process and might therefore take quite some time. One therefore needs some conditioning.

To do this, for example, one has to do some background research on the destination country. Tis is through reading or watching various features about the country, so as to acquire some knowledge or information about it. It helps one to have at least some preview about how the nation runs, and how its people relate. Having such a preview is key in ensuring that one at least has a head start once he lands in the country. It saves a great deal when it comes to also knowing the do’s and don’ts in the new country. Although guides might be there, having a little prior information is good. With the new environment however, one learns how to be resilient, slowly by slowly, one finds some nice or interesting spots to hang out. The new country starts being homely. Not before long, one settles and life becomes quite enjoyable.

In conclusion, moving to another country is quite an experience. People move in search of greener pastures, for the sake of adventure, or as a result of fleeing political unrest in their home countries. Moving to a new country offers its own set of goods as well as disadvantages. The advantages are economic or career progress and safety. As a low down, it offers loneliness and culture shock to the visitor. One needs to be prepared prior to moving to a new country, since it helps reduce the impact of the low downs. All in all, there will always be beautiful lessons that one can learn from moving to new countries. Lessons that can only be learnt through experience.

Nina Out and About contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See  my Disclosure Policy  for more information.

15 Challenges of Moving to a New Country to Overcome

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Are you considering making the move to a new country?

It can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its share of challenges.

I’ve moved around the world over 8 times in the last 10 years – sometimes even multiple times within the same year!

So I know the difficulties of moving to a new country.

While it’s not the easiest thing to do, moving abroad is SO rewarding. That’s why I want to help you overcome the biggest challenges of moving to a new country, so you can live your best life abroad !

1. Packing Up Your Life

This is probably the most daunting task on this list.

Packing up your life into a few suitcases is no easy feat!

You have to decide what’s worth taking with you and what you can live without.

Then you have to figure out how to fit everything into your luggage.

And don’t even get me started on the weight limit…

It can be even worse if you’re planning to bring furniture and things with you, as the shipping costs can be astronomical!

Make packing easier by pre-ordering all your moving supplies here.

How to Overcome this Challenge:

Start by making a list of everything you want to bring with you.

Then go through the items one by one and decide if you really need them or not.

You might be surprised at how much stuff you can live without.

Once you’ve sorted through your belongings, start packing up your things little by little.

Don’t try to do it all at once or you’ll get overwhelmed.

And if you’re bringing furniture with you, start planning and arranging the shipping as early as possible so you’re not rushed at the last minute.

I recommend looking at the cost of new furniture abroad to see if it’s really worth the effort before you start trying to take that 4-seater couch to New Zealand!

2. All the Admin and Expenses

There’s SO much paperwork and red tape involved in moving to a new country.

From getting your visa sorted to opening a bank account, there are a million and one things to do.

And all of this costs money!

Honestly, it can be exhausting.

It feels kind of like the admin is trying to keep you from wanting to live abroad.

Break down the steps one by one.

Don’t try to tackle them all in one day!

I always start with my visa.

Find out the type you need and exactly the steps you need to take. Then leave an extra few weeks in case things are slow to process.

Most of the admin for opening a bank account, getting a tax number, and rerouting your mail will have to happen on the ground.

I recommend using Wise.com’s multicurrency account , at least while you get set up.

It can take MONTHS to get a bank account ready in a new country, even with your visa and tax number!

But you don’t want to incur costly credit card fees or pay to withdraw your own cash from a foreign card.

Instead, use the free Wise.com multicurrency account with a virtual debit card, so you can easily pay as you go. It’ll save you a few grey hairs for the first two months – trust me!

With the financial costs, moves always cost money.

Unfortunately, that’s just a reality.

The best way to minimize some of the costs is to pack less and to do your research so you aren’t accidentally wasting money throughout the process.

Opening a bank account is so much EASIER by creating a free multi-currency account here.

3. Distance From Home

This is probably one of the hardest challenges to overcome.

When you move to a new country, you’re leaving your family and friends behind.

It can be really tough to be so far away from the people you love.

But there are ways to stay connected, even when you’re miles apart.

Technology has come a long way in recent years, making it easier than ever to stay connected with loved ones.

There are tons of apps that allow you to video chat for free, so you can actually see each other’s faces instead of just hearing their voices.

I Zoom or Facetime call my family regularly when I live abroad.

We even do virtual cooking classes as a family or they pass me around the Christmas party on an iPad so I can be apart of their lives!

If you want to stay in touch, you’ll find ways to do it – both with family and friends.

4. Culture Shock

This is a big one.

And it’s not just about the food or the language.

Moving to a new country means you’ll be experiencing a whole different way of life.

From the way people drive to how they socialize, everything will be different.

Even the way they work could be different!

Maybe you’re used to getting to the office at 9am and having a coffee chat with friends before you start your day. But there, they might expect people to be working at 100% by the time 9am comes.

It can be really tough to adjust, especially in the beginning.

I’ve definitely faced this and it can feel daunting. It makes you feel like you don’t belong, and then those mean inner voices start saying that you never will.

It’s a big reason people give up on living abroad.

The best way to overcome culture shock is to just jump in headfirst.

Don’t be afraid to try new things or to make mistakes.

That’s how you learn!

Ask people about how things are done if you’re confused. Most of the time, they’re very willing to explain and help you sort it out.

Another great way to overcome culture shock is to connect with other expats.

They can help you to understand the local culture and customs, and they’re usually more than happy to help you out.

Beyond all that, a lot of it is treating the first few months living abroad like being a tourist. Expect to feel a bit different.

And don’t worry if you stand out!

People are often drawn to you for that.

They’ll want to know more about your home country and why they behave differently.

The amount of times I’ve had to explain why the heck Canadians stand the -30C cold in winters is exhausting (tbh, I’m not sure. We’re just crazy!!), but I’ve made a lot of cool friends through it!

Find the Right Country to Move to

Need help figuring out what country is right for you?

Take my research-backed quiz about which country best suits your needs!

5. Homesickness

Homesickness is a real thing, and it can be really tough to deal with.

When you’re living in a new country, you might start to miss the comforts of home.

Even if you didn’t like your home country that much, there are still things that you’ll miss – like your favorite food or being able to understand the language.

There’s a sense of comfort in the familiar that you often lose when you’re living abroad.

I’ve heard so many tips to avoid homesickness.

Stay busy. Find fun things to do. Call home less often.

Honestly, the best way to get over homesickness is to give into it for a minute.

There’s probably a reason you’re needing that comfort. Maybe your body is feeling a bit overtaxed from the move or you need to talk to someone honestly about the struggles of living in a new country.

It’s totally ok.

In fact, everyone I know who has lived abroad for any period has had AT LEAST one time when they were hopelessly homesick.

I’ve even had it when I’ve been in my 8th country abroad with no desire to go home!

Being homesick doesn’t mean you’re giving up or that you’re not good at this.

It just means you need some comfort.

So buy that McDonalds burger, call your mom, have a virtual game night with your friends at home, celebrate a holiday from home, or pay a bit too much in shipping for that spice you can’t live without (I’ve done it for pumpkin pie more than once!).

Don’t dwell forever, but give yourself a few homesickness days here and there.

6. Loneliness

Loneliness can be a byproduct of homesickness, or it can be its own thing.

You might find that you’re lonely because you don’t have friends in your new country yet.

Even if you do have friends, you might feel lonely because you’re not used to being away from home or because you feel a bit out of the loop with the new culture.

This is totally normal!

I’ve felt lonely while living abroad many times.

It’s one of the hardest challenges to overcome, but it’s possible.

The best way to overcome loneliness is to reach out and connect with others – both in your new country and back at home.

It sounds simpler than it is.

But even saying hi to your barista when you get your morning coffee or having a chat with a server can make you feel less alone as you start to establish yourself abroad.

For me, being honest about my struggles also helped me feel less alone.

When I was feeling isolated in Austria , I told my friends that I wasn’t having the dream gap year I’d imagined.

Just telling people about my reality helped SO MUCH.

👉 Want to make friends around the world? Join Meetups today for free!

7. Making New Friends

This is one of the challenges of living in a new country that goes hand-in-hand with loneliness.

When you’re living in a new place, it can be really tough to make friends – especially if you don’t have any family or friends there already.

And even if you do have people there, it can still be tough to find your social group.

Even introverts like me need friends. So while we may be able to last a little longer before this becomes a true issue, it’s still a human need to be social.

There were two main things I did to make friends while living abroad. I did the same things no matter where I was or why I was there.

#1 Join local clubs

If you’re studying abroad, you can find these through your school.

Otherwise, check local listings at the community centres or language halls. Check expat Facebook groups too.

I love Meetup.com for this. It’s a free online network for people to set up clubs around their hobbies around the world.

I made my first friend in New Zealand at a boardgame cafe night!

#2 Get a job

Working abroad, whether for pay or as a volunteer, has helped me meet some of my best friends in the world.

Find a local volunteer organization. Take on some part-time work. Or use the built in social network of your full-time job.

This forces you to get out of the house and meet people, plus it can help you earn some extra money.

8. Missing Out on Special Events

When you live in a new country, you’re bound to miss out on things.

You might miss your best friend’s wedding, or your sister’s graduation.

You might even miss major holidays like Christmas , New Year’s, or Thanksgiving .

This is one of the challenges of living in a new country that no one tells you about.

Missing out on these events can be really tough.

You can feel guilty, or like you’re not a part of your family or friends anymore.

But it’s important to remember that you’re not missing out forever.

And there are ways to still feel connected, even when you’re far away.

The best way to overcome this challenge is to stay in touch with the people you care about.

That might mean sending a gift , writing a letter, or scheduling regular Skype calls.

You can also try to schedule your travel so that you can be home for major events.

I often attend events virtually via my mom’s iPad or my sister’s phone. They pass me around parties and I still get to see everyone, but instead of being in snowy Canada, I’m on a New Zealand beach for Christmas.

It never really gets easier, but you learn to value your time with people. And if an event is big enough, you can usually find a way to get back for it!

9. Finding a Job

This is one of the challenges of moving to a new country that people don’t often talk about.

It can be really tough to find a job in a new place – especially if you don’t have any connections there.

And even if you do have connections, it can still be tough to find a job that’s a good fit for you.

One of the biggest obstacles is writing a resume in the local style.

You may not know this, but every country I’ve lived in has had minor differences in the way they apply for jobs and submit resumes.

In the UK, you have to be VERY careful about your email sign-off lines. In the US, if you don’t have local experience, it’s WAY harder to find work.

There are a few things you can do to overcome this challenge:

• Read up on the local resume style and make sure your resume is tailored to it.
• Look for job postings that don’t require local experience.
• Network! Get connected with people in your industry and see if they know of any openings.
• Work with a job recruiter. This helped me a TON with fixing up my resume for jobs in New Zealand and it was 100% free.

Pro tip: Always advertise if you already have a visa as well. And if you do, tell them the end date of the visa.

10. Finding Housing

One of the challenges of moving to a new country is finding somewhere to live.

It’s often hard to find an apartment or house that you can afford, and it can be even harder to find one that’s in a good location.

Plus, if you’re not from the area, you might not know where the best places to live are.

If you’re looking to buy, many countries have special hoops you need to jump through before foreigners can purchase land. It may even come with an additional tax that could send the price skyrocketing!

Do your research before you move. Look up the average prices for rent in the area you’re moving to, and try to find a place that’s in your budget .

Get connected with people who live in the area and see if they have any recommendations for good places to live.

And finally, try to be flexible. Be prepared to compromise on things like location or price.

I prefer to arrive before I lock in on a place to live. So I opt for Vrbo accommodations for the first 1-2 months of my stay.

The few times I’ve taken something site unseen, even temporarily, they haven’t gone well. So I prefer to get to know the area and shop around in person.

11. Language Barrier

Depending on where you move, you may not be able to speak the local language.

This can make it really hard to get around, make friends, and do everyday tasks like grocery shopping or going to the bank.

Even in places with many English-speaking people, like in Berlin , I often had to spend 3x as long doing tasks simply because I couldn’t read German.

I often felt like an outsider because I couldn’t connect with locals in their own language.

With Babbel.com , you can learn the local language before you move.

I wish I had started learning German sooner because it would have made my life a lot easier when I first arrived in Berlin.

If you don’t have time to learn the language before you move, start as soon as you arrive.

Many cities have free language lessons that you can take advantage of to help with your conversational abilities.

Need help learning a new language? I recommend iTalki ! I’ve tried ALL the apps, but iTalki is the only way I’ve managed to learn as much as living in the local country.

12. International Health Insurance

If you’re moving to a new country, you’ll need to get health insurance.

This can be really confusing and expensive, especially if you’re not used to the local healthcare system.

There are often a lot of rules and regulations that you need to follow, and it can be hard to figure out what coverage you actually need.

With visas, you’re often not entitled to the same healthcare access as locals. And for digital nomads travelling without visas , you often have no coverage at all.

If you’re moving to a new country, one of the challenges you’ll face is ensuring that you have adequate health insurance.

Safety Wing is an excellent option for international health insurance, and it’s easy to set up and customize to your needs.

Be sure to check out their website for more information on how they can help you stay safe.

I’ve used them in over 29 countries now, both as a tourist and an expat. I’ve never had to worry about a claim being denied, so I can focus on getting the healthcare I need – like when I fell off a horse in Croatia or the time I got a parasite in Morocco (fun times).

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with Safety Wing travel insurance.

13. Adapting to a New Climate

Depending on where you move, you may have to adjust to a completely different climate than what you’re used to.

This can be really tough, especially if you’re not prepared for it.

For example, I moved from Canada to New Zealand and had to get used to INSANE summer heat.

You could literally get a sunburn in 3 minutes in the summer!

Do your research before you move and find out what the climate is like in the place you’re moving to.

If you’re not used to the heat, try to arrive in the cooler months so you have time to adjust.

And be sure to pack appropriate clothing.

If you know that you don’t handle a certain type of climate (i.e. me with the heat), maybe don’t move to countries that have that climate. Or find ways around it.

When I lived in Scotland , it was VERY dark and gloomy. So I bought a SAD lamp to help me feel happier on grey days.

Finding tweaks like this can really help you adjust.

14. False Expectations

When you move to a new country, it’s easy to build up false expectations in your head.

You might think that everyone will be super welcoming and that you’ll make friends easily.

But the reality is often quite different.

Instagram has sort of trained us all that travel is glamorous and it’s so easy to move abroad .

You think you’ll show up and have some Emily in Paris dream life.

But that’s often not the case.

Do your research before you move and try to set realistic expectations.

Talk to people who have already moved to the place you’re going and get their honest feedback about what it’s really like.

And don’t compare your experience to what you see on social media.

Remember that people only share the best parts of their lives online, and that’s not representative of reality.

If anything, go to Tiktok and you can usually find a more realistic view of expat life.

If I’d been on Tiktok when I lived in Glasgow, you would have seen a lot of me wandering grocery stores desperately trying to find non-wilted vegetables, and me literally screaming into the sky when it somehow rained TWICE on days with zero clouds in the sky.

15. Schooling

If you have kids, one of the challenges you’ll face is finding the right school for them.

Depending on the country you move to, there may not be many schooling options available.

And the ones that are available may not be up to your standards.

This is even a challenge for people studying abroad.

I remember when I was living in Prague , there were very few English-speaking schools available.

Do your research before you move and find out what the schooling options are like in the place you’re moving to.

Talk to other parents and see if they have any recommendations.

And try to be flexible.

Remember that your kids are adaptable and they’ll be able to adjust to a new school, even if it’s not perfect.

Wrap Up: Is Moving Abroad Worth the Difficulties?

Phew! That was a lot of challenges.

But don’t let them discourage you from moving abroad.

Because despite all of these challenges, the rewards of living in a new country are so worth it.

You’ll get to experience a new culture, eat delicious food, and travel to amazing places.

You’ll make new friends and create memories that will last a lifetime.

So if you’re thinking about making the move, go for it!

Just be prepared for the challenges that come with it.

P.S. If you’re moving abroad soon, be sure to check out my post on things to do before you move!

It’s packed with helpful tips and advice to make your move as smooth as possible.

Related Posts:

• 15 Reasons Not to Move to Canada in 2022
• What Does it Cost to Live in New Zealand in 2022?
• Average Cost of Living in Canada by Province [2022]
• 44 Pros and Cons of Living in Italy as an Expat
• How to Send Money Internationally with Wise.com: TransferWise Review for Travellers
• 28 Pros and Cons of Living Abroad: Why You Should Move to Another Country

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Living Abroad Travel Planning Guide

🚑  Should I buy expat travel insurance?

100% YES!  — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Safety Wing!

🌎 What is the best country to live in as an expat?

It depends – the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you!

📍 How do I pick a country to live abroad?

It depends – picking a country to live in is hard. That’s why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps I’ve taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there.

Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all!

💼 How do I get a job as an expat?

You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. They hire for 100% remote roles only.

If you’re looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work!

💰 How do I open a bank account abroad?

Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK!), Wise.com is a great solution.

I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. ( Read more )

👯‍♀️ How do you make friends abroad?

Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.

🙀 I don’t speak the language. Can I still live abroad?

Learn languages in no time with iTalki ! Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. You don’t need to know it before you leave home.

💻 Do I need a VPN?

Yes! – VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. It’s a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities aren’t restricted.

🧳 What’s the best luggage for living abroad?

This is my favourite luggage set f or long term travel. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here .

🏡 How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad?

Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad … and then when I did it again. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who aren’t supportive.

✈️  What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?

To find cheap flights, I recommend  Skyscanner . ( Read more )

🏨  What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?

To find cheap hotels, I recommend  Booking.com . ( Read more )

Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!

🚗  What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?

To find cheap rental cars, I recommend  Discover Cars .

🚗  What’s the best site to find tours?

To find epic tours, I recommend  Viator .

Nina Clapperton is the founder of Nina Out and About. She has lived in 18 countries in the past 10 years, explored more than 30 countries, and has done most of it solo. A Canadian native, she also shares her favourite things to do in the True North. She helps over 100,000 people per month plan their expat adventures and Canadian trips.

Want to move abroad, but don’t know how to start?

Get an expert’s tips & tricks, pick which country to move to – and do it.

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