When we are young and single, moving abroad is simple, but some practical advice always helps. You only need to pack a bag and head out there into the world. Join groups, be friendly, and try to make friends with your co-workers, and then meet their friends through them, and so on. It isn’t easy, but the process is simplified due to the fact that the only person you are responsible for is yourself.
If, on the other hand, you move when you already have a family, things can become more complicated. You have your partner’s wishes to contend with, and your children’s. Children, in particular, thrive off of routine, and moving abroad is one of the most disruptive things you can do. Before you worry about them, however, know that moving abroad and starting anew is one of the best ways they can grow and become independent. What you can do as a parent is follow these easy steps to help set your family up after your move:
Become Familiar with the Neighborhood
As soon as you move in, your first step as a family should to become familiar with your neighborhood. It is a lot easier to settle in when you feel like you are situated somewhere, and you have your bearings. Go on walks together, eat in the local restaurants and cafes, check out the high street, and hang out in the parks. The more time you spend outside, the better you can get to know your new home.
Set Your Children Up for Success
Your next step should be to focus on your children. Enroll them in an IB School like Southbank International School, and you can be sure that they will have the best possible education available. Not only will they learn academically, but they will also have their pick of extra-curricular activities and receive an internationally recognized grade when they graduate.
Find New Friends for Yourself
Now that your children have been taken care of and given all possible opportunities to make new friends, it’s time to focus on yourselves. It can be difficult to make friends as an adult, but there will be many expats and locals who would also love to expand their social circles. The best way to do this is either online, through meet-up apps, or by joining classes, organizations, or groups within your community.
Connect with Your New Community
When you do join a group or organization, you also benefit from connecting with your community. This is the best way to socialize, make friends, and feel like you have a real, genuine connection. Only once you have all three can you start to feel at home, so volunteer or otherwise do what you can to help better your neighborhood.
Bond as a Family
Though making friends outside of your family is important, so too is bonding with your family. You want the move to be a positive experience; you must become stronger and closer to your family than ever before.
Settling in after moving abroad can seem daunting, but take small steps and put yourself out there. You can make friends and feel connected to where you live; you just need to be patient.
