Advice on Moving Abroad

There are little pieces of Britain being created all over Europe and further a field.

The process is happening as more and more of us invest in property aboard. For a few decades now they have been buying villas, houses, apartments – even mansions – in all the places where Brits take holidays.

Cyprus, Florida, France, Spain, Italy and Portugal are just a handful of the places abroad where thousands of Britons have put down new roots and they are spreading to lesser-known spots such as Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia.

Each of these presents its own set of problems from a purchasing point of view. You have succeeded in buying your property by surmounting unfamiliar legal processes, surviving foreign mortgaging systems and winning your way through local tax and planning laws.

Time to relax in your new environment? Not a bit of it. Whether you plan to move completely to your new paradise or live there just for a few months at a time integration into your new environment will take a bit of work.

After all, you do not want to be regarded as a “newcomer” forever? Here are a few ways around the integration obstacle course:

Advice on Language when moving abroad

Unless you have bought a property in Florida or Cyprus, English is not much use to you so learning the local language is a must. This is not a five-minute thing, so as soon as you know which country you are moving to, start learning. There are various methods including private lessons or at evening institutes which now offer a whole range of European languages. Your last few months of UK commuting to work can be with a language course in the car or a portable CD player. By the time the often-lengthy purchasing process is over you can be well on your way to a new language. When you are finally in-situ in your foreign home, don’t be shy, try your new skills on the locals. You will find they are receptive even if, at first, you mangle their beloved mother tongue horribly. Only the most disingenuous will rubbish your efforts.

Friendships when moving abroad

New friends can be made in your new environment and they do not all have to be from the UK. Becoming acquainted with locals will speed up your integration and your grasp of the language. Children are great ice breakers in these situations. Kids will naturally play with peers of any nationality. Parents can develop friendships on the back of this. There is nothing more natural than striking up a father–to-father conversation while watching children play football or messing around in the sea.

Food abroad

No matter how fussy an eater you are, food will be an important issue in adapting to your new home area. Try the local delicacies and recipes – no matter how revolting they may seem. Developing a taste for the local cheese, meats, seafood, pastries and wines is no hardship and will confirm you as an insider, not an outsider

Shopping abroad

A great place to look, learn and integrate. If you do not know the Portuguese for sardines, for example, you will if you shop because it is labeled on the slab. Shopping in the local parade or the market is a chance to seek advice from willing local people, shopkeeper and stallholders. Buying local produce will also speed up your fitting in.

Health abroad

Making an early call to the doctor or health centre after moving in will help you establish what bureaucracy is involved. It will tell you whether you need to produce proof of identity or a social security number and – most importantly – what payment the doctor requires. It is better to do this when you are on top of the world than when you are feeling unwell.

Culture

An important aspect of living in a new community is getting involved. Most European countries have a very vibrant and energetic community life through festivals, markets and exhibitions. Being seen supporting these through your presence will win extra points for integration. If there are kids’ events get yours to take part in parades and carnivals.

Meeting people abroad

The location you have moved to may have English pubs and Irish bars to visit but  going to a bar or restaurant frequented by locals can bring dividends. As well as honing language skills even further you can, in bar room conversations, get a feel for local issues and politics.

Body language

You will find that a smile and a little confidence goes a long way when you first move in. You may be apprehensive at first but an air of confidence – even if you really do not feel it – will help you win through.

Back to home page