blathin: Oh it could get traumatic very easily, and very quickly too, if you haven't done your research.
It all depends on your expectations, I have spent the last 40 odd years living around the world, I have a very open mind and learned from the start that a smile goes a long way, to try and assimilate with the local community and to hold back on complaints when your expectations fail to materialise. It is all about positivity and attitude. After living in several countries in Europe, Asia and North/South America I can honestly say I have never been traumatised and have made some amazing friends along my journey.
PeKaatjeAnkeveen, North Holland Netherlands6,334 posts
If I leave the Netherlands, it might be to Vietnam if I am welcome there. Else maybe Ireland or the UK. Haven't found other countries where I would love to live yet
rizlared: It all depends on your expectations, I have spent the last 40 odd years living around the world, I have a very open mind and learned from the start that a smile goes a long way, to try and assimilate with the local community and to hold back on complaints when your expectations fail to materialise. It is all about positivity and attitude. After living in several countries in Europe, Asia and North/South America I can honestly say I have never been traumatised and have made some amazing friends along my journey.
Ditto
I've lived in 4 different countries..2 with young kids.. and 2 without ...and they all have been amazing experiences.
rizlared: It all depends on your expectations, I have spent the last 40 odd years living around the world, I have a very open mind and learned from the start that a smile goes a long way, to try and assimilate with the local community and to hold back on complaints when your expectations fail to materialise. It is all about positivity and attitude. After living in several countries in Europe, Asia and North/South America I can honestly say I have never been traumatised and have made some amazing friends along my journey.
Ah there's a big difference between being a global transient... and relocating one's whole life and belongings from A to B. ..
blathin: Ah there's a big difference between being a global transient... and relocating one's whole life and belongings from A to B. ..
But I did just that, moved lock stock and barrel to a country in Asia, my permanent home now. Would be there now if I hadn't got diverted when flying home from Sri Lanka.
rizlared: But I did just that, moved lock stock and barrel to a country in Asia, my permanent home now. Would be there now if I hadn't got diverted when flying home from Sri Lanka.
Fair do's..I've no idea where you moved from..but I hope it goes well for you. :)
I’ve moved country 4 times. Most important thing is to embrace the new culture and try to understand it. Learn the language out of respect and to be accepted more easily. Don’t critiicise because that ‘new culture’ has probably been working just fine for 2000 years. Enjoy!
robbyreal: I’ve moved country 4 times. Most important thing is to embrace the new culture and try to understand it. Learn the language out of respect and to be accepted more easily. Don’t critiicise because that ‘new culture’ has probably been working just fine for 2000 years. Enjoy!
God...4 countries?? ...I'm exhausted just thinking about it lol... I guess some people have roots while others have wings..:)
rizlared: It all depends on your expectations, I have spent the last 40 odd years living around the world, I have a very open mind and learned from the start that a smile goes a long way, to try and assimilate with the local community and to hold back on complaints when your expectations fail to materialise. It is all about positivity and attitude. After living in several countries in Europe, Asia and North/South America I can honestly say I have never been traumatised and have made some amazing friends along my journey.
I didn't find moving to Spain from the Uk traumatic at all but maybe because I knew everyone in my small community. My ex and I had already bought the apartment here so I knew most people. Made friends with new comers when me and my ex parted ways. I think it will be more traumatic for me when I move back to the Uk as I have loads of stuff here now and don't want to pack it all up. It's bad enough packing a bloody suitcase. My friends will help me but it will be a very sad moment when I have to leave after 15yrs
I would think someone living in South Africa would already know plenty of people who have moved from South Africa. Why not ask some of them how they are adjusting to life in a new country? But yeah if you are an English speaker moving to a country where English is widely spoken is easier than moving to a country where you don't speak the local language.
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It is all about positivity and attitude.
After living in several countries in Europe, Asia and North/South America I can honestly say I have never been traumatised and have made some amazing friends along my journey.