10 Tips for Moving to Another Country (That No One Really Tells You)

At CultureComms Consulting, we’ve lived and worked in different corners of the world. exciting moving abroad can be, but also how deeply unsettling it often is.

People don’t talk enough about the rough parts: the homesickness, the culture shock, the days when you feel misunderstood, invisible, prejudice, or even regret your choice. You will have those days.

But you’ll also grow in ways you never imagined. And there are things you can do to make the transition easier, more meaningful, and even joyful. Here are 10 practical, personal, and sometimes painful truths for moving to another country:

1. Listen to local music (and sing along)

Music is one of the fastest ways to learn a culture. Print the lyrics, sing along, and get your mouth accustomed to pronouncing new sounds in a new language. Before you know it, you’ll recognize songs in the street or on the radio and that creates a feeling of belonging.

2. Join clubs (of any kind)

Don’t wait for people to find you. Go find them. Join sports teams, book clubs, philosophy circles, parenting groups, or language exchanges. You can go to church or other weekly spiritual services to get free practice in your new language and meet locals. The sky’s the limit. Platforms like Facebook Groups, MeetUp, and EventBrite work well in many parts of the world.

3. Don’t measure success by “local friends”

Yes, local friends are wonderful. But don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself. Any social contact helps, whether with expats or locals. But do make sure you branch out beyond people from your own nationality to give yourself a more enriching experience.

4. Accept that there will be days you hate it

Culture shock is not a cliché. There will be weeks when you don’t like the food, the weather, the people, or the way of life. That’s normal. It’s part of the emotional rollercoaster of adapting. The key is to recognize those feelings as temporary.

5. Read up on the history

Nations have collective memories, collective achievements, and collective traumas that shape how people see the world. Understanding the historical backdrop of your new country will help you grasp why people think and behave the way they do. It’s not just knowledge it’s empathy.

6. Know your rights

Labor codes, healthcare, taxation, social freedoms may be very different from what you’re used to. Some things will be more generous, others more restrictive. Don’t assume, don’t guess. It's better to learn the rules. It could protect you from nasty surprises later.

7. Learn the social taboos

What’s normal in your country may be taboo in another (and vice versa). You won’t learn them all at once (and you’ll probably make mistakes), but a little upfront knowledge goes a long way. At CultureComms Consulting, we prep people before they move so they don’t find themselves in awkward (or even risky) situations.

8. Don't expect to change the culture around you

One of the hardest lessons for many new immigrants is realizing that your new country won’t bend to fit your expectations. You are the one who must adapt to the language, the social norms, the rules, and the rhythms of everyday life. Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up who you are; it means finding a way to live fully and respectfully within a different system.

9. Don't assume people don't like you

Don’t assume people don't like you because of your accent, your home country, your skin color, or what you wear. Realistically, most people around the world are good people and don't care about these factors. Don't jump to conclusions when people ask you about where you are from or what you are doing in the country. Most humans on this planet rarely leave their home countries and are more often genuinely curious about meeting people from other cultures. This gives you the opportunity to be a good ambassador for your home country.

10. Allow yourself time & build small routines

Adapting takes months or sometimes years. When everything else feels foreign, your daily rituals will keep you grounded. A morning coffee at the same café, a weekly yoga class or even spiritual service can give you an anchor. They all add up to confidence.

Final word

Moving abroad is one of the most profound experiences you can go through. The bad days don’t mean you made the wrong choice; they mean you’re going through what nearly everyone else does, but few admit. Don’t cling so tightly to your old definition of home that you miss out on building a new one. It's growth.

At CultureComms Consulting, we help people prepare for these transitions. If you’re planning an international move or onboarding new colleagues, get in touch.