The experience of living in a country different from yours is one of the most enriching you can ever have. Being exposed to a new culture makes you re-evaluate and acquire a new vision of your own culture. This exercise helps you acquire a critical sense of your own personality in terms of attitudes and actions.

However, leaving your country is no bed of roses. There are several layers of culture rooted in your behavior that you don’t even notice normally.
So we’ve collected some tips to help make the process of moving to another country more natural.

Don’t lose touch with your friends

Our social cycle is a great strength that we have in daily life, especially when it comes to our friends. They give us comfort and security to face the challenges that life holds. And, even far away, we can learn to count on our digital tools to keep this contact live and strong.

Find international centers in your town

In the world’s big cities, we see the offer of places that serve to bring together outsiders in the same town. These places can be language schools, university departments, and several other places that connect people from different nations. These spaces are excellent for meeting people in a situation of social adaptation, and this can help establish relationships, which is a great way to adapt to a new reality.

Assimilate parts of the culture that interest you

One of the most important points in adapting to a new country is your interest in the new culture. Being immersed in the customs of people of another nationality helps you to adapt. Consequently, this creates the feeling of being welcome, the most important for living somewhere.

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You’ve chosen the country, the town, the studying place, but now you have to choose the type of place where you’ll spend the upcoming months of your exchange. The doubt is natural, because, after all, the setting is basic for your adaptation to a new country. Yes, your new home will, literally, shelter your feelings and thoughts concerning your life choice of venturing into a new country. Comfort and identification are essential to your well-being and the success of your exchange. But, before choosing, you must reflect on your priority: comfort, safety, freedom, independence, companionship and other features peculiar to each type of dwelling.

The most popular type in an exchange is being hosted by a local family, pre-determined by the agency in charge of your trip. In this kind of accommodation, the main points are: the welcome and sense of safety (ideal for younger people) and the full-time contact with the local language, culture, habits and cooking. But there are setbacks: be careful to respect the rules of the house, such as curfews, tasks that have been pre-arranged with the family, and a limit to the number of visitors you receive, if such is the case.

For those who are more independent, the option is renting a small apartment. Ideal if you are staying for a longer time in the new town, for higher- level courses, for instance, and you need comfort, privacy and freedom, this is the best option, although not the best for your pocket. However, be it to study in peace, to rest after a long day, or to be free to receive guests, having your own place, with your own rules, is fundamental. The negative point, besides the expense, is losing the 24-hour contact with the local language and culture when you’re at home.

Finally, why not consider an intermediate solution? Between living with a family and living alone, lies a third option: a student residence. With rules that are more flexible, this type of dwelling brings young people together, enabling cultural exchanges and the possibility of making new friends.  Usually located near study centers, these residences offer a great cultural and social experience. After all, sharing a home with people from different backgrounds is a true challenge and an exercise in responsibility, patience and respect. For those who are more reserved, the best option would be an individual bedroom, sharing the common areas, such as kitchen, bathroom and sitting-room. If, on the other hand, you want to save money, and don’t mind rooming with strangers, choose the shared bedroom version.

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