Adilstone Answers: How do I deal with loneliness or missing loved ones while living in another country?

Mark and Taylor are living fulltime in the country of Bahrain, with Mark working as an HR professional in a major hospital system and Taylor taking care of their family at home. Their decision to live full-time in this mesmerizing country was fueled by an irresistible blend of career opportunities and the allure of a new cultural experience. “It’s fantastic (because) I feel like I’ve found my people,” Taylor says smiling as she begins describing the eclectic community brought into her life since moving to the Middle East. There’s an 18-year-old young woman learning English and her mom who speaks not a word of it. Taylor's Arabic tutor and husband have become good friends, as well as a North American couple in their 60s they've met. “It’s fantastic (because) I feel like I’ve found my people.” - Taylor The languages, ages, and nationalities vary, but that’s the beauty of it! It’s a tiny glimpse of the beautiful diversity of God’s world coming together in the form of community.  This is what Mark and Taylor prayed for when they took a step of faith and moved to the region for a job opportunity. But picking up a life and family to start over in a new country wasn’t easy - particularly when it came to finding “their people.”  Mark quickly realized that he brought with him a set of cultural expectations that may not seamlessly transfer to his new work environment. Here are the 3 things he learned:  Prepare for a significant change in capacity. You’ll be doing adjusting to alot Re-evaluate your workplace success metrics and expectations.  Flexibility, humility, and sacrifice will go a long way in earning influence.  Curious about what it is like to live and work in another country? Adilstone Abroad is a new segment from The World at Work newsletter that focuses on the lives of individuals and families that have made the move to another country for a job opportunity in order to provide insight and advice to others. Be sure to follow The World at Work for even more stories from across the globe!      Disclaimer: The names and other identifying information used in this article have been changed at the request of the subjects involved. These changes have been made to respect their privacy and protect their confidentiality. However, it is important to note that these alterations in no way compromise the integrity or accuracy of the information shared. The facts, experiences, and insights presented within this article remain truthful and reliable, providing valuable knowledge and understanding on the subject matter.

What are my visa options? There is no universal answer to this question, but there are certain rules of thumb. For instance, if you plan to work changes are you will need some sort of visa or permit. If you plan to buy property or start a business, same thing. If you plan to do more than just vacation, you need to research visa options. You need to consider what you’re willing and able to deal with before making a move to any country. There will be a learning curve and immigration requirements often change frequently in some countries, but the more you set your mind to be prepared for the rollercoaster ride the less it will negatively impact your experience. Can you afford an overseas move? What will I do for work or income? It's amazing how little some people consider the expenses or how little they prepare for unplanned or emergency situations. How do finances work in the country you're moving to? How will you get money there, whether from income or bank transfers? What does it make sense to buy in the new country versus bring with you? How will you build relationships and engage with the local community? To build relationships in a new country, prioritize cultural sensitivity and proactive engagement. Learn the local language, even basic phrases, to foster better communication and show respect. Understand and respect cultural norms, attend local events, and participate in festivals for relaxed social interactions. Volunteer for local initiatives to connect with like-minded individuals, and join clubs or organizations aligned with your interests. Attend religious or spiritual gatherings if comfortable, be open and approachable, and utilize social media to explore community groups and events. Take the initiative to invite others to gatherings, ask questions, and actively listen to demonstrate genuine interest. Engage in language exchange programs and respect local etiquette. Attend networking events to expand your social circle, express gratitude for hospitality, and remain patient and persistent in building lasting connections. Active engagement contributes positively to cultural exchange. Do you speak the language? If you don’t, take the initiative to learn. If you find this task daunting and frustrating, really consider how that will impact your experience. When learning a new language in a different country, immerse yourself in the language by engaging with locals, attending cultural events, and exploring local traditions. Take formal language classes, use language learning apps, and practice daily to build consistency. Find a language exchange partner for mutual learning, and join meetup groups to practice in a social setting. Read local newspapers and books, use flashcards for vocabulary, and be patient, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities. Record your progress in a journal, utilize online resources, and stay open-minded to cultural nuances. Enjoy the process, celebrate achievements, and savor the rich cultural experience that comes with language learning abroad. Do you understand the culture? While in some places you can survive with minimal language proficiency on arrival, there is nothing stopping you from learning about your destination country’s cultural norms and practices. This can only enhance your own experience and more than likely will ease the transition for everyone.  What will I miss most when I'm gone? Loneliness and isolation are serious threats to your ability to enjoy the experience of living in another country. One of the ways to combat this is to mentally prepare for what you may not  have access to in the new country. While the world is more global, its not hard to become isolated in a new place with new people and all the learning that is typically involved. Think seriously about the things you feel you can’t live without and if you’re serious about moving, figure out how to recreate those elements in the new country and if it is worth the cost (money, time, resources, uncertainty, etc).  How often will you want to go back home? This is a more practical approach, but you’ll want to factor this into your budgeting for a new country.  How often will you want to visit your home country and how much will that cost for you and your family or whoever else will go with you. This may change depending on certain factors like how easy and affordable it is for you, or how long you plan to stay in another country. Maybe it is easier for your loved ones to visit you in the new country versus bringing your whole family home, or maybe it's an opportunity for you to travel to visit your family in your home country.  What is your level of personal readiness? Assess your personal readiness for the move, including your emotional preparedness, willingness to adapt to a new culture, and your overall comfort with the idea of relocating. Take into account the needs and schedules of family members, including school terms, academic calendars, and family milestones. Consider the age of children and the impact of the move on their education and social lives.