Making a success of your expat life begins as early as choosing your destination and your core motivations. Due to the African Union headquarters being based in Ethiopia, the foreign community there is very strong, mainly driven by executive professional relocation. In other countries such as France or Canada, immigration follows different dynamics and motivations.
Why move abroad, where to go, and above all, how to prepare to make a success of your expat life ?
1. Choosing to move abroad: Why and where should you go?
a. Motivations
The two main motivations are the desire to experience a human, family, and cultural adventure (49% of women favor this, compared to 32% of men) and a better quality of life (for 33% of women and 38% of men).
Even if the primary trigger remains a job offer (28% of cases), personal motives or family plans remain the top priority for expatriates. Several employees from French-speaking countries working at the African Union in Ethiopia were encouraged by the opportunity this country offered their children to become bilingual (English as a common language in the country, added to their native language, French). This fulfills their quest for a human and cultural experience and fits well within the personal development framework of all family members.
On the other hand, nearly a third of expats acknowledged choosing their host country either for its economic, financial, or tax appeal, or to fulfill their retirement plans. 23% state they are motivated by career progression.
b. Triggers for a successful expat life
In addition to professional opportunities (28%), pursuing education (4%) or an unstable political situation (11%) are often the triggers for young people moving abroad.
10% of expats decide to leave to enjoy a pleasant retirement, while 12% are driven by the idea of setting off on an adventure.
We thus observe that expat life can begin at any age: child, youth, professional / job seeker, or senior.
It is paramount that this decision aligns with your life path.
The simple question you must ask yourself from the start is: What does GOD say about this project ? Knowing God’s will will help you stay the course even in difficult times. It will also help you succeed in your expat life, because it is first and foremost a life mission.
c. Choice of host country
Living abroad is both a professional and a family project. It is also a lifestyle choice. It is up to you to carefully choose your new territory so you do not regret it.
The top 3 host countries in Asia in the TOP 10 are Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Kenya lost its spot to South Africa, which now occupies the place of best host territory in Africa (13th worldwide).
Spain (6th worldwide) is the most welcoming country in Europe.
General selection criteria
Expatriates consider that succeeding in expat life depends on the following general criteria: quality of life, ease of settling and integrating, and cost of living. They rely on these to choose the best option for their destination country.
In South Africa, despite a pleasant climate and an extremely attractive natural environment, the safety index remains very low, working against this destination. Conversely, Saudi Arabia is recognized as a safe country, but its climate is a deterrent to voluntary relocation.
Specific selection criteria
To all of this, it is essential to add several specific factors, notably the expat contract offered by your company. This type of contract can offer specific benefits, such as expat allowances, health insurance, and relocation support.
In some cases, a local contract may be a more advantageous option, especially if you are considering deeper integration into the country’s culture. This choice can reflect your commitment to your new life. It is also wise to explore career transition opportunities in your host country, thereby allowing a new career direction that could enrich your personal and professional experience.
💡 Read this article for a career transition into entrepreneurship: Quitting your job and becoming a full-time entrepreneur ?
Furthermore, expatriate morale is a significant factor to take into account. Good morale can facilitate adjustment and improve the ability to make friends and integrate into the local community. Participating in volunteer activities is an excellent strategy to boost morale while having a positive impact on society. Getting involved in humanitarian, societal, or ecological goals can also strengthen your network and allow you to discover the country from a different perspective.
Therefore, the choice of your host country must be based on a thorough evaluation of your personal and professional motivations. Whether you opt for an expat or local contract, your success will be the result of active engagement in your new culture and how you choose to contribute to your environment.
2. Preparation for a successful expat life
Expatriates set off on a new human and family adventure sprinkled with ups and downs.
Relocating abroad means first leaving your home country. Then, you have to stepp out of your comfort zone, and broaden your horizons and scope of possibilities. Preparation is essential. Once your decision to move abroad is made and your choice of country is settled, you must gather information about this country and, if possible, do a reconnaissance trip on site. For proper preparation, the timeline can vary widely, ranging from several months to several years.
a. Financial preparation
Ensure you have a sufficient budget for your new life. This involves fully understanding the taxes that apply in your host country, as well as money transfer options, in order to avoid financial unpleasantness.
Read this article for sound financial management and to avoid waste: 💡 10 money wasters that quickly ruin everyone.
b. Logistical and administrative preparation
It is essential to handle administrative procedures, such as obtaining a visa, moving your belongings, and purchasing plane tickets. Take into account the cost of living on site, which can vary considerably.
If needed, inquire about the possibility of buying a car and identify the best neighborhoods and housing options according to your needs. Do not forget to look for information on the best schools for your children and useful addresses for daily life. Adequate health and social coverage is also crucial, as is the completion of all administrative formalities.
c. Emotional preparation for a fulfilling expat life
The buy-in of all family members is a key factor for a successful relocation. Identify your priorities and be aware of the new living conditions to which you will need to adapt. Cultivate an open mindset to better manage daily challenges and the obstacles you will face abroad, including culture shock.
Living far from loved ones can be an emotional challenge, but support systems exist to facilitate this transition. It is necessary to start taking language classes for the host country if possible. This will ease your integration.
This article can help you in your preparation before taking the leap abroad: Moving abroad: Questions to ask yourself before taking the leap
To succeed in your expat life in the best possible way, you need adequate preparation across every dimension : financial, logistical, administrative, and emotional.
3. Adapting on site
Adapting to your new country can be a rewarding process, but it also requires effort and a degree of preparation. Upon arrival, it is essential to take care of obtaining your residency card or residence permit, as well as your work permit, if necessary. These administrative steps will allow you to feel legally grounded in your new country.
a. Host family and adaptability
A host family can play an essential role in your integration. This can be a valuable aid in navigating the complexities of daily life. Having local contacts will help you establish new reference points, both culturally and socially.
b. Mastering the language to succeed in expat life
Mastering or learning the language is crucial to overcoming language barriers and facilitating interaction with the local population.
A few useful words in daily situations can make a big difference: “hello,” “thank you,” and “please” often open doors and show your willingness to integrate. For example, Marie, an expat in Spain, shares how learning a few key words in Spanish helped her make friends in her neighborhood and feel less isolated.
c. Loving the host country
Loving your host country begins with immersion in its culture. Learning its history to better embrace its people will make a significant difference in your daily life. Attending local events, sampling traditional cuisine, and interacting with locals will help you better understand customs and traditions.
Jean, an expat in Italy, found that participating in local festivals allowed him not only to learn the language, but also to establish meaningful connections with Italians.
d. Changing habits to fully enjoy your expat life
Changing your lifestyle habits is also an important step. This may involve adjusting your daily routine or exploring activities typical of the country. You can also explore foreign communities to expand your circle of acquaintances. This network abroad can be a valuable source of support during difficult moments.
e. Integration into local communities
Integration into local communities can enrich your expat experience. Joining interest groups or associations, for instance, can give purpose to your new life and help you overcome integration barriers, such as anxiety about the unknown or feelings of loneliness.
In summary, local adaptation is a blend of personal effort, open-mindedness, and commitment toward your host country. By gradually integrating into society, you will discover not only a new lifestyle, but also the opportunity to create a new home, your new adopted country.
💡 Read this article to better make critical choices in your life : How to thrive at work and live a meaningful life ?
4. The return phase : Coming home
Whether one’s prior expat life was successful or not, this step of returning home becomes necessary in certain cases. What are the reasons, and how can you ensure a smooth reintegration for the whole family ?
a. Return triggers : Why come back ?
Several reasons can prompt an expat to consider a permanent return. Reasons range from family obligations and the end of an expat contract to professional opportunities arising in the home country. Others may decide to return after achieving the goals for which they left, while some expats return for health reasons or a need for stability. It is crucial to analyze the context thoroughly to make an informed decision.
b. Returning for vacation : A bridge between two worlds
After a long period of living abroad, many choose to return to their home country for vacation before making a permanent return. This step allows them not only to reconnect with family and friends, but also to reassess their feelings regarding the idea of returning permanently. It is a way to regain one’s bearings while still enjoying the living environment abroad. This temporary return also helps prepare for the final move back, notably by readjusting expectations and observing the changes that have occurred in the origin country.
c. The permanent return ending one’s expat life
A permanent return to one’s home country can sometimes be accompanied by a shock, much like moving abroad. Indeed, after years spent abroad, reintegrating into a familiar yet often altered setting can create a sense of misalignment. The environment, culture, and even mindsets may have evolved during your absence. Many expats talk about “reverse culture shock”, a feeling of being a foreigner in one’s own country. To cope with this, it is helpful to plan a gradual reintegration phase.
d. Adjustment period: Taking time to find your place again
Just like the initial adjustment to living abroad, returning requires a period of readjustment. This includes administrative aspects (such as re-entering the social security system, taxes, or re-registering on electoral rolls), as well as personal and emotional ones. Children, if they spent a large part of their childhood abroad, may also need support to re-enter the local school system and adapt to a new routine.
e. Reintegration for children: A delicate transition after a long expat life
For expat children, especially those who grew up in an international environment, returning to their home country’s school system can be a challenge. They may experience a cultural or linguistic disconnect, or even struggle to make new friends. It is important for parents to support their children during this period, facilitating their reintegration through tutoring, extracurricular activities, or maintaining connections with old international friends. Schools offering international or bilingual programs can also serve as a solution to ease this transition.
f. Administrative and personal readjustment
On an administrative level, it is essential to inquire about the steps required to return to the social protection system, reactivate rights to allowances, or ensure that documents and degrees obtained abroad are properly recognized in your home country. On a personal level, it is important to reconnect with your social and family network, while remaining open to how these relationships have evolved during your absence. Expats who integrated into different cultures can also bring a fresh perspective to their home society, which can serve as an asset in their professional re-entry.
g. Right attitudes to adopt
To successfully navigate this return phase, it is advisable to adopt an open and flexible attitude. Returning should not be viewed as a regression, but rather as a new adventure—an additional step in an expat’s life. It is an opportunity to reinvest international experiences into your own country. It is also essential to maintain a balance between your expat past and the current realities of your home country.
Feel free to share and, above all, leave your personal stories about your expat life experience in the comments. What were the most difficult stages? Your contributions will help guide other readers.
