Moving back home after living abroad is a significant transition that many expats face. Whether you’ve spent a year or more living in another country, the process of reintegrating into your home culture can be challenging. If you’re thinking, “I moved to another country and I want to go home,” you’re not alone. Here’s how to manage the emotional, logistical, and social aspects of moving home after living abroad.
What Does Living Abroad Mean for You?
Living abroad means more than just residing in a different country; it’s about adapting to a new culture, learning new norms, and expanding your worldview. American expats living abroad, for example, often encounter cultural differences that can change their perspective on everyday life. You might have grown used to certain customs, foods, and even different ways of communicating. These experiences shape you in ways that stay with you, even after you’ve decided to move back.
The Emotional Side of Moving Back Home
After living in another country for a year or more, the emotional challenges of moving back can be overwhelming. You may feel out of place in your home country or experience reverse culture shock. While you were away, your friends and family might have moved on with their lives, which could make reintegrating socially difficult.
To manage these feelings:
- Give yourself time to adjust. Understand that it’s okay to feel disoriented at first.
- Reconnect with your roots. Engage in activities that remind you of why you love your home.
- Reach out to your expat community. Other expats moving back home often face similar challenges and can offer support.
Practical Tips for Adjusting After Moving Home
When moving back after living abroad, logistics can also feel daunting. From sorting out your possessions to finding a new place to live, these steps are crucial for easing the transition.
- Start decluttering early. When you move out of the country, it’s likely you accumulated a lot of items that won’t fit into your life back home. Start packing and donating what you don’t need early on.
- Plan ahead for finances. Ensure that your bank accounts, bills, and taxes are up to date both in your home country and the country you’re leaving.
- Consider the job market. If you worked abroad, think about how your international experience can benefit your career. Update your resume to reflect your time as an American living abroad.
What to Say When Someone Is Moving to Another Country
If you know someone about to embark on their own expat journey, show them your support. Knowing how much courage it takes to move out of the country can help you empathize with them. Offer words of encouragement like, “This will be an amazing adventure,” or “You’ll learn so much living in another country.”
Finding Your New Routine
Returning home is not the same as picking up where you left off. As you settle back in, create a routine that balances your old habits with new ones developed abroad. Give yourself permission to blend your new identity with the person you were before you left. Remember that it’s okay if things feel different—they should.
Conclusion
Moving back home after living abroad is both an exciting and challenging process. Whether you’ve been living in another country for a year or many years, it’s normal to feel unsure about how to readjust. However, by taking the right steps emotionally and practically, you can make your transition smoother. If you find yourself saying, “I moved to another country and I want to go home,” know that you’re not alone in this journey.
Are you moving back home after living abroad? Contact Agora Expat today to get professional advice and resources to ease your transition. Let us help you adjust to life back home!