{"id":40913,"date":"2024-09-28T03:07:16","date_gmt":"2024-09-28T01:07:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/agoraexpat.com\/?p=40913"},"modified":"2024-09-27T03:12:58","modified_gmt":"2024-09-27T01:12:58","slug":"how-to-adjust-to-moving-home-after-living-abroad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/agoraexpat.com\/en\/how-to-adjust-to-moving-home-after-living-abroad\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Adjust to Moving Home After Living Abroad"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Moving back home after living abroad is a significant transition that many expats face. Whether you\u2019ve 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\u2019s how to manage the emotional, logistical, and social aspects of moving home after living abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Living abroad means more than just residing in a different country; it\u2019s 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\u2019ve decided to move back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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, \u201cThis will be an amazing adventure,\u201d or \u201cYou\u2019ll learn so much living in another country.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014they should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019re not alone in this journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n