Got a seat in a foreign university? Or a job offer abroad? Or planning a business expansion in UK or US? Well, don’t be too hard on yourself because moving to a new country can be extremely stressful nor be afraid so much so that you scare away from the very idea of moving! I’m here to guide you to take few precautionary measures which may be useful in emergencies in an alien land.

First of all go perfect with all your documents, say passports (family if coming along), id proofs, visa docs etc.  Documents could include unabridged birth certificates, ID documents, Passports, Passport Photos, Marriage Certificate each country has its own requirements.  Some countries require a police / criminal clearance.  Find out either from the government website or the embassy in your country as to what you need or alternatively find an agency that can do it all for you. An agency will let you know what you need to get and can assist you in obtaining the relevant documents.

Then prepare a list of all the things you will need once you land there. To start with, the tickets you need to book or if already booked, to check the correct timings. Be prepared for anything and everything to go wrong. Don’t assume that you’ll be able to find the perfect job or house immediately. If possible make sure you’ve got enough money to see you through the first couple of months at the very least (preferably longer).

It may sound not so good but good budgeting could be what makes the difference between a successful relocation and a disaster. Before you go, work out what everything is going to cost during those crucial first months when you’re trying to find your feet in a foreign land. Start preparing as early as possible, just getting all the necessary paperwork in order can take a long time. Make a checklist of everything you need to do! What kind of accommodation will be most suitable in your new country? If you don’t know anyone in the new country who can help find accommodation, consider the services of a relocation agent. If moving into a country with a different language, learn at least the basics. It’s not too hard and will make a good first impression that you at least try. Then, make sure to check out the history of the city you are going to, its culture, and lifestyle. If its English then not a problem. Don’t forget to inform everyone of your new address and when you’re going (unless you don’t want them to find you, of course ) Seriously though, saying goodbye to friends and family can be the hardest thing about leaving, be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride as the day of departure draws near.

Let’s say the rollercoaster of emotions may continue over period of time even after you get settled there. So it is always better to know the symptoms beforehand and avoid the depression. Cultural shock may be in different stages.

Honeymoon Phase: During this period the differences between the old and new culture are seen in a romantic light, wonderful and new. For example, in moving to a new country, an individual might love the new foods, the pace of the life, the people’s habits, the buildings and so on. During the first few weeks most people are fascinated by the new culture. They associate with the nationals that speak their language and are polite to the foreigners. This period is full of observations and new discoveries. Like many honeymoons this stage eventually ends.

Negotiation Phase: After some time (usually three months but sometimes sooner or later, depending on the individual), differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety. Excitement may eventually give way to new and unpleasant feelings of frustration and anger as one continues to have unfavorable events that may be perceived as strange and offensive of one’s cultural sensitivity. Language barrier, stark differences in public hygiene, traffic safety, food accessibility and quality may heighten the sense of disconnection from the surroundings.

Adjustment Phase: Again, after some time (usually 6 – 12 months), one grows accustomed to the new culture and develops routines. One knows what to expect in most situations and the host country no longer feels all that new. One becomes concerned with basic living again, and things become more “normal”. One starts to develop problem-solving skills for dealing with the culture, and begins to accept the culture ways with a positive attitude. The culture begins to make sense, and negative reactions and responses to the culture are reduced.

Mastery Phase: The mastery stage assignees are able to participate fully and comfortably in the host culture. Mastery does not mean total conversion; people often keep many traits from their earlier culture, such as accents and languages. It is often referred to as the biculturalism stage.

Advice: Culture shock can not only occur after a honeymoon phase but also directly upon arrival to the country. One may immediately begin to miss your home country even things disliked and miss your home foods, family, friends, etc. It is not advisable to sleep excessively, isolate yourself or have anger towards your host people. It is possible to write, spend time with the host family, or people, and try to adjust yourself to the culture, including eating even if you are not hungry and sleeping at normal times, not when tired, and adjusting yourself to the time change (if applicable).

Reverse Culture Shock: May take place -returning to one’s home culture after growing accustomed to a new one can produce the same effects as described above.

Signs and symptoms of culture shock are:

* A feeling of sadness and loneliness,
* An over-concern about your health,
* Headaches, pains, and allergies
* Insomnia or sleeping too much
* Feelings of anger, depression, vulnerability
* Idealizing your own culture
* Trying too hard to adapt by becoming obsessed with the new culture
* The smallest problems seem overwhelming
* Feeling shy or insecure
* Become obsessed with cleanliness
* Overwhelming sense of homesickness
* Feeling lost or confused
* Questioning your decision to move to this place

Moving to a new place or a new country can bring the change in two ways. It can be purely physical (places, friends, culture etc) and emotional. Usually due to the physical changes, emotional balance of a person is affected. When we move to another country or state we take our emotions with us. It is easy to believe that the move, the new beginning will also take away our existing emotional problems however, this is not the case. We take our emotions with us. The stress of a move can in fact enhance any emotional problems, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with a new situation.

What to do: Deal with the emotions today, don’t wait until you make the move or feel more settled. Find a therapist or coach who understands the emotions involved with a move, as well as the present day emotions that you may be experiencing. Join a group of people in the same situation as yourself. Remember you are not alone; there are many others who feel this way.

Unfamiliarity

When the excitement of a move begins to wear off we can often experience a feeling of unfamiliarity. We no longer know where to buy certain products, where to meet other people, where to go for walks or fun and many other scenarios. The unfamiliarity can lead to a feeling of insecurity and perhaps homesickness.

What to do: Spend some time getting to know your new home town and surrounding areas. Go for walks and drives in your free time and build familiarity. Find a group of people in the same situation as yourself or even start one. Migrant/expat groups are often advertised on the internet, through you embassy or through schools and community centres.

Missing family and friends

It is only natural to miss family and friends when you move to another country or state. Sometimes you may miss them so much that there is a longing to return to the place you have come from. This issue is so common that many people often change their minds about a move within the first few months.

What to do: Decide on specific times to talk to family and friends to keep in touch. Make trips to visit when you can. Make new friends who are in the same position and who understand the emotions. If it all feels too much talk to a therapist or coach who is aware of these issues. We’re all individuals so it’ll be different for each of us but psychologists have found consistently recurring themes and patterns during periods of significant change. As a result ‘transition psychology’ has come up with models and charts and diagrams to help people understand, anticipate and cope better with what may lie in store for them. These are used extensively in training for change and transition in a variety of settings such as the forces, foreign service and businesses, voluntary overseas services, education, bereavement, adoption, organisational change and, not least, personal growth.

So friends, all the best to your life and have a wonderful life ahead!