It’s a dream of so many to live a life of adventure, travel to different countries and build a home. Being an expat family can be a thrilling and life-changing experience. It's a chance to see new places, try new things, make new friends, and broaden your horizons.
But is all that glitter Gold?
In this blog post, we'll be exploring the myths and realities of life as an expat family.
Myth: An Expat Life is all about travel and trying new things
One of the biggest misconceptions about being an expat family is that it's all about travel. While it's true that many expat families do get to travel and explore new places, it's not the only thing they do.
Myth: Making new friends
This is the one myth which is very true as you meet new people who help you acclimatize to new places. And it does involve lots of brunches and lunches.
Meeting new people and making new friends while it sounds exciting can be quite nerve-racking. you have to put yourself out there and accept cultural differences.
Reality: An Expat Life is About Adapting to a New Way of Life
The reality of being an expat family is that you're constantly adapting to a new way of life. To list a few:
- You are moving with a mobile kitchen and surviving for months on limited supplies.
- You are always optimising your belongings as they need to fit in minimum number of box’s possible.
- Being creative with the supplies. This often means making do with limited resources, eating simple meals like dal from a cup because all your crockery is in storage ready to get shipped to the next location.
- New School. This is the worst and one that impacts most families / kids. It’s hard for kids as it is to try to fit in, but doing that while you’re changing schools multiple times a year is a huge predicament.
Reality: An Expat Life is About Making New Connections and Building a Support System
The reality of being an expat family is that you'll need to build a support system in order to thrive. This often means making new connections with other expat families, as well as your local community.
It's important to be open and friendly, as well as to be willing to help others when they need it. When you have a strong support system in place, you'll be better equipped to handle the challenges that come with being an expat family.
In conclusion all we wanna highlight is this otherwise Flashy Lifestyle, does have a darker side.
Being an expat family can be an incredible and life-changing experience, giving you a chance to broaden your horizons, see new places, and experience new cultures. But there are also many challenges that come with it and it's important to be prepared for these challenges, as well as to seek help when you need it. Whether it's talking to a therapist, reaching out to a support group, or connecting with other expat families, it's important to have a strong support system in place to help you through the tough times.
So, if you're considering a move as an expat family, it's important to be prepared for both the challenges and the rewards that come with this unique way of life. With the right mindset, flexibility, and support, life as an expat family can be an enriching and transformative experience.
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Tulika Garg
( Singapore )