Editor's Note: The following is a submission by a guest writer calling herself Caroline Secure Thoughts. I have been contacted by people, Americans, who have an interest in moving to and living in a foreign country. Caroline submitted this article for possible consideration as a guest post. Because of the information contained here, and the quality of her writing I have posted it. I think it will be helpful to those considering a move from their home country to Taiwan. Thank you, Caroline. - Chris
Living outside the USA is an exciting adventure. You will
have the opportunity to explore new parts of the world, try new food, and
experience a different culture. However, a big move like this does not come
without its challenges. Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of
living outside the USA:
Keep an Open Mind
This is a great rule to keep in mind always, but especially
when deciding to live outside the USA. Wherever you live, it will definitely
not be exactly like home. By going into your new living situation with an open
mind, you will better able to handle culture shock and adapt to your new environment.
Some places may be harder to be open to than others. But, if
you try to keep an open mind, slowly your view of the world may broaden and
change. You will start to see the world from a whole new perspective.
Learn a New Language
One of the largest obstacles faced when living abroad is a
different language. You might be able to get by some places with English, but
it will greatly enhance your experience if you learn the local language.
However, this is of course much easier said than done. Once,
you are in your new country, it is great to learn by jumping right in, and
trying to speak the language as much as possible. However, this can be
intimidating and overwhelming at times. Thankfully, there are many free
resources that can help:
Best Free Language Learning Resources
A fun and easy way
to learn a new language. They also have an app to help you learn on the go, and
are continually expanding the languages they offer every year.
This is a great
resource to learn some of the basics of almost any language. Each language page
also provides resources to radio and news stations in the language of your
choice.
3. Movies and TV Shows
Watching movies or
TV shows is one of the best ways to practice your abilities of understanding
the spoken language without having to leave your house. Try putting subtitles
on in the language you are learning so you can practice hearing and reading the
language at the same time.
Staying in Touch
When moving outside of the USA you may expect to face
challenges like learning a language, or getting used to a new culture. However,
one of the most unexpected challenges is often keeping in contact with those
you left in the USA. Time changes and iffy internet connections are just some
of the obstacles you may face when trying to stay in touch with family and
friends.
Staying in touch with those back home requires dedication
and time on your part, but, thankfully there are plenty of free resources out
there to help make it little easier and without extra expense. Here are a few
of my favorites:
3
Best Apps and Websites for Staying in Touch Abroad:
1. Skype
This one has been around forever, but still works
great. Also, many people already have
Skype set up, or are at least familiar with it. So this is a great one to use
for those family members who don’t like downloading new apps. This is best used
for voice calling while using Wi Fi.
2. WhatsApp
This app is most popular for texting overseas. This is also
a very famous app, so makes it easy to keep in touch with many friends and
family members.
3. Wi-Fi Finder
Depending on where you are living, finding a Wi Fi
connection can be a huge problem. There is nothing worse than having a call
drop on you every 10 seconds. With the Wi Fi finder you can find the closest
and strongest Wi Fi connections around you. (But, if you decide to live in
Taiwan, you will be extremely happy to find that they may have the best Wi Fi
options in the world. Almost the entire city is a giant hotspot).
These apps will make it easier to communicate with those at
home. However, what makes staying close to those at home the most challenging
is that you are not sharing your everyday lives and experiences together. But,
with a little creativity, you can find many alternative and unique ways to not
only stay in touch, but stay close.
Alternative
Ways to Staying Close and in Touch Abroad:
1. Make
a Blog
It is hard for friends and families to relate to the new
life you are living. One of the best ways to keep your family informed of what
you are doing without making a bazillion phone calls is making a blog. It will
help bring friends and families a little closer to you, while saving you from
repeating stories again and again.
2. Watch
the Same TV Shows Together
You may be living on other sides of the world, but you can
still share some things together. Try picking a couple TV shows that you can
watch together. You can easily access many TV shows on websites like Netflix,
Hulu, or Amazon. If you are living in a country that denies access to these
kinds of websites, this is not a problem. You can use a VPN to trick your computer into thinking
it’s in the US.
3. Send
Care Packages
Sometimes it’s the random little things you miss, like
peanut butter or your favorite shampoo brand. Have a family member or friend
send you a package of some of your favorite things from home. In return, send
back to them a package of things from your new home. Can be anything from a new
candy you discovered, to a pretty scarf from the local market. Regardless of
what you send, these little packages will help bring your family, friends and
yourself closer to each other.
Moving outside of the USA will provide many opportunities to
go out of our comfort zone, but it is up to you whether you take these
opportunities or not. It is in our nature to gravitate towards the familiar,
whether that’s similar food or people that speak our same language. But, if you
continue to stay in your comfort zone, you might miss out on a lot.
If you’re nervous about venturing away from your norm, there
is no need to worry (they call it a comfort zone for a reason). Pick one or two
things a day to take on. It can be anything from saying hello in a new
language, or finally trying that strange looking stew. Slowly, you will go from
saying hello and strange stews, to full on conversations and fried chicken feet
(which is actually pretty tasty).
At times living outside the USA can be intimidating and
overwhelming. But, hopefully after reading this article you feel ready to take
on whatever comes your way. As long as you follow a few steps and rules, living
abroad can truly be a life changing experience. So pack your things, and get
ready to embrace all that your new country has to offer.
Article Printed by Permission
Photos: Royalty Free