10 New Year's Resolutions for Expats
It’s New Year’s Day, and we moved to Germany from Texas, USA, less than 6 weeks ago. This time of year is full of reflecting on the chapters we just closed (which were MASSIVE), but also the chapters we are starting. It’s about keeping up with our own traditions and experiencing some of the traditions of where we live now.
For new expats, like us, New Year's resolutions will likely focus on adapting to your new environment, building a support network, and personal development.
Expats and immigrants often have diverse reasons for moving to a new country, and while these individual motivations will certainly vary depending on personal circumstances and aspirations, there will be some common ground.
Here are 10 great New Year's resolutions for expats in a new country. Embrace the adventure and make the new year one of personal growth, connection, and thriving in your new home away from home!
1. Learn the language of the land
Dedicate time to learning and improving proficiency in the local language. This will enhance your overall experience and make it easier to communicate with locals, at work, and at appointments. Make an effort to practice those general phrases you’ve been learning and repeating in your language learning apps out in the real world.
2. Access new quality of life standards like healthcare and affordable educational opportunities
Depending on your country of origin, healthcare costs and education opportunities may have been prohibitively expensive or inaccessible. If that is no longer the case, consider earning a degree or making an appointment with your doctor for health issues when they arise rather than avoiding them for cost reasons or because you didn’t have adequate leave from work to do so.
3. Adapt to the new cultural environment through local experiences
In the new year, practice making an effort to immerse yourself in the local culture. Experiencing and embracing the new culture around you and broadening your horizons will help you feel more integrated and like less of a total foreigner in your new home. Attend cultural events, festivals, and try local foods. This will help you feel more connected to your new home.
4. Build meaningful connections with neighbors and friends
It can feel really lonely to move across the world from everyone you know and love. Actively seek opportunities to meet new people. Join expat groups, local clubs or teams, or social events. Building a social network will help provide support and make the transition smoother and more fun.
5. Fulfill bureaucratic processes in a timely manner so that they’re less stressful
This can relate to so many things– From working towards a path to dual citizenship or citizenship in your new home by fulfilling legal requirements or getting your driver’s license transferred to your new country. Regardless, getting the necessary documents translated and gathered and your appointments booked in a timely manner will minimize some of the stress of these bureaucratic processes.
6. Make time for family and friends back home
Prioritize efforts to stay in touch with family and friends back home. Schedule regular video chats and calls. Be sure to keep them updated on your life abroad outside of just social media updates.
7. Explore and travel your surrounding area
Set a goal to explore different areas of your new city, country, or neighboring countries regularly. Take advantage of being in a new place and its proximity to other new places. Exploring locally will not only help you become familiar with your surroundings, but also provide opportunities for new experiences.
8. Stay healthy
Prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Find local gyms, parks, or recreational activities that align with your interests. Establishing healthy habits will only help contribute to your overall happiness.
9. Go green
Recycling, minimizing waste, and choosing sustainable products and transportation are important no matter where you live. Did you move somewhere walkable? Take a stroll, bike, or scooter over an Uber or committing to getting a car. Maybe you’ve moved somewhere where buses, trams and trains make commuting greener.
10. Document your experience
Keep a journal, blog, or vlog about your expat experience. This will not only serve as a personal record, but also allows you to share your journey with friends and family.
Whatever resolutions you choose for the new year, remember that adjusting to a new country takes time, and it's okay to face challenges along the way. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the small victories as you embrace this new chapter in your life. Happy New Year!
