Moving abroad can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating a new culture to establishing a career in unfamiliar surroundings, the path to success as an expat is rarely straightforward.
However, with the right mindset and guidance, it is possible to thrive. As one expat coach, Sarah Johnson, puts it, “Success abroad is not just about surviving the transition; it’s about embracing the change and creating opportunities where you are.”
Whether you’re just starting your journey or have been living abroad for years, expert advice can be invaluable.
According to James Li, an expat business coach, “Leveraging your existing skills and network is crucial for finding your footing in a new country. Many expats underestimate the power of their past experiences.” This sentiment resonates with many expats who have transformed their careers abroad.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into more expert tips and strategies shared by successful expat coaches to help you unlock your potential and find success while living abroad.
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“Finding your community abroad is key . Surrounding yourself with supportive, like-minded individuals helps you build connections that can ease the transition and create a sense of belonging in a foreign environment.”– Nyna Caputi, Founder and CEO of The Expat Woman, LinkedIn Coach
“Asking for help and helping others in their careers can help you grow, learn, and develop lifelong friendships.” – Solveiga Jaskunas, HR Consultant I Mentor, Career Coach, Global Speaker, Connector
“Find and build your tribe! They will be crucial when you are traveling and/or living abroad. ” – Sandra Morno, Tax Strategist
“If you’re looking for a sense of belonging, remember that you always take yourself wherever you go. Find your home within you to support you as you navigate the challenges of living abroad, like finding a new community, adjusting to the local culture, and building an international career. Achieving success abroad starts with your inner journey. “ – Veerle Beelen Da Costa David, Certified Travel Coach & Life Coach
“Establish a daily self-care ritual to nourish your mind, body, and spirit, grounding you in strength and clarity as you embrace the transformative journey of living abroad.” – Munisha Mirchandani, Certified Lifestyle & Travel Wellness Coach
“Use your values to create what a successful life abroad looks like to you, and not everyone else.” – Mary Martha Kipcak, Life Coach for Expats
“Build a diverse network of people! It helps with belonging, career moves and all kinds of personal and professional challenges.” – Estefania Barsante, Expat Coach
“Embrace the positive mindset of “The world is my oyster!” from the start, meaning numerous, wonderful opportunities await me everywhere I go.” – Anne Maki, Global Communication/ American Accent Coach
“Define what success means to you.” – Dominique Kim, Women’s Entrepreneurship Coach
“Your authenticity will keep you balanced. Strive to make adaptations as small, incremental changes and assess how effective that much change has been. Then repeat.” – Monica Smith, Intercultural Leadership Consultant and Coach
“Be authentic and stick to your core values” – Lucy Schott, Global Manager – HR and Strategy
“Be aware of your optimal energy level & where you source it from, in order to work and rest most effectively, avoiding burnout” – Izabela Jastrzebowska, Certified Jungian Coach, Psychologist, MA, JD
“Living in a foreign country can be challenging, whether it’s a personal choice or due to life circumstances. We often feel caught between two cultures – our own origin and the host culture. We try to keep our traditions alive while adapting to the new environment as quickly as possible. This often leaves us feeling lost, like we don’t know who we are anymore, struggling to fit in and find our place, so it’s important to reconnect with our values.
Take a moment to reflect on what is important to you right now and what your values are. On a piece of paper, draw two columns. In the left column, write down your values as they come to mind, without any particular order. Then, compare the first value on your list with the second, then with the third, and so on, and mark the one that is more important to you right now. Repeat this process with the second value on your list, comparing it to the following values and marking the winning value each time. Keep going down your list until you have compared each value with the rest. Finally, count how many times each value has been marked as the winner. The values with the most marks are your top three values, the one that you’re choosing to guide you through your life!” – Lucilla Girotto, Emotional and Mental Health Certified Practitioner, Educator
