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Homepage > Expat life > What I wish I’d known before moving abroad
May 7, 2017 In Expat life

What I wish I’d known before moving abroad

Before moving abroad I wish Id known

So often I was thinking that I wish I’d known certain things before moving abroad. So often I wished I’d known about expat blogs beforehand. If you or anyone in your environment is planning to move abroad, please do share with them this blog and other resources I’m recommending so that they have an easier start into this adventure.

So what is it that I wish I’d known before moving to the UK?

Spoiler alert: Read all the points please! There is a lot of positives to living abroad, especially if you feel like it’s the kind of life you’d like to try living:) 

Takes so long to adjust

First thing that came to my mind was that I wish I’d known that it takes so long to adjust even if you have a background knowledge and language skills of the country you are moving to.

I guess this attitude may be slightly different when you’re moving to the country that you know barely anything about, don’t speak the language. I think then you have a bit more awareness that it will be hard and it will take longer, even just given the language and limited ability to communicate with the locals. With me however it was a slightly different story.

I was fluent in the language (at least so I thought having completed the whole high school IB programme in English, working in English and easily talking to international friends), and having learnt English at school for so long I was also familiar with the literature, basic culture information etc. Now, what’s important to realise here and that I didn’t account for at the beginning is that eg. knowing that English people are generally polite is different from adjusting your behaviour to these norms. You don’t necessarily do that when you’re just a tourist, but when you really want to start fitting in the new culture, it turns out to sometimes be difficult to pick up the moments where you definitely do sound foreign. Although, at a certain point people will start pointing it out to you, you will blush and feel a bit stupid, but then realise that this is exactly what you need to work on. My examples? “Oh, that was so direct!”, “You always say things as they are, haha <weird look>”,   “Is everything ok? This conversation [in Polish] sounded aggressive!” (which was just a problem solving on the spot and therefore a fast paced brainstorming phone conversation with my Polish colleague, including laughs and jokes, by the way).

I know from some of my friends who have moved over from the US, and it was also their first time living abroad, that it has been equally challenging for them at first. Partly because of arriving here with a mindset that ‘It can’t be THAT different, it’s the same language, similar tv shows etc., they’ve got some weird slang and accent, I know, but seriously, how different can it be?’. Well, it turns out it can. Because the culture shock is not only about the language and do’s and don’ts of the country, it’s about the little things that are so abnormal and so different from what you were used to.

 

So much patience and humour…

Another thing I wish I’d known before moving abroad is that it will require so much patience from me. I have never been a particularly patient person and even after just those two years of being in the UK I feel like my resilience has increased already.

When you think about your first months, or even years, in the new country, what things made you feel angry, what things made you feel a bit stupid and awkward? For me these were situations like:

– not understanding the jokes (sometimes simply the English words/slang, and sometimes just the overall humour behind it),

– simply not getting people’s behaviours,

– locals making remarks about my behaviour that was natural for me but weird for them,

– not understanding what people say to me, due to the words they used or accents I was not familiar with,

– lifestyle in London, where there’s so many people, the congestions is huge, air is different and the commute takes so long

 

I guess that if you have ever been moving abroad, you experienced difficulties in similar areas.

I wish I’d known these areas before I moved abroad as I would have probably spared myself the confidence drop and would have come into that situation with a slightly different mindset.

 

So many compromises

One of the things that so many expat bloggers write about is that there turned out to be so many compromises and tough decisions they had to make while being abroad. Obviously you do know that if you’re moving thousands of miles away from your home you won’t be able to pop in to see your relatives every weekend, but I think what at least I didn’t take into consideration is all the special situations that I will miss – weddings, babies being born, family and friends needing support, funerals…

Only when I moved abroad for the first time I realised how many of those are actually happening every now and then and that while being abroad I am missing out on many. I think while living abroad you need to reassess your situation and priorities occasionally. It might be that today it’s fine and you can be present with your close ones in other ways and visit them whenever you can, but maybe in a couple of months your priorities will change, for example your parents will get older and need you to help them more often. And that will be the time when you might need to reassess whether you will be able to deal with these difficulties remotely or would rather be closer.

It’s good to be aware of this happening, it’s inevitable part of the expat life, whether just short-term assignments abroad or moving abroad permanently to work or study. Think about what is within your control and use all the possible ways to stay in touch with your friends and family and show them your presence even if you’re not physically there with them.

 

Steep learning curve and a great adventure

And last but not least – among all the above challenges, difficulties, tough moment, so much positive can happen! Moving abroad for me was the best journey so far, a journey of self-discovery and self-development.

Whether you are a student considering going abroad to study or a professional thinking about taking on an assignment abroad – do it! At least try. In today’s world international experience is very important and even if you decide to just complete the studies and go back home or do the assignment and come back, you will come back wiser, stronger and richer in experiences and connections. You might discover what really matters to you in life, you might meet brilliant people, you might push yourself out of your comfort zone, you might learn new things that will be useful in the future.

It is a challenging experience and it is different from travelling around the world without settling in and just travelling for adventures. Remember that in case you really don’t like the experience and decide that it is not something for you, there is always a way back and new doors opening in life. So if you are already considering going abroad, it probably means you want to try this – why not just do it then? 🙂

 

If you go abroad, prepared not only for technical challenges, but also for psychological ones, you will be in a great starting point. Learning mindset will help you adjust more painlessly and enjoy the best out of your abroad experience, whether you’re going for work or for university.

To those of you who have moved abroad already, what you wish you’d known before moving to where you are now? What advice would you have to your colleagues who are considering such an adventure?

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Author

Marta Zielińska

Hi, my name is Marta. I am combining my psychological, business and intercultural experience to offer advice on successful living and working across cultures. I believe that everything is possible for such an ambitious and talented person as yourself! With some exercises, self-reflection and new knowledge, you can grow your cultural intelligence and build a successful international career, mind and life.

Learn more

Recent Posts

  • D.I.V.E. in with awareness or stay confused
  • How to stay connected with family and friends when living abroad
  • Are you experiencing identity crisis while living abroad?
  • Temporary move which turned out to be a longer-term international adventure – Claudia’s Spanish story
  • I knew I should expect something different – a story of an American teacher-turned-writer in Spain

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It won’t always be like that. #mayonthemove2022 - Words of Wisdom

Those of you who follow me for a while will know this one. It’s a saying that my friend’s grandma used to tell and it resonated powerfully with me. 

💪 It motivates me to power through the tough times, reminding me that it won’t always be like that. 
It won’t always be difficult, the bad times will pass as well. 

🧘‍♀️It also keeps me grounded. It won’t always be like that so appreciate what you have, express gratitude for all the good in your life each day, seize the good moments that happen. 

 #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
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It won’t always be like that. #mayonthemove2022 - Words of Wisdom Those of you who follow me for a while will know this one. It’s a saying that my friend’s grandma used to tell and it resonated powerfully with me. 💪 It motivates me to power through the tough times, reminding me that it won’t always be like that. It won’t always be difficult, the bad times will pass as well. 🧘‍♀️It also keeps me grounded. It won’t always be like that so appreciate what you have, express gratitude for all the good in your life each day, seize the good moments that happen. #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
2 days ago
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It can be SOO easy to fall into the trap of other people's expectations of what it's like living abroad and showing that 'expected' life in social media. ⁠
You know, the working-from-the-beach, the seeing-the-world, the earning-lots-of-money, the living-your-life stuff. 🙄⁠
⁠
But - - we all know that while we chose a life abroad for a reason, it's not all rainbows and unicorns. 🦄⁠
⁠
It's simply life. ⁠
⁠
With its ups and downs. ⁠
⁠
And yes, we may choose to only show nice bits of it here on Instagram. But just make sure that you do take the time to build those truly nice moments abroad, versus just trying to meet expectations of how others think you should live.⁠
⁠
If you're stuck - you know where to find me 😊 ⁠
(in case you don't - simply DM me here!)⁠
⁠
⁠
#expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
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It can be SOO easy to fall into the trap of other people's expectations of what it's like living abroad and showing that 'expected' life in social media. ⁠ You know, the working-from-the-beach, the seeing-the-world, the earning-lots-of-money, the living-your-life stuff. 🙄⁠ ⁠ But - - we all know that while we chose a life abroad for a reason, it's not all rainbows and unicorns. 🦄⁠ ⁠ It's simply life. ⁠ ⁠ With its ups and downs. ⁠ ⁠ And yes, we may choose to only show nice bits of it here on Instagram. But just make sure that you do take the time to build those truly nice moments abroad, versus just trying to meet expectations of how others think you should live.⁠ ⁠ If you're stuck - you know where to find me 😊 ⁠ (in case you don't - simply DM me here!)⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
4 days ago
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We each have different thresholds of how much stress we can take. 
#mayonthemove2022 

It’s sometimes easy to judge others or yourself in situations of stress overwhelm. 

There was a time when I burst into tears in the middle of a workshop role play. 
And a time when during a company event I stood on the side counting minutes until I can leave. 
And a time when I was speaking and acting very fast. 
And a time when I made a mistake.

I’ve heard phrases like
“Unprofessional”…
“Immature”…
“Anti-social”…
“Too sensitive”…
I was told to “learn to prioritise” and “control my emotions to be like a swan who swims smoothly on the surface but moves its legs fast under the water surface”. 

When I was being told the above things, these particular people didn’t ask how I am, what’s going on, or how they can support me 🤷‍♀️

Can you guess what time of my life these examples come from? Yep, this all happened within the first three months of my move abroad. Not to say that it can’t happen in any other scenario, but for me that was a particularly stressful period of time.

Too many changes at once, too many stressors, too many transitions, a lot of new stimuli, and work pressures added on top of that. 

There’s a limit as to how much we can all take on. 

At some point the smallest additional pressures can feel like unbearable burdens. We can get more anxious and more easily triggered. 

And it’s great if we then have the opportunity to regulate these emotions in a safe and supportive space with colleagues or friends. Instead of suppressing them and pretending that it’s all ok. 

I was lucky enough to meet also these supportive people on my way 🙂 

What are some unhelpful things you’ve heard from people in stressful moments? Let’s craft an “anti-guide” together! 

#expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
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We each have different thresholds of how much stress we can take. #mayonthemove2022 It’s sometimes easy to judge others or yourself in situations of stress overwhelm. There was a time when I burst into tears in the middle of a workshop role play. And a time when during a company event I stood on the side counting minutes until I can leave. And a time when I was speaking and acting very fast. And a time when I made a mistake. I’ve heard phrases like “Unprofessional”… “Immature”… “Anti-social”… “Too sensitive”… I was told to “learn to prioritise” and “control my emotions to be like a swan who swims smoothly on the surface but moves its legs fast under the water surface”. When I was being told the above things, these particular people didn’t ask how I am, what’s going on, or how they can support me 🤷‍♀️ Can you guess what time of my life these examples come from? Yep, this all happened within the first three months of my move abroad. Not to say that it can’t happen in any other scenario, but for me that was a particularly stressful period of time. Too many changes at once, too many stressors, too many transitions, a lot of new stimuli, and work pressures added on top of that. There’s a limit as to how much we can all take on. At some point the smallest additional pressures can feel like unbearable burdens. We can get more anxious and more easily triggered. And it’s great if we then have the opportunity to regulate these emotions in a safe and supportive space with colleagues or friends. Instead of suppressing them and pretending that it’s all ok. I was lucky enough to meet also these supportive people on my way 🙂 What are some unhelpful things you’ve heard from people in stressful moments? Let’s craft an “anti-guide” together! #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
1 week ago
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3/9
Isn’t it a delightful discovery when you find some extra change in the pocket of the spring jacket you’ve just taken out of the wardrobe after a long winter?
#mayonthemove2022 

Ok, admittedly, today’s prompt took me to a funny place! 🙈

First thing that came to my mind was about that jacket. Likely because I’ve recently organised my wardrobe and have had such delightful discovery of a 5£ note in my pocket! Only a good excuse to take someone out for a walk and a nice coffee! ❤️

You know what’s NOT a delightful discovery of this kind though, that I hated when I was at school? Finding an old rotten banana in the backpack after the whole summer break while preparing for the first day of school again! Please tell me I was not the only one… 

Ok, I’ll stop now 😅 
What was your delightful discovery recently?

#expatlife #mindwonders #lifeabroad #livingabroad #workingabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #personalgrowth #reflectiontime #funnythoughts
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Isn’t it a delightful discovery when you find some extra change in the pocket of the spring jacket you’ve just taken out of the wardrobe after a long winter? #mayonthemove2022 Ok, admittedly, today’s prompt took me to a funny place! 🙈 First thing that came to my mind was about that jacket. Likely because I’ve recently organised my wardrobe and have had such delightful discovery of a 5£ note in my pocket! Only a good excuse to take someone out for a walk and a nice coffee! ❤️ You know what’s NOT a delightful discovery of this kind though, that I hated when I was at school? Finding an old rotten banana in the backpack after the whole summer break while preparing for the first day of school again! Please tell me I was not the only one… Ok, I’ll stop now 😅 What was your delightful discovery recently? #expatlife #mindwonders #lifeabroad #livingabroad #workingabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #personalgrowth #reflectiontime #funnythoughts
1 week ago
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4/9
Country Borders are an artificial concept, and yet they have so much impact on how the world functions.
#mayonthemove2022 

✍️So many borders in the world have been created by some guys drawing a line on a map. 

🏔Others have been agreed to run alongside rivers or mountains. 

👨‍👨‍👧‍👦They’re supposed to facilitate functioning of societies with similar cultural backgrounds, to follow similar laws and ways of living, and create a sense of belonging. That sense of belonging though can also escalate with the “us” and “them” mentality. 

Yet still, there are so many social groups within these country borders who are marginalised, or are actually historically closer to another society just on the other side of that border. 

I don’t have any conclusion to these thoughts today, really. 🤷‍♀️ It’s just another thought-provoking prompt from @thefrustratednester and @mother_city_time who are the authors of #mayonthemove2022 challenge, so thank you for that!

📚I do have a super interesting read to recommend though, really worth a read! It’s “Prisoners of geography” by Tim Marshall - it explains how geographical location of a society/country impacts its history, and was an eye opening read for me.

#expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
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Country Borders are an artificial concept, and yet they have so much impact on how the world functions. #mayonthemove2022 ✍️So many borders in the world have been created by some guys drawing a line on a map. 🏔Others have been agreed to run alongside rivers or mountains. 👨‍👨‍👧‍👦They’re supposed to facilitate functioning of societies with similar cultural backgrounds, to follow similar laws and ways of living, and create a sense of belonging. That sense of belonging though can also escalate with the “us” and “them” mentality. Yet still, there are so many social groups within these country borders who are marginalised, or are actually historically closer to another society just on the other side of that border. I don’t have any conclusion to these thoughts today, really. 🤷‍♀️ It’s just another thought-provoking prompt from @thefrustratednester and @mother_city_time who are the authors of #mayonthemove2022 challenge, so thank you for that! 📚I do have a super interesting read to recommend though, really worth a read! It’s “Prisoners of geography” by Tim Marshall - it explains how geographical location of a society/country impacts its history, and was an eye opening read for me. #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
2 weeks ago
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5/9
Challenge is a way to grow, but too much challenge can be overwhelming. 
#mayonthemove2022 

Is it obvious? For some of us, perhaps 🤷‍♀️ But for many of us it’s a useful reminder every once in a while. 

We are surrounded by messages encouraging us to be ambitious, develop, challenge ourselves, go outside of our comfort zone. Even mindfulness or self-care activities are featured as “30-day challenges”! 🙈

It can be a nice motivator when we need that kind of push and they can be quite effective as well in helping us build new habits.

👉 Too little challenge can be demotivating, boring. Too much challenge can generate excessive stress. 

I know that I’ve been on both sides for sure. And that “too much” one was not fun at all. 
But I’ve also been in the optimal challenge levels too when I was growing and learning new skills, fulfilling my ambitions, and having lots of satisfaction along the way. 

The latest one was when I needed to discuss with my leadership a change idea that I was passionate about, and get their buy-in. Being in the middle, all eyes on me, ideas challenged and questions asked was challenging for me of course, but I was prepared, had well thought through argumentation and was open to listen to their suggestions to find the best possible way forward. 

I invite you to listen to your body and analyse your thoughts around challenging situations. They can be a super helpful source of information which can help you find the sweet spot of the optimal challenge when you need it, but also to retreat when you feel it’s too much. 

👂What was one recent situation where you were challenged just enough and grew through the experience?

#expatlife #lifeabroad #expatchallenges #selfawareness #selfdevelopment #selfcare #personaldevelopment #globallife #globalleadership
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Challenge is a way to grow, but too much challenge can be overwhelming. #mayonthemove2022 Is it obvious? For some of us, perhaps 🤷‍♀️ But for many of us it’s a useful reminder every once in a while. We are surrounded by messages encouraging us to be ambitious, develop, challenge ourselves, go outside of our comfort zone. Even mindfulness or self-care activities are featured as “30-day challenges”! 🙈 It can be a nice motivator when we need that kind of push and they can be quite effective as well in helping us build new habits. 👉 Too little challenge can be demotivating, boring. Too much challenge can generate excessive stress. I know that I’ve been on both sides for sure. And that “too much” one was not fun at all. But I’ve also been in the optimal challenge levels too when I was growing and learning new skills, fulfilling my ambitions, and having lots of satisfaction along the way. The latest one was when I needed to discuss with my leadership a change idea that I was passionate about, and get their buy-in. Being in the middle, all eyes on me, ideas challenged and questions asked was challenging for me of course, but I was prepared, had well thought through argumentation and was open to listen to their suggestions to find the best possible way forward. I invite you to listen to your body and analyse your thoughts around challenging situations. They can be a super helpful source of information which can help you find the sweet spot of the optimal challenge when you need it, but also to retreat when you feel it’s too much. 👂What was one recent situation where you were challenged just enough and grew through the experience? #expatlife #lifeabroad #expatchallenges #selfawareness #selfdevelopment #selfcare #personaldevelopment #globallife #globalleadership
2 weeks ago
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6/9
A day in... is not something I mind at all.
#mayonthemove2022 

I consider myself to be very close towards the introvert side of the scale. I like to be around people, but preferably smaller groups for more meaningful discussions. After a night out or big events or concerts (and there really aren't so many these days 😃) I need the time to recharge. 

When pandemic started, internet got full of funny memes about that of course - I love internet in the moments of crisis, it has its bad sides in general but was really cheering me up when the world first "locked-down".

A perfect solitary recharging day-in includes:
☕️Coffee - preferably with something sweet too
👗Organising things in the house
Watching a lighthearted movie
🥗Having a nice meal
✍️Writing something for you guys for the blog, newsletter or instagram posts
📖Reading a book
In short - lots of relaxing and self-care activities.

What about you? If you have a day in, how do you like to spend it?

 #expatlife #introvertlife #introvertexpat #livingabroad #movingabroad #lifeabroad #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #culturalawareness #polacyzagranica #polacynaemigracji
A day in... is not something I mind at all.
#mayonthemove2022 

I consider myself to be very close towards the introvert side of the scale. I like to be around people, but preferably smaller groups for more meaningful discussions. After a night out or big events or concerts (and there really aren't so many these days 😃) I need the time to recharge. 

When pandemic started, internet got full of funny memes about that of course - I love internet in the moments of crisis, it has its bad sides in general but was really cheering me up when the world first "locked-down".

A perfect solitary recharging day-in includes:
☕️Coffee - preferably with something sweet too
👗Organising things in the house
Watching a lighthearted movie
🥗Having a nice meal
✍️Writing something for you guys for the blog, newsletter or instagram posts
📖Reading a book
In short - lots of relaxing and self-care activities.

What about you? If you have a day in, how do you like to spend it?

 #expatlife #introvertlife #introvertexpat #livingabroad #movingabroad #lifeabroad #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #culturalawareness #polacyzagranica #polacynaemigracji
A day in... is not something I mind at all.
#mayonthemove2022 

I consider myself to be very close towards the introvert side of the scale. I like to be around people, but preferably smaller groups for more meaningful discussions. After a night out or big events or concerts (and there really aren't so many these days 😃) I need the time to recharge. 

When pandemic started, internet got full of funny memes about that of course - I love internet in the moments of crisis, it has its bad sides in general but was really cheering me up when the world first "locked-down".

A perfect solitary recharging day-in includes:
☕️Coffee - preferably with something sweet too
👗Organising things in the house
Watching a lighthearted movie
🥗Having a nice meal
✍️Writing something for you guys for the blog, newsletter or instagram posts
📖Reading a book
In short - lots of relaxing and self-care activities.

What about you? If you have a day in, how do you like to spend it?

 #expatlife #introvertlife #introvertexpat #livingabroad #movingabroad #lifeabroad #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #culturalawareness #polacyzagranica #polacynaemigracji
A day in... is not something I mind at all.
#mayonthemove2022 

I consider myself to be very close towards the introvert side of the scale. I like to be around people, but preferably smaller groups for more meaningful discussions. After a night out or big events or concerts (and there really aren't so many these days 😃) I need the time to recharge. 

When pandemic started, internet got full of funny memes about that of course - I love internet in the moments of crisis, it has its bad sides in general but was really cheering me up when the world first "locked-down".

A perfect solitary recharging day-in includes:
☕️Coffee - preferably with something sweet too
👗Organising things in the house
Watching a lighthearted movie
🥗Having a nice meal
✍️Writing something for you guys for the blog, newsletter or instagram posts
📖Reading a book
In short - lots of relaxing and self-care activities.

What about you? If you have a day in, how do you like to spend it?

 #expatlife #introvertlife #introvertexpat #livingabroad #movingabroad #lifeabroad #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #culturalawareness #polacyzagranica #polacynaemigracji
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A day in... is not something I mind at all. #mayonthemove2022 I consider myself to be very close towards the introvert side of the scale. I like to be around people, but preferably smaller groups for more meaningful discussions. After a night out or big events or concerts (and there really aren't so many these days 😃) I need the time to recharge. When pandemic started, internet got full of funny memes about that of course - I love internet in the moments of crisis, it has its bad sides in general but was really cheering me up when the world first "locked-down". A perfect solitary recharging day-in includes: ☕️Coffee - preferably with something sweet too 👗Organising things in the house Watching a lighthearted movie 🥗Having a nice meal ✍️Writing something for you guys for the blog, newsletter or instagram posts 📖Reading a book In short - lots of relaxing and self-care activities. What about you? If you have a day in, how do you like to spend it? #expatlife #introvertlife #introvertexpat #livingabroad #movingabroad #lifeabroad #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #culturalawareness #polacyzagranica #polacynaemigracji
2 weeks ago
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7/9
And it requires a conscious effort to open them as well - it won't happen on its own! You're in charge of opening your mind :) ⁠
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#expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #leadershipmotivation
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And it requires a conscious effort to open them as well - it won't happen on its own! You're in charge of opening your mind :) ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #leadershipmotivation
3 weeks ago
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8/9
This is me, now #mayonthemove2022

Very excited to be taking part in this connectivity initiative once again 🙂 
I'm a psychologist, coach and trainer. Basically – I love working with people and seeing them grow😊
By day, I work full time as People & Culture Partner in a scale-up company. In evenings and weekends I run Project Abroad to help expats understand the cultures they're working with, how their own cultural background impacts their expat experience, and (most importantly) what they can do about it to make their experience more comfortable.

🤩I deeply care about you not just having 'an ok experience' abroad.  
I want you to really achieve the goals you have set for yourself abroad. And feel confident in the process! 
  
🤩I am practical and structured about approaching challenges.  
People I coach often come to me with a whole lot of thoughts, doubts, challenges and feelings. Confused about what is causing them to feel like this, or what to do next. Step by step we untangle these, make sense of the experience and create a tangible plan to move their lives forward. 
  
🤩I see value in learning about cultural dimensions for personal development. 
This knowledge helps you understand where some of the frustrations may be coming from. It helps you gain more self-awareness and identify the similarities you can build on when working internationally. It's a great starting point to a conversation about adaptation to a new place as well as increasing the feeling of confidence and belonging to the new location.

🤩I believe that if you're aware of something, you can do something about it.
Self-awareness for me is the first step to any transition, be it moving to another country, starting a new job or moving to the next phase of life. If you're not aware of what the underlying issue is, you can't really do much about it. But when you shine some light on it, everything seems more achievable. 

🚶‍♀️In my spare time I walk a lot, every day, with an audiobook or podcast in my ears. 
✍️My recent lockdown hobby also includes colour pencil drawing.

#expatcoach #livingabroad #lifeabroad #polacyzagranica #polishexpats #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife
This is me, now #mayonthemove2022

Very excited to be taking part in this connectivity initiative once again 🙂 
I'm a psychologist, coach and trainer. Basically – I love working with people and seeing them grow😊
By day, I work full time as People & Culture Partner in a scale-up company. In evenings and weekends I run Project Abroad to help expats understand the cultures they're working with, how their own cultural background impacts their expat experience, and (most importantly) what they can do about it to make their experience more comfortable.

🤩I deeply care about you not just having 'an ok experience' abroad.  
I want you to really achieve the goals you have set for yourself abroad. And feel confident in the process! 
  
🤩I am practical and structured about approaching challenges.  
People I coach often come to me with a whole lot of thoughts, doubts, challenges and feelings. Confused about what is causing them to feel like this, or what to do next. Step by step we untangle these, make sense of the experience and create a tangible plan to move their lives forward. 
  
🤩I see value in learning about cultural dimensions for personal development. 
This knowledge helps you understand where some of the frustrations may be coming from. It helps you gain more self-awareness and identify the similarities you can build on when working internationally. It's a great starting point to a conversation about adaptation to a new place as well as increasing the feeling of confidence and belonging to the new location.

🤩I believe that if you're aware of something, you can do something about it.
Self-awareness for me is the first step to any transition, be it moving to another country, starting a new job or moving to the next phase of life. If you're not aware of what the underlying issue is, you can't really do much about it. But when you shine some light on it, everything seems more achievable. 

🚶‍♀️In my spare time I walk a lot, every day, with an audiobook or podcast in my ears. 
✍️My recent lockdown hobby also includes colour pencil drawing.

#expatcoach #livingabroad #lifeabroad #polacyzagranica #polishexpats #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife
This is me, now #mayonthemove2022

Very excited to be taking part in this connectivity initiative once again 🙂 
I'm a psychologist, coach and trainer. Basically – I love working with people and seeing them grow😊
By day, I work full time as People & Culture Partner in a scale-up company. In evenings and weekends I run Project Abroad to help expats understand the cultures they're working with, how their own cultural background impacts their expat experience, and (most importantly) what they can do about it to make their experience more comfortable.

🤩I deeply care about you not just having 'an ok experience' abroad.  
I want you to really achieve the goals you have set for yourself abroad. And feel confident in the process! 
  
🤩I am practical and structured about approaching challenges.  
People I coach often come to me with a whole lot of thoughts, doubts, challenges and feelings. Confused about what is causing them to feel like this, or what to do next. Step by step we untangle these, make sense of the experience and create a tangible plan to move their lives forward. 
  
🤩I see value in learning about cultural dimensions for personal development. 
This knowledge helps you understand where some of the frustrations may be coming from. It helps you gain more self-awareness and identify the similarities you can build on when working internationally. It's a great starting point to a conversation about adaptation to a new place as well as increasing the feeling of confidence and belonging to the new location.

🤩I believe that if you're aware of something, you can do something about it.
Self-awareness for me is the first step to any transition, be it moving to another country, starting a new job or moving to the next phase of life. If you're not aware of what the underlying issue is, you can't really do much about it. But when you shine some light on it, everything seems more achievable. 

🚶‍♀️In my spare time I walk a lot, every day, with an audiobook or podcast in my ears. 
✍️My recent lockdown hobby also includes colour pencil drawing.

#expatcoach #livingabroad #lifeabroad #polacyzagranica #polishexpats #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife
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This is me, now #mayonthemove2022 Very excited to be taking part in this connectivity initiative once again 🙂 I'm a psychologist, coach and trainer. Basically – I love working with people and seeing them grow😊 By day, I work full time as People & Culture Partner in a scale-up company. In evenings and weekends I run Project Abroad to help expats understand the cultures they're working with, how their own cultural background impacts their expat experience, and (most importantly) what they can do about it to make their experience more comfortable. 🤩I deeply care about you not just having 'an ok experience' abroad.  I want you to really achieve the goals you have set for yourself abroad. And feel confident in the process!   🤩I am practical and structured about approaching challenges.  People I coach often come to me with a whole lot of thoughts, doubts, challenges and feelings. Confused about what is causing them to feel like this, or what to do next. Step by step we untangle these, make sense of the experience and create a tangible plan to move their lives forward.   🤩I see value in learning about cultural dimensions for personal development. This knowledge helps you understand where some of the frustrations may be coming from. It helps you gain more self-awareness and identify the similarities you can build on when working internationally. It's a great starting point to a conversation about adaptation to a new place as well as increasing the feeling of confidence and belonging to the new location. 🤩I believe that if you're aware of something, you can do something about it. Self-awareness for me is the first step to any transition, be it moving to another country, starting a new job or moving to the next phase of life. If you're not aware of what the underlying issue is, you can't really do much about it. But when you shine some light on it, everything seems more achievable. 🚶‍♀️In my spare time I walk a lot, every day, with an audiobook or podcast in my ears. ✍️My recent lockdown hobby also includes colour pencil drawing. #expatcoach #livingabroad #lifeabroad #polacyzagranica #polishexpats #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife
3 weeks ago
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