AN ARTICLE ON EXACTLY WHAT IT’S LIKE MOVING COUNTRY!

Relocation programmes make it look so simple.  Just a small move across the Channel and you can start a new life in a beautiful country. 

If only it were that simple….

It’s hard.  Moving down the road is considered stressful, moving country is off the scale and, well, you’re a long way from ‘home’. 

The hard parts

First, there’s the obvious barrier; the language.  Chances are this is one obstacle you’ll be prepared for, but it’s still a struggle.  It can feel isolating and, while some will find a new language comes naturally, others will feel they’ll never get there.   Yes, the younger you are the chances are you’ll catch on quicker.  But, then – just like maths or art – some of us do just find languages hard, regardless of age or hard work.  The important thing to remember is we are all aiming towards the same goal and will all get there – regardless of how long it takes. 

            Then there’s school.  You’re used to certain methods of teaching with a certain exam system.  It will suddenly seem very alien – and studying algebra in French is not nice! – But, can you remember your first day at school in your own country?  Everything is scary when you don’t know what to expect and it will take a while to get used to a new environment – it took me one and a half hours to find the exit to my school building on my first day in France! – But, after a few weeks, it will start to feel like second nature.  As for older students, it’s worth noting that there are other options if you want to carry on in education, for example studying using a correspondent course or enrolling in an apprentice scheme. 

You can feel lonely, and will miss your friends and family.  But it is becoming quicker and easier to travel all over the world (partly due to the number of Brits moving abroad!) and airports are opening new flights all the time, making it better than ever to visit. So, although it might feel you have moved to the other side of the world, you are much closer than you think. It’s crazy to think it’s quicker to travel from France to England than it is to cross London in rush-hour..!

            The last challenge is acclimatising.  Maybe you’ve simply moved from a town to a village, or visa versa and that in its self takes a lot of getting used to.  It’s the little cultural differences that can get frustrating.  The small things we take for granted, for example in France you can’t buy pain killers in a supermarket and chemists don’t stock hair dye or make up.  Okay, so in the big scheme of things this is pretty insignificant, but when you get caught out it can make you feel even more of a foreigner. The good news is, many European countries are following in England’s footsteps, and drawing upon American ideas, making crossing the Channel feels a lot more like home in terms of shopping … and music and film etc. . . . Again, as with everything, it takes very little time to get used to the fundamental changes.

Perks (don’t worry there are some…!)

So, enough of what’s wrong about moving -what about the advantages? 

Okay, it sounds corny, but you have done an amazing thing just moving.  It is a scary thing to do but you were brave enough to do what so many people dream of but haven’t got the courage to do.  That in itself is no mean feat, and even if you decided to move back to your home country tomorrow, nobody can take that away from you.

Secondly, you will have gained a fantastic language skill (whether you’re fluent or have just increased your vocabulary)  Not only is that great for showing off to your family and friends (!) it will come in useful throughout your life, looking very impressive in future job interviews etc. Wherever you chose to move to, being bilingual will always be a useful skill to have!

Finally, it’s all worth it just for the sack load of great stories you’ll get along the way to tell people!! 

Some tips!!

Some things that may help until you find your feet…

• Throw yourself into the language and culture and don’t worry about what people will think – people will really admire your courage and will help you if you get stuck!   
• Talk to others who are in the same boat – sites like this are great for that - it’s good to compare stories, and will make you feel a lot less isolated knowing others are going through the same as you are.
• Don’t be afraid of spending time with other English people if it helps, it might give you more confidence and make you feel like you belong – N.B this is not the same as being part of an English clique, moaning about how the foreigners run their own country!!
• Make the most of any social occasions, such as communal meals.  It’s a great chance to meet others and perhaps make new friends with people you wouldn’t otherwise meet.  If anything, it’s a chance to get yourself known and experience the culture first hand!!

Bookmark: