New beginnings: A self-help guide to moving abroad
Embarking on the adventure of moving to a new, and sometimes foreign, place can be very exciting, but also a big challenge. Remember - that’s completely okay! You may struggle with the sadness of having to say goodbye, the anxiety of stepping into the unknown, or the fear of not fitting in. It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions: after all, change, as exciting as it is, can be a little scary. If you’re feeling a bit all over the place, don’t worry - you’re not alone! These struggles are very common for TCKs or anyone navigating the trickiness of new beginnings. So, take it one step at a time, embrace the challenges, and remember that you’re planting the seeds for a new chapter in your life - it takes time and care for any flower to grow!
Tips and tricks to help you prepare for the big move:
Talk about how it makes you feel
It’s important to share with those around you the thoughts and feelings you have about the move. Whether it’s with your family, friends, a teacher, or one of us - you’re likely surrounded by great people willing to help and listen! Expressing your emotions not only helps you process them but also opens the door for understanding and support from those around you. So, don't hesitate to speak your mind; it's a simple yet effective way to build a support system that makes the journey a bit easier to navigate.
Pack your favorite things with you
When you’re moving to a new place, it sadly isn’t possible to pack your entire world into a suitcase - but it’s always comforting to have familiar, cherished items with you that make you happy and bring a touch of home to your new adventure. These can be anything: your cool dinosaur stuffed toy, your favorite framed family photo, or your beloved cactus you’ve always kept on your nightstand. While it's tough to leave some things behind, these chosen items can serve as a portable piece of your roots, making your new journey feel a bit more like home.
Do some research
Fear of the unknown is a huge part of moving to a new country: but the more familiar you become with their particularities, the less scary it will be! Dive into research with your family by exploring cool facts, traditions, or expressions from your soon-to-be home. You can even try making a yummy dish that is popular there. The more you learn about your new home, the more excitement you may be able to build for this new adventure! And even if the excitement is still missing, you will be helping out future you: these things will be familiar once you arrive rather than brand new.
Stay connected
Lucky for you, keeping in touch has never been easier with today’s technology. Set up a regular time to call your friends or family to tell them all about your new adventures. Having the comfort of knowing that you can reach out to your loved ones can make the distance feel a tad smaller. If time zones are an issue, don't hesitate to communicate openly with your parents about this; they'll likely be more than willing to make accommodations to ensure you can stay connected. Whether it's adjusting screen time, finding convenient windows for calls, or exploring alternative means of communication, being proactive about these discussions can help maintain strong connections with friends and family, no matter the miles between you.
Make a positivity jar
There are lots of therapeutic art activities that could help you along your journey as an expat. One of them is a positivity jar. Find a container of some kind (a jar, a folder, or anything else you have!) and transform it with colors and drawings that make you happy. Try to be free as you create - practice not judging how “pretty” it looks and instead focusing on the feeling of the marker in your hand or the glitter of the stickers you place. Then, fill it with anything you feel sparks a bit of joy: photos, letters, your favorite candy, uplifting notes - but also maybe things you’re not sure why make you happy but just do, like some random heart-shaped erasers you got ages ago. It’s even better if you can engage all your senses. If you love cinnamon, sprinkle some into your container for an extra uplifting burst of smallness when you open it up. This way, if you are ever feeling down, you can use your jar as a reminder that no matter where you are in the world, mid-transition, or settling down again, happiness is something you can carry with you.
Moving abroad might feel like stepping into the unknown, but remember, every adventure comes with a new set of treasures. Although the transition phase can often be a little tough, it’s also an opportunity for exciting new experiences! Don’t forget that, above all, it’s important to communicate (the very normal!) feelings that come along with this big change. The Expat Kids Club is available to provide support and understanding as you grow as a third-culture Kid. Find out more about our services here.