While some people consider the United States of America their dream land, some citizens are ditching it to start life afresh in another country. 

Those people are called expatriates, or expats—people who decide to move somewhere other than their native country.

The move could be for a number of reasons.

The top ones I’ve heard are better cost of living and simply wanting a change of scenery. 

Either way, I’m not hating if you decide to earn the expat badge. That’s your business. 🤷🏾‍♀️

What I’ll be touching on is how you act when you get to your destination.

So from a non-expat who has seen this go waaaay left, please consider these three things before you make your move.

1. Know Before You Go

Being comfortable in your own living space is so underrated. Where’s a good neighborhood? How much is it to live there? Some countries have yearly or bi-yearly rental plans, so living check-to-check in those areas wouldn’t be wise.

And how’s the weather? I actually know someone who canceled retirement plans to live in Spain because it rained too much in the winter in his prospective city. Yup…  rain changed his whole future life plans.

The main thing I’d be researching are the traditions and laws of the land. Laws can change so much from country to country, and ignorance of said laws is no excuse.

Basically, save yourself the trouble by doing lots of research (including interviewing if you can) before packing your bags.

2. Respect the Culture

Stay true to yourself while keeping in mind the native cultures. Contradictory? Not really. It’s the same protocol when visiting any household.

It could mean taking off your shoes or covering your head. If it’s not against your morals, don’t be rude. Also, don’t knock everything that may be foreign to you.

Taste some of the native foods. Decide what your favorites are while being open to trying other cuisines.

What are the holidays? Any special etiquettes of note?

Be open to learn as well. Otherwise, you’re no better than a colonizer…

3. Be Flexible

It takes time to adjust to new surroundings. You may not hit the ground running when you move, no matter how dreamy you think the country is. 

Give yourself time to situate accordingly. Then, reevaluate what (if anything) needs to change. Relax. If you did your research, it will pan out eventually.

I’ve been hearing more about expatriates lately, especially as African countries dedicate marketing dollars to attract more African Americans to move there. So, in this week’s video, I’ll be specifically discussing more about black expats, what makes this movement so significant and what this movement should not be. 

Stay tuned for this weekend!