There are so many emotions and phases we go through living abroad, let alone the challenges of expat life. As an expat psychologist, I see a lot of common and shared problems. In this blog post, I want to share my perspective as an expat psychologist on some of the...
Moving abroad is an exhilarating adventure filled with new experiences and opportunities. However, amidst the excitement, there is often an underlying loneliness, the need for connection and a sense of belonging. Especially as an expat you’re often trying to...
In our home country, we knew what to expect, how to get around, and how to communicate. Until one day, we make the big decision to live in someone else’s native country, and even the simple things we thought we were masters of, like getting to the grocery store,...
One of the most necessary things you will ever do as an expat living abroad is letting go when you need to. Whether people, places, or things, the ability to let go can determine the extent to which you can embrace your new life with open arms. When you move abroad,...
Living in a foreign country is a beautiful experience. Yet, it can also trigger a wide range of emotions, from anxiety to expat guilt feelings that certain people or events may reinforce. This article will take you on a journey into what it means to experience guilt...
Moving abroad is a giant leap to take in life with many factors to consider. After all, when you leave your home, everything that’s familiar to you changes. A completely new environment means a new living space, friends, job, hobbies, means of transportation...
At the time you moved abroad, you may have been fulfilling your biggest dream. You may have planned everything you possibly could have to prepare for this significant transition. Still, you came to find that no amount of planning could have ever prepared you for how...
Living abroad, it is almost inevitable that we start comparing to other expats. In our expat journey, we may ask ourselves… How can she have so many friends as I’ve been trying for so long, and nothing has happened? Why did she get a promotion if she is a...
After more than one year, navigating the stress that covid fatigue has brought us, we finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Yet this light can blind us. That’s called reentry anxiety—the stress of coming back to everyday life. Expats had to deal with...
Learn what are the things that all expats are tired of hearing over and over again. If you’re an expat, I’m sure you are going to relate. And if you’re a friend, family or co-worker from an expat, please bear in mind and not say these seven phrases...
Toxic Positivity is a reality in our expat life. Phrases such as “Why can’t you just be happy?” or “At least you get to live abroad” are far from having a positive effect. On the contrary, it can be damaging because it disregards our...
Most of us can identify with what loneliness feels like. Whether it is a brief period of isolation or something more prolonged, a lack of social interaction can lead to mental health complications, such as depression and anxiety. Loneliness is especially a challenge...
Misunderstandings are usual in all kinds of relationships: with your partner, family, friends and colleagues. However, when this is a multilingual relationship and you have to communicate in a language that is not your mother tongue, the challenges are even more...
While working from home (a.k.a. remote working) can be positive and productive, it has its downsides too. These last months many of us were “forced” to start working from home. That can bring many positive sides, but it can also complicate our daily life, routines,...
Do you recognize some of these situations? – You have something to say in meetings and gatherings, but you keep it to yourself because you think it is not valuable enough. – You assume that others in a specific context are more intelligent and prepared...