Adjusting to life in another country can be a daunting task. Without years of experience with a foreign language and its culture, it’s easy to misunderstand things and feel a little silly.
That’s why we’ve partnered with international insurance provider AXA – Global Healthcare to show you how to know if you’re living successfully abroad.
you registered yourself
No, seriously, please applaud. The process of establishing identity and residency in a new country can feel dauntingly complicated, especially with a new language. Often you have to collect various documents and make sure everything is filled out correctly. Any number of stamps or certificates may be required to prove the document’s authenticity. A signature is required and some forms will probably need to be sent internationally.
It is by no means a similar process in different countries. There are many things you can do without registering. For example, in Germany you cannot open a bank account or have health insurance. Anmeldebescheinigung Any foreigner living in Sweden will attest to life’s frustrations.person number. Some countries allow you to upload some of your registration documents online, but in countries such as France, registration requires multiple face-to-face appointments and a binder full of paper documents.
It can be stressful, but it proves that you can adapt and solve problems. merry Also Burgeramtyou can face anything!
Walking around became second nature
Another sign that you’re adjusting to life abroad is knowing some tricks and sneaky lifehacks for moving to your new home town. Familiarity with public transportation is essential as many do not have a car when they arrive in a new country. Find and download new apps, upload your public transport card, and try pronouncing funny stop names.
Some public transport networks are so vast and effective that they have become iconic. Think of the Paris subway. Others can seem so incomprehensible and arbitrary that even a quantum physics professor can’t figure it out. What really matters is knowing how to get from point A to point B in the shortest possible time and possibly at the best possible price. If you’re not careful, you might end up spending too much money on a train or bus ride when cheaper fares become readily available.
Knowing the fare zones, the differences in the rail network (more difficult than you might imagine), when the last bus leaves for your home, and where to hop on and off the nearest electric scooter or bike are true indicators of local knowledge. and reason to be proud. Sure, it’s a lot of trial and error, but it also shows the ability to take in a lot of information. clever
But there may be no better way to discover new surroundings than by taking public transport. Each stop has nearby cafes, restaurants, lanes, street art, and quiet corners to explore. You can even test your language skills as you decide to order some delicious ‘hyperlocal’ pastries. Don’t forget to take lots of snaps of your new favorite places. Make your Instagram friends a little jealous!
T.When moving abroad, there are many things to understand here. As a provider of international health insurance, discover AXA – Global Healthcare’s international insurance solutions and know that you have ticked an important box for living abroad.
Knowing when the last train leaves is an important lesson to learn as a cosmopolitan living abroad. Photo: Getty Images
The local rhythm of life makes sense for you
Once you’ve lived somewhere for a while, the rhythms and systems that govern your life become the norm. When, where and how to separate trash, recycling and food waste. At first it may all seem arbitrary and lack rhyme and reason, but seeing your neighbors bin out gives you an idea (or in a bin room in a shared apartment) read passive-aggressive notes directed at you).
Another example: Have you ever had to travel miles to the train station for the one supermarket that was open on a holiday you didn’t know about? does not matter. Even if you are in some parts of Italy, Spain or Germany, intention Completely blind to random festivals that can only be found in certain areas.Holy feast Who?
A sixth sense about holidays is a sign that you’re “going local.” Knowing that a (often very obscure) holiday is approaching and planning your weekly shop around it is something that only evolves over time. Understanding and staying open are clear signs that you can adapt to new situations on the fly. You are focused, flexible, observant, and organized. Isn’t it nice?
A nice bonus of understanding local holidays is when TRUE It’s a great party and can be planned accordingly.dress up and do something silly carnival Wearing a costume and letting your hair down is the ideal way to make new friends.
have their own support network
What makes life as a foreigner richer and more fulfilling? The people you meet. Living abroad can take its toll on the mind and body, but that’s just the reality of big changes.When your network of friends and other supporters is built, you know you’re adjusting really well. .you.
Developing coping strategies to offset culture shock is one way internationals grow through experience, and it can take many forms. Some of us immerse ourselves in meeting local friends, joining soccer clubs or local gyms, or attending language courses. Some prefer fellow international companions and advice to gather over a hefeweizen or an Aperol Spritz and share their experiences of local life. There are countless “foreign” social media groups that provide new arrivals with a lifeline and often lead to strong friendships.
These are all AXA – Global Healthcare 2021 Mind Health Index It has proven beneficial in dealing with the realities of living abroad. More specifically, the importance of developing support networks and exercising was found to be important in helping expats thrive while living abroad.
One way to ensure expats stay connected and have a healthy support network is to use a service like AXA (Mind Health Services from Global Healthcare*). Included as standard in all her AXA – Global Healthcare plans, expats can take the stress out of finding a local professional by scheduling a phone appointment at a time that suits them.
With such a support system in place, you will be able to spend more time enjoying life abroad, gaining experience and growing.
So you decided to make some local friends and attended that foreign salsa night? Did you find the perfect meme to collectively share your life as a local? Did you use counseling when you weren’t feeling well? I’m fine! keep it up!
organized health care
Like it or not, we all get sick at some point. So knowing how to access healthcare is important.
Anyone abroad knows that different countries have different numbers for emergency services (although across the EU, It’s all 112)Sooner or later you may discover the nearest emergency department and file that information in your head. It’s natural to get excited when you find a local doctor you can turn to for ongoing care or pick up a prescription when you need it. Having someone who can do it is very important and shows that you have your international life nailed.
Even better, if you need to have health insurance, as some countries such as Germany and Switzerland mandate, some turn to providers such as: AXA – Global Healthcarewith services such as Online doctor service** You can contact doctors who speak your language and issue prescriptions.of mind health service It also enables you to consult a trained psychologist about any concerns you have and access valuable mental health care. This way, you can spend less time worrying about what will happen if you get sick and continue your business enjoying life abroad.
The journey from new kid on the block to local legend, including registration, health care, and learning the quirks of a new home, isn’t always easy. You grow and develop along the way. Whether you’ve been here for six months or six years, remember.
Find out how AXA Global Healthcare takes the stress out of maintaining a healthy and happy life abroad with a range of services designed specifically for your needs.
* – Mind Health Services provided by Teladoc
** – Online doctor service provided by Teladoc
AXA Global Healthcare (EU) Limited. Irish registration number 630468. Registered Office: Wolfe Tone House, Wolfe Tone Street, Dublin 1. AXA Global Healthcare (EU) Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
AXA Global Healthcare (UK) Limited (reg. no. 3039521) is registered in the United Kingdom with its registered office at 20 Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 0BG. AXA Global Healthcare (UK) Limited is licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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