The adventure of living abroad from Kenya is about to start. We tell you how to avoid the most common mistakes and have a memorable experience
Leaving Kenya and starting a new life overseas – temporarily or permanently – isn’t a one day thing and the risk of not pushing yourself enough out of your comfort zone is always there.
If you want make the most of your live abroad right from the scratch, just keep reading and discover our best tips for relocating alone.
Keep your hobbies and socialize
Some expats tend to stay at home, directly or indirectly avoiding the contact with locals, as it makes them feel uncomfortable. This is a big mistake. Being a little bit uncomfortable is part of the adaptation process.
Keep your previous interests and hobbies or alternatively take up something you’ve always wanted to do. If an opportunity comes up to meet new people, throw yourself in it- you never know who you will meet or what you will take from it.
Volunteering is also a good way of getting to know other people – and learn more about your community!
Explore your surroundings
One of the first things to do is becoming familiar with your new neighbourhood. You can do this by googling what’s nearby or alternatively you could ask the locals. Using the “I just moved here” line will work wonders for approaching the friendly locals you will meet.
You may find out a few places to visit that you never would have thought of before. Your comfort zone will soon widen once you have taken the time to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings. Suddenly the once scary and intimidating new city will be filled with your new favourite places.
Appreciate diversity and differences
An important thing that you need to keep in mind and to accept is that when you relocate no living environment is going to be the same and it may take you time to adjust. But if you treat your old home as somewhere separate you can really throw yourself into your new adventure in a new country.
Explore and appreciate your new city
Take some time for yourself to explore and appreciate your new city. Grab a guide book and discover some of the local cultural spots. Or take a look at Crown’s destination guides for some inspiration. To understand the local culture is to appreciate the history that you now call home.
Be patience and try
Even if it doesn’t turn into a long term living situation you will find that giving your all into this new challenge will be a great learning experience. It will show you how determined and strong you can be. Do not forget that it is going to take time and patience to settle in and make lasting friendships. But if you continue to put yourself out there and give it your best shot then your new city will surely feel like home in no time.
However, you will not be alone during your relocation. Our local experts in Kenya can help you with everything you need. Contact us!