Top tips for families adjusting to an overseas move

Moving overseas can be an exciting adventure, but for many families it can also be a scary time. Adjusting to your new home can be challenging but it’s important to remember that settling in doesn’t happen overnight. 

Here are some top tips to help you settle in as soon as possible

Missing home

Focus on all the positive opportunities available in your new location and not what will be missed. Moving can be particularly disruptive for children as they tend to get attached to their surroundings. Setting up a routine as quickly as possible and planning a list of fun family activities can be a great way of distracting from the change and can give everyone something to look forward to.

Family traditions

Ensure that family traditions are continued in your new home - including certain family meals, holiday rituals and birthday celebrations. Incorporate a few new traditions too, as you can always use these to explore the culture in the new country.

Team effort

Sometimes the partner has the most difficult role in a family move. If you’re moving as a result of a job transfer, you will go to work, the children go to school, but your spouse/partner has to build new routines and relationships. Make establishing a new routine a team effort.

Invite family to stay

Find ways to include your family back home. Invite them to visit and share your new experiences with them. Exploring different areas or even going on a weekend camping trip can be a great way of getting to know the area while making memories that you can cherish.

Intercultural training

Enrolling your family on an intercultural training programme can be an effective way of giving everyone a boost of confidence. Visit here for more information on intercultural training.