topics
tools
editor's choice

How to assimilate

Crime and the legal system in Switzerland

Major museums in Switzerland

Culture and social etiquette in Switzerland

How to open a Swiss bank account

Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2119.44 0.28
DAX 6339.94 0.38
IBEX 30 6543 0.13
CAC 40 3047.94 0.32
FTSE 100 5351.53 0.03
AEX 292.76 0.23
DJIA 12454.83 -0.60
Nasdaq 2837.53 -0.07
FTSE MIB 13154.8 0.36
TSX Composite 11576.47 0.09
ASX 4081.2 -0.61
Hang seng 18713.41 0.25
Straits Times 2772.75 -0.24
ISEQ 20 500.94 1.55
You are here: Home Health & Fitness Well-Being Ask Expat Aunt: Help! I miss my friends and family back home

Wellbeing

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


28/04/2010Ask Expat Aunt: Help! I miss my friends and family back home

Ask Expat Aunt: Help! I miss my friends and family back home Make the best of living abroad by posting your questions to our new experts. One of Expatica's Expat Aunts/Uncles offers tips on how to ease the ache of not having loved ones close by, and more.

Sarah moved to a small town in the Jura last October. Having previously lived in Birmingham she misses city life and social interaction with a vast group of people.

Harry lives in Southern France and whilst he loves the area, he wishes he had someone to play badminton with.

Alex took up a promotion and now lives in Zurich. She comes from a close knit family and her concern is that she is far away should something happen back home.

Does any of this sound familiar? Moving to a foreign country with a different language, culture and values system brings great challenges, and, hopefully, great rewards too.

In a 2009 Expatica survey, 49 percent of respondents stated that one of the greatest challenges on living in a foreign country was how much they missed their friends and family back home.

If you feel the same, the first question to ask yourself is: ‘What exactly do I miss?’

It may be the company of others, people to do things with, a sense of belonging.


The next question is: ‘What is it I want from my life in my new country?’

Once you understand what your needs are, you are better able to start addressing them. Take some uninterrupted time to ponder the following questions:
  • What do I miss most about my family?
  • What do I miss most about my friends?
  • What could I do to make the distance seem shorter?
  • How do I want to live here?
  • What more can I do for myself?
  • How important is this move for me?
  • How do I make this a successful experience?
  • What could I ask my family and friends to do for me?
If you come up against barriers, ask yourself what steps you can take to overcome these. Make a list (people who write things down are more likely to act on their list) and plan the steps you wish to take.

Focus on what it is that persuaded you to make the move in the first place. It often helps to have a visual representation of this close to hand (a picture of an appealing landscape, a person out walking, wine tasting or maybe money).

Examine the options that exist to make new friends, online sites cater to expats all over the world and detail activities you can join in. Many European cities also have their own expat sites. Invite your neighbours over, get involved with the village committees, if you live in the countryside help with the summer fete, start a reading or walking group.

Many communications companies offer inexpensive packages that include calls to all European destinations at no additional cost. Skype enables free calls to other Skype users. Webcams let you see loved ones as often as you wish.

See your move as a brilliant opportunity to expand your circle of friends and the chance to offer your nearest and dearest somewhere marvellous to come and visit.

Expat Aunt Janice Barnett / Expatica

Ludmilla Skinner is Expatica Switzerland's Expat Aunt, who understands what it’s like to be an expat there. Write to her to seek advice and tips on how to make the best of life in Switzerland, by going to Ask the Expert and selecting Expat Aunt & Uncle or clicking straight through to her expert profile.


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating



0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Health & Fitness essentials
Health & Fitness expert Q&A
ask your question
Health & Fitness A-Z listings
find the business you need
Discussion Forums

Finding your way in Switzerland

Trekking and Backpacking

Community Noticeboard Switzerland

Let's coach..Saturday.Free.In English.

Finding your way in Switzerland

Chinese Nanny (Ayi) wanted

Finding your way in Switzerland

Need Househelp who prepares Thai food

Student forum Switzerland

@SAP Business Objects Online Training in Netherlands by SAP BOSS

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Residence and work permits in Switzerland

Residence and work permits in Switzerland

How to apply for a residency or work permit in Switzerland for you and your family.

How to rent and buy a house in Switzerland

How to rent and buy a house in Switzerland

Information about renting property and obtaining a mortgage in Switzerland.

Switzerland's healthcare system

Switzerland's healthcare system

Information about the Swiss healthcare system, health insurance, pharmacies and emergency numbers.

Banking in Switzerland

Banking in Switzerland

Explaining Swiss currency, banknotes, credit cards and bureaux de change.