Moving abroad is like stepping into an entirely different world. Even when we think ‘Amsterdam’ is pretty similar to ‘Berlin’, or ‘moving from the USA to Italy couldn’t be that much different…’ , it’s actually a leap into the unknown, an adventure into the unfamiliar. But behind the excitement, the logistics, and the dream of living in another country – there’s a set of hard truths about life abroad that every expat must know about. And no one is talking about it!
So we rolled up our sleeves because we wish someone would have said this to us years ago, just like this – simple, honest, and truthful.
And yet, as you look at your one-way ticket to a new life, excitement and apprehension run through your veins. You may have dreamt of this moment for years, or you (or your partner) just got an opportunity you couldn’t resist. Perhaps you decided to follow your heart and join someone on the other side of this flight, or you wanted a better future for your kids, with more opportunities and a different lifestyle. So you’re going for it.
Either you read every possible blog and post you could find online about your upcoming destination, got some long checklists of things you must do, have to sort out, and need to prepare. OR you’re going freestyle ‘I’ll figure it out as I go’ kind of approach.
We get it. We’ve actually done both. And while the journey can be incredibly rewarding, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, those hard truths about life abroad we’re about to share with you, these can really transform your experience.
So, before you embark on your expat adventure (or even if you’ve been living abroad for some time, and how to say it, you’re feeling a little ‘off’), we invite you to take a moment to explore these hard truths with us. They might not be easy to hear, but they are the building blocks of a truly remarkable, positive and successful life abroad. Let’s dive in, shall we?
You don’t HAVE to move abroad; you CHOOSE to move abroad.
It might sound harsh, but that’s one of the truths about life abroad. Recognize that, on some level, this choice is always yours. Understanding this fundamental truth empowers you to take ownership of your decision. It’s a bold step toward crafting a life on your terms.
Harsh, but true. When you arrive in a new country, there’s no welcoming committee waiting for you. It could have been nice, we admit. But it’s rarely the case. And that’s perfectly fine, because the responsibility for creating your life abroad rests squarely on your shoulders. It shouldn’t scare you – but drive you to act, set goals, make plans and find solutions.
Don’t expect to move and immediately feel at home. It takes time to acclimate, build relationships, and find your groove. The initial discomfort is natural; it’s part of the growth process. Be patient with yourself; you’re adapting to a new environment, and the feeling of belonging will come with time. And if you want a couple tips on how to feel more at home, check this podcast episode.
Life abroad can throw curveballs and it will! Here’s the good news: you can’t control all situations, but you CAN ALWAYS control how you react to them. Your attitude and resilience are your best allies. Approach challenges with a positive mindset, view them as opportunities for personal growth, and adapt as needed.
Yes, those things are in many cases essential. And let’s be honest, they can be a pain in the a**. So actually, an even more crucial aspect is how you approach these obligations and situations; it will set the tone for your life abroad. Recognizing these truths about life abroad can transform your experience. Instead of viewing them as burdens, embrace them as integral parts of your expat journey. Cultivate a sense of curiosity and openness to new experiences. Accept the differences. And, as we said earlier – patience is key!
It might feel this way at times, but it’s never the case. You don’t have a ‘reset to factory setting’ option so you’re not starting from zero. Your past experiences, knowledge, values, and qualities are valuable assets. Embrace them as tools to thrive in your new environment. Draw upon your previous accomplishments and skills to navigate challenges confidently.
Making mistakes is the best way to learn and grow. Don’t fear them; instead, view them as stepping stones on your path to success abroad. We made so many mistakes on our journey. Emotional, practical, legal, styling, language… We did them all! Each misstep provides insights and a deeper understanding of your new surroundings. Plus, did you know that errors fosters resilience and adaptability?! Those are two essential skills for your success abroad.
Comparing your new country to your previous one can be counterproductive. It often leads to wasted time and energy and can make you feel miserable. Embrace the differences; we don’t say one country is better than the other – it’s just different! So instead of fighting it, or getting frustrated why one thing isn’t the same as you’re used to; recognize that every place has its strengths and weaknesses, and appreciating these distinctions enhances your journey.
Living abroad is, well, living. You still do everyday tasks like laundry, groceries, and face life’s ups and downs. You’ll cry, laugh, love. You’ll work, exercise, sleep. You will live. The difference is you’ll be doing it in another country, which adds richness and challenges to your life. Don’t try to be a tourist. Try to become a local by embracing the reality of expat life, and you’ll find fulfillment in the ordinary moments.
Moving abroad is a ‘break in the loop’. We step outside our routine, our patterns, our comfort zone. It is scary at times but, it’s THE opportunity to be who you want to be and actually create the life you enjoy living!
Whether it’s starting a new career, traveling extensively, or immersing yourself in a vibrant local community, your possibilities are endless. But here’s the crucial part: it’s up to you to take action. Without your active participation, that opportunity remains dormant.
We have more than 30 years of experience moving abroad. We know how to do it miserably, and we also know how to do it with confidence and feel great about it. So trust us when we say that …
Understanding these hard truths of life abroad can make a significant difference in your expat adventure.
Life (in our opinion) isn’t just about being physically alive; it’s about fully living it! Life abroad takes this to the next level; it’s about thriving abroad! It’s about diving headfirst into a new culture, learning a new language, and making connections that will last a lifetime – because you’ll always share this special bond of ‘expat life.’ Sure, it’s challenging, but that’s what makes it exciting.
In a new country, there are no safety nets like the ones you had back home. You’re responsible for your happiness, your success, and your well-being. This may seem daunting, but it’s incredibly empowering. So as long as you prioritize yourself, listen to your needs and work on your mindset – you’ll be fine; Better, you’ll be great!!
Think of it as a crash course in personal growth. You’ll learn to adapt to new situations, communicate across language barriers, and solve problems you never thought you’d face. It’s a journey of self-discovery.
Remember, you hold the pen, and every day is a new page in your expat journey. The challenges and triumphs you face are part of your narrative, shaping you into a more resilient, adaptable, and culturally enriched individual.
But this opportunity is only as meaningful as the actions you take. Seize it with both hands, and make it your own.
One last thing before we go: Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
It doesn’t mean you have a problem, or you’re weak. It actually makes you brave and smarter. There are people that dealt with what you’re dealing with many times before – reach out to them.
“You can create a life you actually enjoy living no matter where you are!”
– Maayan & Gal, Co-Founders of Smoozitive
It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. So, as you embark on this incredible journey, know that we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
You can connect with us or Instagram, or visit our profile on AnyExpat.
Our aim is to assist you in preparing yourself to effectively navigate the hard truths about life abroad, ensuring a smoother and more positive experience.
Sending positive vibes your way ✨
Maayan & Gal
Co-Founders of Smoozitive
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OVERVIEW
This website is operated by AnyExpat Ltd. Throughout the site, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer to AnyExpat Ltd. AnyExpat Ltd offers this website, including all information, tools and services available from this site to you, the user, conditioned upon your acceptance of all terms, conditions, policies and notices stated here.
By visiting our site and/ or purchasing something from us, you engage in our “Service” and agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions (“Terms of Service”, “Terms”), including those additional terms and conditions and policies referenced herein and/or available by hyperlink. These Terms of Service apply to all users of the site, including without limitation users who are browsers, vendors, customers, merchants, and/ or contributors of content.
Please read these Terms of Service carefully before accessing or using our website. By accessing or using any part of the site, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to all the terms and conditions of this agreement, then you may not access the website or use any services. If these Terms of Service are considered an offer, acceptance is expressly limited to these Terms of Service.
Any new features or tools which are added to the current store shall also be subject to the Terms of Service. You can review the most current version of the Terms of Service at any time on this page. We reserve the right to update, change or replace any part of these Terms of Service by posting updates and/or changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check this page periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to the website following the posting of any changes constitutes acceptance of those changes.
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SECTION 1 – ONLINE STORE TERMS
By agreeing to these Terms of Service, you represent that you are at least the age of majority in your state or province of residence, or that you are the age of majority in your state or province of residence and you have given us your consent to allow any of your minor dependents to use this site.
You may not use our products for any illegal or unauthorized purpose nor may you, in the use of the Service, violate any laws in your jurisdiction (including but not limited to copyright laws).
You must not transmit any worms or viruses or any code of a destructive nature.
A breach or violation of any of the Terms will result in an immediate termination of your Services.
SECTION 2 – GENERAL CONDITIONS
We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time.
You understand that your content (not including credit card information), may be transferred unencrypted and involve (a) transmissions over various networks; and (b) changes to conform and adapt to technical requirements of connecting networks or devices. Credit card information is always encrypted during transfer over networks.
You agree not to reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, resell or exploit any portion of the Service, use of the Service, or access to the Service or any contact on the website through which the service is provided, without express written permission by us.
The headings used in this agreement are included for convenience only and will not limit or otherwise affect these Terms.
SECTION 3 – ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS AND TIMELINESS OF INFORMATION
We are not responsible if information made available on this site is not accurate, complete or current. The material on this site is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon or used as the sole basis for making decisions without consulting primary, more accurate, more complete or more timely sources of information. Any reliance on the material on this site is at your own risk.
This site may contain certain historical information. Historical information, necessarily, is not current and is provided for your reference only. We reserve the right to modify the contents of this site at any time, but we have no obligation to update any information on our site. You agree that it is your responsibility to monitor changes to our site.
SECTION 4 – MODIFICATIONS TO THE SERVICE AND PRICES
Prices for our products are subject to change without notice.
We reserve the right at any time to modify or discontinue the Service (or any part or content thereof) without notice at any time.
We shall not be liable to you or to any third-party for any modification, price change, suspension or discontinuance of the Service.
A flat rate of 20% is due on all sales is retained by AnyExpat Ltd, this includes postage costs so price your items to consider this.
SECTION 5 – PRODUCTS OR SERVICES (if applicable)
Certain products or services may be available exclusively online through the website. These products or services may have limited quantities and are subject to return or exchange only according to our Return Policy.
We have made every effort to display as accurately as possible the colors and images of our products that appear at the store. We cannot guarantee that your computer monitor’s display of any color will be accurate.
We reserve the right, but are not obligated, to limit the sales of our products or Services to any person, geographic region or jurisdiction. We may exercise this right on a case-by-case basis. We reserve the right to limit the quantities of any products or services that we offer. All descriptions of products or product pricing are subject to change at anytime without notice, at the sole discretion of us. We reserve the right to discontinue any product at any time. Any offer for any product or service made on this site is void where prohibited.
We do not warrant that the quality of any products, services, information, or other material purchased or obtained by you will meet your expectations, or that any errors in the Service will be corrected.
SECTION 6 – ACCURACY OF BILLING AND ACCOUNT INFORMATION
We reserve the right to refuse any order you place with us. We may, in our sole discretion, limit or cancel quantities purchased per person, per household or per order. These restrictions may include orders placed by or under the same customer account, the same credit card, and/or orders that use the same billing and/or shipping address. In the event that we make a change to or cancel an order, we may attempt to notify you by contacting the e-mail and/or billing address/phone number provided at the time the order was made. We reserve the right to limit or prohibit orders that, in our sole judgment, appear to be placed by dealers, resellers or distributors.
You agree to provide current, complete and accurate purchase and account information for all purchases made at our store. You agree to promptly update your account and other information, including your email address and credit card numbers and expiration dates, so that we can complete your transactions and contact you as needed.
For more detail, please review our Returns Policy.
SECTION 7 – OPTIONAL TOOLS
We may provide you with access to third-party tools over which we neither monitor nor have any control nor input.
You acknowledge and agree that we provide access to such tools ”as is” and “as available” without any warranties, representations or conditions of any kind and without any endorsement. We shall have no liability whatsoever arising from or relating to your use of optional third-party tools.
Any use by you of optional tools offered through the site is entirely at your own risk and discretion and you should ensure that you are familiar with and approve of the terms on which tools are provided by the relevant third-party provider(s).
We may also, in the future, offer new services and/or features through the website (including, the release of new tools and resources). Such new features and/or services shall also be subject to these Terms of Service.
SECTION 8 – THIRD-PARTY LINKS
Certain content, products and services available via our Service may include materials from third-parties.
Third-party links on this site may direct you to third-party websites that are not affiliated with us. We are not responsible for examining or evaluating the content or accuracy and we do not warrant and will not have any liability or responsibility for any third-party materials or websites, or for any other materials, products, or services of third-parties.
We are not liable for any harm or damages related to the purchase or use of goods, services, resources, content, or any other transactions made in connection with any third-party websites. Please review carefully the third-party’s policies and practices and make sure you understand them before you engage in any transaction. Complaints, claims, concerns, or questions regarding third-party products should be directed to the third-party.
SECTION 9 – USER COMMENTS, FEEDBACK AND OTHER SUBMISSIONS
If, at our request, you send certain specific submissions (for example contest entries) or without a request from us you send creative ideas, suggestions, proposals, plans, or other materials, whether online, by email, by postal mail, or otherwise (collectively, ‘comments’), you agree that we may, at any time, without restriction, edit, copy, publish, distribute, translate and otherwise use in any medium any comments that you forward to us. We are and shall be under no obligation (1) to maintain any comments in confidence; (2) to pay compensation for any comments; or (3) to respond to any comments.
We may, but have no obligation to, monitor, edit or remove content that we determine in our sole discretion are unlawful, offensive, threatening, libelous, defamatory, pornographic, obscene or otherwise objectionable or violates any party’s intellectual property or these Terms of Service.
You agree that your comments will not violate any right of any third-party, including copyright, trademark, privacy, personality or other personal or proprietary right. You further agree that your comments will not contain libelous or otherwise unlawful, abusive or obscene material, or contain any computer virus or other malware that could in any way affect the operation of the Service or any related website. You may not use a false e-mail address, pretend to be someone other than yourself, or otherwise mislead us or third-parties as to the origin of any comments. You are solely responsible for any comments you make and their accuracy. We take no responsibility and assume no liability for any comments posted by you or any third-party.
SECTION 10 – PERSONAL INFORMATION
Your submission of personal information through the store is governed by our Privacy Policy. To view our Privacy Policy.
SECTION 11 – ERRORS, INACCURACIES AND OMISSIONS
Occasionally there may be information on our site or in the Service that contains typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to product descriptions, pricing, promotions, offers, product shipping charges, transit times and availability. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, and to change or update information or cancel orders if any information in the Service or on any related website is inaccurate at any time without prior notice (including after you have submitted your order).
We undertake no obligation to update, amend or clarify information in the Service or on any related website, including without limitation, pricing information, except as required by law. No specified update or refresh date applied in the Service or on any related website, should be taken to indicate that all information in the Service or on any related website has been modified or updated.
SECTION 12 – PROHIBITED USES
In addition to other prohibitions as set forth in the Terms of Service, you are prohibited from using the site or its content:
(a) for any unlawful purpose; (b) to solicit others to perform or participate in any unlawful acts; (c) to violate any international, federal, provincial or state regulations, rules, laws, or local ordinances; (d) to infringe upon or violate our intellectual property rights or the intellectual property rights of others; (e) to harass, abuse, insult, harm, defame, slander, disparage, intimidate, or discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, race, age, national origin, or disability; (f) to submit false or misleading information;
(g) to upload or transmit viruses or any other type of malicious code that will or may be used in any way that will affect the functionality or operation of the Service or of any related website, other websites, or the Internet; (h) to collect or track the personal information of others; (i) to spam, phish, pharm, pretext, spider, crawl, or scrape; (j) for any obscene or immoral purpose; or (k) to interfere with or circumvent the security features of the Service or any related website, other websites, or the Internet. We reserve the right to terminate your use of the Service or any related website for violating any of the prohibited uses.
SECTION 13 – DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
We do not guarantee, represent or warrant that your use of our service will be uninterrupted, timely, secure or error-free.
We do not warrant that the results that may be obtained from the use of the service will be accurate or reliable.
You agree that from time to time we may remove the service for indefinite periods of time or cancel the service at any time, without notice to you.
You expressly agree that your use of, or inability to use, the service is at your sole risk. The service and all products and services delivered to you through the service are (except as expressly stated by us) provided ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ for your use, without any representation, warranties or conditions of any kind, either express or implied, including all implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, merchantable quality, fitness for a particular purpose, durability, title, and non-infringement.
In no case shall AnyExpat Ltd, our directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents, contractors, interns, suppliers, service providers or licensors be liable for any injury, loss, claim, or any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, special, or consequential damages of any kind, including, without limitation lost profits, lost revenue, lost savings, loss of data, replacement costs, or any similar damages, whether based in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise, arising from your use of any of the service or any products procured using the service, or for any other claim related in any way to your use of the service or any product, including, but not limited to, any errors or omissions in any content, or any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the service or any content (or product) posted, transmitted, or otherwise made available via the service, even if advised of their possibility.
Because some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or the limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, in such states or jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.
SECTION 14 – INDEMNIFICATION
You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless AnyExpat Ltd and our parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, officers, directors, agents, contractors, licensors, service providers, subcontractors, suppliers, interns and employees, harmless from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, made by any third-party due to or arising out of your breach of these Terms of Service or the documents they incorporate by reference, or your violation of any law or the rights of a third-party.
SECTION 15 – SEVERABILITY
In the event that any provision of these Terms of Service is determined to be unlawful, void or unenforceable, such provision shall nonetheless be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, and the unenforceable portion shall be deemed to be severed from these Terms of Service, such determination shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any other remaining provisions.
SECTION 16 – TERMINATION
The obligations and liabilities of the parties incurred prior to the termination date shall survive the termination of this agreement for all purposes.
These Terms of Service are effective unless and until terminated by either you or us. You may terminate these Terms of Service at any time by notifying us that you no longer wish to use our Services, or when you cease using our site.
If in our sole judgment you fail, or we suspect that you have failed, to comply with any term or provision of these Terms of Service, we also may terminate this agreement at any time without notice and you will remain liable for all amounts due up to and including the date of termination; and/or accordingly may deny you access to our Services (or any part thereof).
SECTION 17 – ENTIRE AGREEMENT
The failure of us to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms of Service shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.
These Terms of Service and any policies or operating rules posted by us on this site or in respect to The Service constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between you and us and govern your use of the Service, superseding any prior or contemporaneous agreements, communications and proposals, whether oral or written, between you and us (including, but not limited to, any prior versions of the Terms of Service).
Any ambiguities in the interpretation of these Terms of Service shall not be construed against the drafting party.
SECTION 18 – GOVERNING LAW
These Terms of Service and any separate agreements whereby we provide you Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Clyde Offices, 2nd Floor, 48 West George Street, Glasgow, BFP, G21BP, United Kingdom.
SECTION 19 – CHANGES TO TERMS OF SERVICE
You can review the most current version of the Terms of Service at any time at this page.
We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to update, change or replace any part of these Terms of Service by posting updates and changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check our website periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to our website or the Service following the posting of any changes to these Terms of Service constitutes acceptance of those changes.
SECTION 20 – CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions about the Terms of Service should be sent to us at [email protected].
