FITTING IN, EUROPEAN STYLE
Living on the continent comes with obvious benefits and it’s a lesson that many (especially those who have been affected by our friends at Brexit HQ are discovering), and the attractions go far beyond just beautiful villages or coastlines. Relocating your family to Europe is an exciting adventure that brings many new opportunities and along with those, the possibility of adopting a new country, language and lifestyle.
TOP TIP #1: BE A LOCAL
So remember why you made the move to the continent in the first place? It was to experience a change of pace, learn a new language and gain a whole new worldview, right? Well, that’s what you need to remember every day that you’re out and about, living large. Europeans on the continent and especially around the Meditteranean regions just do life differently from what we do and they tend to not sweat the small stuff. Things like “queuing” are not always a thing here (unless you’re in Germany, it’s totally a thing there) and you’re not going to be thought of as rude if you’re speaking over someone else. The best advice that anyone can give you, is to behave “like a local”. If you see the crowd “yelling” at the barista in Civvitavechia to get a coffee, then you should yell at him too. If your bank account isn’t opened in two seconds flat, it doesn’t matter, the Spanish are well known for approaching each day as it comes and with its own merit.
TOP TIP #2: NETWORK LIKE A BOSS
One of the biggest complaints that Europeans make about foreigners, is that we tend to congregate with people of our own nationality. socialise with those people and live with those with whom you share the same tongue so ff that’s what you came here for, well you could just as well have stayed back home.
Get out of your comfort zone and start making new, local friends from the moment you arrive. Not only will they guide you through the day-to-day challenges of your new life, but they’re also free language teachers and can help you practice the newfound language skills that will have you sounding like a native in no time. This is especially useful if you’re planning on going into business.
TOP TIP #3: MI CASA ES SU CASA
In Europe, people tend to be friendlier and more open-hearted than many other places, certainly in Britain for example so you expect many invitations to dinners and parties at the homes of your new friends, and you should absolutely return the favour. Don’t worry if your new home doesn’t yet look like the Palacio Real, you’ll get there and when you open your home, you’ll also be opening your heart.
While you’re getting settled into your new home and decorating like a boss you can always look at this online marketplace for refrigerator replacement, just in case. That’s a cheeky little plug, but you might just find it useful. All over Europe economies are picking up pace again and opportunities are on the rise and if you’re a freelancer, you may want to consider how vast your options on the continent can be.
Life on the continent reveals itself in stages, and the more you engage with your new life, the more she’ll engage with you.