If you’ve just moved to a new country, the famous phrase “life begins at the end of your comfort zone” takes on new meaning. Moving abroad is one of the boldest, most consequential life steps you can take. You’re on an emotional rollercoaster: excited, but nervous. Mostly hopeful, but also doubtful. No matter how prepared you are, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.
Your ultimate goal, after all, is worthwhile. You’re writing the next chapter of your story. You’re building a new life for yourself, in a new place where you want to feel at home. The truth is, getting to that outcome — feeling like you belong in a new country — isn’t automatic. But it’s doable. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you settle in faster.
Adopt the Right Mindset
At first, you may feel like a tourist who gets joy out of trying new foods, browsing new shops, or trying out a few phrases in a different language. Everything is an adventure and you’re living in the moment. This is the honeymoon phase. Eventually, for most expats, culture shock and uncertainty creep in. And it feels uncomfortable, so it’s important to be ready for that. But then remind yourself: you’re on a journey that takes time. Re-frame the minor (and inevitable!) stumbles or disappointments in day-to-day life as stepping stones. Even when things don’t go well, you’re learning and gathering new information that can help you later on.
Build your Social Life
If there’s one main takeaway here, it’s this: don’t go it alone. Find like-minded people who understand your situation. Make friends to explore with. It’ll make things much easier. If you moved abroad for a work opportunity, then you might have some chances to socialize in the workplace. But even then, it’s worth branching out more.
A network like InterNations is the perfect place to start. There are communities in 45 countries across Africa where you can meet other expats in your city at networking events or activities based on hobbies. Even if you’re shy or feel awkward showing up to an event, you certainly won’t be the only one feeling this way! That’s the nice thing about the InterNations community: since everyone is globally minded and facing similar challenges, you have a strong basis for finding new connections.
Explore the Local Culture
This is often overlooked, but it really pays off. Do your best to engage in local culture in some way. Shop at local markets, take a cooking class, volunteer with local NGOs, or join in local cultural festivals — whether it’s carnival in Cape Town, the Chale Wote Street Art Festival in Accra, or the Popular Arts Festival in Marrakech.
If you venture beyond the expat bubble, there’s no end to what you might experience and learn. When asked what they like about living in Africa, many expats highlight the friendliness of the people. In the 2024 Expat Insider survey, an American expat in Tanzania appreciates “the simplicity of everyday living and the locals.” Similarly, an Austrian expat in Kenya says: “I love the culture and happiness; the way you just live in the moment.”
Create Routines & Habits
If you’re feeling adrift at first, creating routines and habits will anchor you. Start with simple things: grab your morning coffee or fresh fruit from the same street vendor, join a weekly exercise class, or spend Sunday afternoons at a favorite café or market. Having some regular, familiar touchpoints will help you feel less like a tourist. Over time, you’ll begin to recognize faces, pick up local customs, and feel a rhythm to your days.
Share & Seek Knowledge
Immersing yourself in a new culture isn’t just about learning — it’s also about contributing. Sharing your own experience and local discoveries can deepen your sense of belonging and of course, it’s helpful for others too. Online platforms like the InterNations Forum are especially good for this, but so are real-life conversations at expat networking events.
Either way, you can ask practical questions, offer local tips, and join conversations on everything from housing and healthcare to cultural etiquette. You’ll find that whatever you’re struggling with doesn’t seem so bad when you realize it’s a common pain point.
Be Patient (and don’t make this one mistake)
There will be tough days. Homesickness, cultural misunderstandings, or just missing your old friends can catch you off guard. That’s normal. Again, feeling at home doesn’t happen overnight. So be patient. Be kind to yourself during the difficult phases. And avoid a common mistake expats often make: don’t compare your progress to other people. Remember that everyone’s journey is different.
Conclusion
Feeling completely at home isn’t possible in a single moment. You get there by taking small steps. Like when you say yes to an invitation to join a local gathering or when local phrases start to feel familiar.
In the end, belonging doesn’t come from fitting in perfectly. It comes from showing up. So go to the event. Ask the question. Join the conversation. Because the more you give to your new home, the more it gives back. And suddenly, you’re not just living in a new city abroad. You’re part of it.
To join InterNations kindly visit www.internations.org or download the app on Google Play or Apple’s App Store. Join events and connect with expats worldwide — including 45 countries in Africa.
