FLORENCE - Surviving as an expat can be more challenging than you imagine. You might have to go through several cycles of frustration, homesickness, and much more before you finally adjust to your new environment. However, with the right information and tips, you can anticipate likely challenges and avoid some of the problems you could face along the way. In this article, we will be sharing some tips that will make living an expat life easy and enjoyable.

  Florence is one of the best destinations in Italy, especially for art lovers. Are you wondering whether is difficult to find housing in Florence? You can get a nice and comfortable apartment from 700 euros per month. However, surviving as an expat in Florence can be quite challenging. To make the journey less challenging for you, we have put together some tips that can help you survive as a new expat.

 1. Know What to Expect

The first thing you should do when moving to a new country is thoroughly research the country you are moving to. Every country has its own way of operating. So, you have to familiarize yourself with the customs of the country beforehand to avoid making a cultural gaffe when you get there. Get familiar with their food, lifestyle, art, and even a bit of their history and beliefs. Finding out about rental opportunities is also good preparation https://rentola.nl/

Also, try and learn their language beforehand even if it is just the basics. At least you will know how to greet and ask for directions in their language. Knowing how to communicate in their mother tongue will definitely save you a lot of headaches.

 2. Homesickness Is Normal

 When you move to a new environment, it is normal to have this homesick feeling, and it can be tricky to handle homesickness as an adult. One thing you can do is to give yourself time to adjust to the new environment before you fully settle in. You can go home once in a while to ease yourself of that homesick feeling. 

 However, if you don’t want to go back to your home country or you simply can’t because you’re too far away, another thing you can do is get productive with your time. Fill your idle time with productive activities like doing yoga, volunteering, playing musical instruments, singing, writing a story, etc. Just get yourself involved in activities that would take your mind off home. 

 3. Don't Be In A Hurry To Make Friends With Local People

Even though making friends with local people is crucial, do not be in a hurry to make friends. Allow locals to know you at their own pace. Some cultures make friends easily while others don't. In fact, most reviews from expats and tourists suggest that most Florentines are not so friendly and welcoming to foreigners. So, you have to give them time to get to know you and accept you.

 4. “When In Rome, Do As The Romans Do”

When you get to your new country, observe how people do their things. Pay attention to how they eat, how they dress, their way of greeting, and so on. 

 5. Be Patient

 You need to be patient with yourself and even with others. Love yourself and love all the experiences along the way. No one expects you to settle in immediately so it’s alright to give yourself time to adjust to the new environment.

 6. Lastly, Don’t Stop Being You

 The fact that you are moving to a new country should not change who you are. Yeah, some things might change but the core of who you are shouldn’t change for any reason. YOU should be YOU anytime and anywhere. 

 Conclusion

 When you move to a new country, it can be a bit challenging and stressful at first, even if it is one where your native language is spoken. You have to adapt to a new culture and get familiar with their way of life. But, whatever you do, know that you owe it to yourself to make your experience in your new country a rich and rewarding one.