Expatriation is not always a well-written scenario where everything goes for the best in the best of all possible worlds. During their stay in a foreign land, the expatriate and his family have to face various problems that must be solved on a daily basis. Among the greatest difficulties associated with expatriation is loneliness.
Making new friends in the host country is not always easy. It is not easy to meet the local population, especially since the language barrier is often an additional pitfall that the expatriate does not necessarily manage to overcome, despite his good will.
Cultural differences
To expatriate is to discover a country that does not share the same culture and whose realities are often very different from those that we are used to living in France. This cultural immersion generates, in some cases, a malaise that can quickly jeopardize the expatriation project.
To avoid this as much as possible, find out about local habits and customs before leaving. Indeed, you must keep in mind that a situation or language that seems normal in one country may be incongruous or unacceptable in another. On site, be indulgent and open-minded. It is very important to dare to overcome your prejudices in order to effectively overcome the culture shock you are going to face. It is by recognizing and accepting these cultural differences that you will be able to overcome them, which will then allow you to come into contact with people who are not part of your universe, professional or personal.
The cost of living
The cost of living in some countries can also cause difficulties during expatriation because it causes problems in managing your budget. If Oslo and Copenhagen are among the most expensive cities in Europe, Tokyo holds this prize in Asia, New York in the United States and Luanda in Africa. On the other hand, Switzerland, followed closely by Singapore and China, are the countries where expats are the happiest. To cope with this, the expatriate must try to reduce his expenses while continuing to lead a decent life in his host country.
For example, by looking for cheaper accommodation with, however, a minimum of comfort; by using public transport instead of the fuel-hungry car in the traffic jams of big cities or by grouping your purchases to obtain significant discounts in stores while avoiding frequent trips.
Health problems
Health problems are a major obstacle to the development of the expatriate. Indeed, finding a qualified doctor is not always easy abroad. If you or a member of your family suffers from a mild illness, you can ask your colleagues, your company or your friends for the details of a general practitioner or specialist.
It is also possible to go through the French embassy or consulate to obtain the address of a French-speaking practitioner or that of an expatriate doctor.