Living Abroad
“Being an expat means feeling at home in two places—and sometimes in neither”
Living abroad
Living abroad can bring loneliness, uncertainty, stress, and a sense of not quite knowing where you belong.
It may be far from the idealized vision of expat life, but these struggles are a shared reality for all expats, in one form or another.
Acknowledging them as normal can bring clarity and comfort to the emotional journey.
Do you recognize yourself in any of these difficulties related to expatriation?
Loss of familiar reference points
Feeling of cultural disconnection
Loneliness
Relationship difficulties
Difficulties adapting
Feeling that you don’t belong or can’t find your place
Questions about your identity
Difficulties related to returning to your home country
Living in another country means discovering a different culture and facing realities that may be very different from those we are familiar with.
Over time, overcoming these challenges and adapting to what is new can help us grow, learn, and broaden our perspective on the world.
If these difficulties persist and you feel that you are struggling to find your place, therapy can help you better understand what you are going through and regain a sense of stability and reference points during this new stage of your life.
The Different Phases of Expatriation
1. Honeymoon phase
At first, there’s discovery and wonder. The expat’s contact with the culture is only surface-level, and the focus is on the positive aspects of the move. The destination unfolds gradually, leaving room for imagination and dreams
.
2. Culture shock
This stage brings unease and confusion. While adapting to daily and professional life, the expat confronts the deep differences between their original culture and the new environment. Doubts arise about fitting in, and even minor issues can feel overwhelming and frustrating.
3. Adjustment
The expat reaches a stage where they begin to decode and embrace the behaviors and attitudes of the host country. Changes brought by expatriation are gradually accepted, and their own behavior adapts. There’s a growing openness to the culture, and an effort to live more like the locals do.
4. Integration
Over time, the expat becomes more comfortable in their new environment and develops greater confidence in navigating everyday life. They begin to feel more at home while finding their own way of balancing their original identity with their new cultural environment.
Book a sessionIn-person consultations in the 16th arrondissement of Paris or online.
French · Spanish · English