I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be;for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances. ~Martha Washington

An article I just read has some great advice for key things to keep in mind when settling in to you new home abroad. I know it will be good for me to think about these things when I get to Norway, and maybe it will help your adjustment as an expat easier too.

1. Learn to Adapt

It will be helpful if you can adjust to the schedule of the country (ex: what times they eat their meal and holidays) so you can be “out on the town” with everyone else. It will also help you to learn about their culture.

2. Be Flexible

The author says that adapting has to do with daily routines, but flexibility is what is going to help you respond and deal with all those unexpected situations. She also says that because life in a foreign country are so unpredictable, if you only are able to get one thing done a day then you can consider yourself successful (I personally might have a little trouble accepting getting only one thing done a day as ’successful’….but then again, that’s why I am looking to people like this for advice!).

3. Observe

She calls this the ‘key’ to adapting and adjusting in a foreign environment. Books can only tell you so much. The real way you can learn what is acceptable is to observe.

4. Have a Can-d0 Attitude

She says that attitude is everything - hands down. That the happiest expats are expats with the best attitudes. This does not mean 24/7 happiness, but a way of looking at things with a positive outlook. Think about what you can do about a situation, and keep a good perspective on things.

5. Be a Team Player

Most people who move to foreign countries become a part of a group of some kind. Its good to look for ways to get involved. Finding groups give you a support system and helps you to adjust.

Bonus tip #6…..(this is not in the article, but a tip from yours truly) Remember the job/routine/part of life that made you miserable back at home

I think that if I am ever having a difficult time when I’m in Norway, that I only have to remember one thing….my job (aka my prison). I was so miserable at my job every day, every week. I’m sure that no matter what trials I encounter when I’m in Norway that just the thought of that will put things in a better light. So, whatever it is that was difficult for you in your home country, just think of that when times as an expat get tough.

The author of the article says.

Remaining content in a foreign place for long periods of time can be a challenge. The first excitement fades away quickly and the realities of living abroad set in. The next time that the going gets tough, think about the last five principles we just discussed.

So good luck to everyone on your adjustment to you new life abroad, I know I will need it in Norway!

Article “Staying Afloat as an Expat in a Foreign Environment” by Rachel Hartman