Adjusting to a new Country

When you land in a new country, the excitement of all the new adventures you will experience create a type of honeymoon phase. Every cork about the country puts a smile on your face. For some, the charm never wears off, but for others all of these difference settle in and become overwhelming. This is a normal reaction to everything being different.

When many foreigners move to a new country, they bail before the end of the first year, returning to their home country. Yearning for the comforts of home, they suffer from the grass is always greener on the other side syndrome. If you’ve recently moved to Costa Rica or a similar country from a major western metropolitan center than you can probably relate to the feeling of culture shock that settles in after the initial wonder wanes.

Here are some of the challenges and how to embrace the pura vida:

Culture Shock

At first the disco music in the grocery store may have been cute and the long bank lines charming, but after a while you begin to wonder, “what have I done?“. For the majority of expats there will come a moment when they become aware of everything their new country lacks. All the quirks and blemishes become apparent. The honeymoon is over. It’s time to assimilate and adjust. This part of the journey is really about changing your mindset. You may go through a period of homesickness. Suddenly, 60-hour work weeks and being behind on your mortgage doesn’t seem that awful. What’s the world without a little stress to motivate you, right? Calm down, take a deep breath, this state of mind will pass, if you let it. Try remember why you initial enjoyed or smiled at the aspects you now deem flaws. Every place has its good and bad, happiness is a mindset.

Language

Many people expect to pick up the language fast, however, this is a difficult feat. Trying to communicate in English and the few words of Spanish you’ve managed to pick up over the year becomes tiring. Take a step back and change your strategy. Join a Spanish class or find a Tico to engage in language exchange, push yourself to engage the cashier at the grocery store, or watch the evening news in Spanish. The opportunities to improve are endless and the satisfaction of holding conversations in your new language are priceless.

Property

Worried about jumping the gun and purchasing the wrong property? Take a year and rent a house or condo before taking this leap. Spend time researching the property values, and if possible, live in the country for a year and rent first before buying a home. This way you get to know the different areas and true market values. While Costa Rica is a tiny country, the diversity in areas makes it possible for everyone to find their nitch. To avoid the mistake of purchasing an overpriced condo with high HOA fees or overlooking building restrictions, consult and work with a reputable broker and attorney.

Community

Get involved in the local community. Find a new interest, surfing, diving, fishing, yoga, salsa will all allow you to make more friends. Adjusting to a new community takes time, you are essentially rebuilding your life. You have the control to live how you desire.

With time your feeling of “what was I thinking” will wear off. You will return to loving your new life. It’s all what you make of it. Moving to another country is a big leap for anyone but don’t give up. When approached with an open mind, it can be the start of an exciting new life chapter. Always remember you came here for a reason, whatever it may have been.