Christine Góra’s Post

At age 15, I left my home country, friends and family and moved to Germany, without knowing any German. A few years later, I moved again - this time to Ireland - and.... covid happened. For some of us being a new expat sometimes feels like you are a hero in your small home town in the mountains, but feel so small in the new unknown environment of the new country. ...Let’s be honest. Living abroad can be lonely, overwhelming and difficult But It also brings you so many memories, joy, and teaches us more independence. Moreover, you have the opportunity to meet people from different countries, and cultures and create very strong relationships. I'm of the opinion, that despite the balance we hope to find in our living abroad journey, achieving balance in our everyday lives is crucial.  Here are my 3 big learnings and takeaways from my living abroad experience: 1. Find your comfort activity: -When there is a rough day at work or school, you have something that will make it at least 1% better (if not more) 2. Know what are your OWN expectations: -Do you live abroad just to explore and to go back home in a year? Well then it’s not worth it to stress about the colleague in your office. Do you maybe want to progress in your career? Well, then the volunteer project is something for ya. and lastly 3. Surround yourself with supportive people: -Genuine connections can't be bought. Having a network of supportive individuals who believe in you is invaluable. Let's spend more energy with people who drain you and more energy with people who admire you. your hobbies, your choice, your people. P.S. - For international professionals - What do you like most about living abroad?

Many people ponder the variances between living abroad and residing in their homeland. My 11 years outside Argentina, with 9 in Chile and 2 in the United States, have provided me with profound insights into diverse cultures, broadening my perspectives and enriching my life in unexpected ways. While not devoid of challenges, this journey has shown me that the pros and cons of expat life present invaluable opportunities for personal growth and learning. Advantages: - Personal and professional discovery: Living in a foreign land necessitates stepping out of one's comfort zone, embracing new traditions, and honing intercultural competencies, fostering flexibility, tolerance, and adaptability - prized qualities in today’s professional landscape. - New opportunities: Abroad, one encounters fresh avenues for work, education, and personal advancement that may elude them in their home country. - Expansion of horizons: Immersing in diverse cultures exposes one to varied perspectives and ways of life, fostering understanding, and prompting a reevaluation of personal values and beliefs. Disadvantages: - Distance from family and friends: Being distanced from loved ones can be emotionally taxing, triggering feelings of homesickness and isolation that require adept management. - Cultural adaptation: Navigating a new culture, language, and lifestyle poses challenges, demanding patience, open-mindedness, and reliance on local support systems. - Bureaucratic hurdles: Negotiating immigration processes, securing accommodation and employment, and accessing healthcare may be intricate and time-consuming in a foreign setting. How to turn a disadvantage into an advantage? The separation from family and friends impelled me to cultivate a robust support system in my new environment. By engaging in activities aligned with my interests, like joining running clubs, I forged connections with like-minded individuals, fostering new friendships and a sense of belonging within the community. What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced living in a new country? Have you considered living abroad? What excites you most (or worries you) about the prospect? Feel free to reach out to learn more about the enriching experiences of living and working abroad. 😃 #HumanResources #Management #Careers #Personaldevelopment #PersonalBranding #WhatInspiresMe #BestAdvice #travel #culture #EmotionalIntelligence #MentalHealth #JobSeekers #PositivePsychology #ExpatLife #LivingAbroad #InternationalLiving #GlobalCitizen #CulturalExperiences #PersonalGrowth #CareerDevelopment #WorkAbroad

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 “𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞” – 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 (PART I) Last week marked my decade as an expat in Denmark and after spending some time reflecting on this rollercoaster ride of many ups and downs, success, failures, learning, rewards, growth... I thought I'd share some of my experiences, confessions, perhaps to help the people who might consider moving from their homeland. ◾ 𝑀𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑠  As a starting point, you must be willing to start over and understand what is "THE WHY" you are moving abroad. You must be adaptable and be okay with living out of your suitcase (or even backpack!). It will be difficult to figure out what to pack when moving abroad and what to leave behind. I was 24 when, after successfully graduating from the Faculty of Law in Moldova, I decided to start my life from scratch and moved to Denmark. Establishing a successful career in this field in a highly corrupt environment was too dystopian for me. So, I took the risk of starting over and searching for a country with "the right environment and values" to develop both personally and professionally. I sold my car and decided to start a new life in Denmark. ◾ 𝐹𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟 - 𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟 I think year one in a new country is always the toughest as the learning curve is so steep. Saying goodbye to loved ones can be one of the most challenging aspects of moving across the country. It can trigger a wide range of emotions, from anxiety to expat guilt feelings. The key to counteract these feelings is to embrace all our emotional experiences, be kind and compassionate to yourself. So ultimately, you can adapt them towards personal improvement. ◾ 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦 𝑛𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ  Being happy is about you and happiness doesn’t come from one place. I was truly enjoying my international student life by experiencing a new culture, meeting people from different backgrounds, having an international experience, getting new friends. Equally significant positive impact on my motivation was the Danish teaching style, educational approach and Danish workplace culture as it was exactly what I was looking for. ◾ “𝑅ø𝑑 𝑔𝑟ø𝑑 𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑙ø𝑑𝑒”  … 👉 go to PART II ( if you wish to read the full story 😉) #expatlife #denmark #internationals #culturaljourney

My Journey & Learnings in Finland: Moving Abroad 🛫 As mentioned in my last post, I am happy to share more about my journey & learnings in Finland. 🇫🇮 Moving from Switzerland, where I spent most of my life in Zürich, to Helsinki was a leap into the unknown. Despite being a Western European country, Finland's unique language and distinct location made it feel like an adventure. Prior to my move to Helsinki I have never been to Finland before. Ending everything back home and embracing the uncertainty of the future living situation and workplace was challenging at times, but I am proud of my decision and the courage it took. Living abroad broadens your perspective. It opens your eyes to new ways of doing things that you once took for granted. Assumptions and preconceptions are positively challenged. The phrase "We've always done it this way" quickly fades as you witness different approaches in another culture. 🏙 Before my move, I read a book advising not to compare everything to how it is back home, as this can lead to frustration or more homesickness. This advice was extremely helpful to adapt and appreciate my new surroundings. I wholeheartedly recommend moving abroad—it has enriched my life and fostered personal growth. The picture is from our first week in Helsinki while hiking in Nuuksio National Park. 🌲 This is the first post in a series about my journey and learnings in Finland 📝. Have you ever moved abroad? What were your experiences? Share in the comments! ✨

🌍✈️ Moving Abroad: Embracing New Beginnings While Missing Home 💔 🗓️ Have you ever considered moving abroad to start a new chapter in your life? It's an exhilarating decision that often comes with a bittersweet reality. While embarking on this new adventure allows you to explore new opportunities and experiences, it also means missing out on significant milestones and special moments back home. 🎉 Birthdays, important events, and the highs and lows of everyday life all become a part of the things you'll miss. It's natural to feel a sense of guilt and struggle when choosing to build a life of your own while being away from the place you've always called home. 🌟 Nobody talks about the mixed emotions and challenges that arise when carving your own path in a foreign land. It's not always an easy decision, and adapting to a new culture and environment may come with its fair share of hurdles. 🤷♀️ Yet, it's essential to acknowledge the trade-offs and embrace this journey with an open heart and mind. Moving abroad offers a unique opportunity for personal growth, broadening your horizons, and gaining valuable experiences that may shape your future in remarkable ways. ⭐ As you navigate this new chapter, it's important to remember that missing out on certain occasions doesn't diminish the love and connection you have for those left behind. Technology has made the world a smaller place, allowing us to bridge the physical distance and stay connected virtually. Sending heartfelt messages, joining video calls, and celebrating from afar can help close the gap in those "missed" moments. 🌏 Moving abroad is an act of courage, ambition, and self-discovery. It requires strength, determination, and the willingness to explore uncharted territories. You become part of a global community, connecting with diverse cultures, and creating new bonds and memories along the way. 💪 So, if you find yourself on the precipice of making such a life-altering decision, remember that while missing out on some significant moments can be challenging, the personal growth and possibilities awaiting you often outweigh the difficulties. 🌟 Share your experiences with us! Have you ever moved abroad? What milestones and special occasions did you miss while starting anew? How did you cope with the emotions and how did it shape your perspective on life? Let's celebrate both the joys and the challenges of embracing a life abroad in the comments below! 👇 #MovingAbroad #NewBeginnings #EmbracingChange #MissingHome #PersonalGrowth #GlobalCommunity

Curious about how to become an expat and relocate abroad? Certainly, the decision to become an expat isn't straightforward, and it comes with its fair share of challenges, such as navigating visas and job searches, which can feel daunting. However, the rewards of this life-changing experience are numerous, as moving overseas can open up a world of exciting opportunities and dramatically enhance your quality of life. Whether it's for work, study, love, retirement, or simply seeking a fresh start, living abroad offers a wealth of benefits. From expanding your horizons and immersing yourself in new cultures to enjoying diverse cuisines and accessing better education and career prospects, the possibilities are endless. Despite the potential challenges you may face, it's important to remember that you've overcome obstacles throughout your life, and you possess the strength and resilience to thrive in a new country. As you prepare for your international move, consider seeking coaching to equip yourself with the tools and mindset needed for a smooth transition. With guidance and support, you can embark on this exciting journey with confidence and peace of mind. Book a coaching session today and take the first step towards realizing your dreams of living abroad. https://buff.ly/3wiWVP0 #makeithappen #expatcoaching #expatcoach #lifecoaching #lifecoach #coacging #expat #expats #Expatlife #Expatslife #expatliving #Expatfamily #Expatlifestyle #Expatproblems #lonely #Loneliness #emotionalinteligence #beauthentic #authentic #authenticity #personaldevelopment #pesonaldevelopmentcoach #outdoorcoach #outdoorlifecoach #expatinholland #expatsnetherlands #expatwomen #expatmom #expatmamas

The 4 greatest gifts of my Expatriate Journey - are you enjoying them as well? Living abroad has gifted me with incredible experiences and lessons that have shaped me in profound ways. Here are the four biggest highlights: 1. Diverse Circle of Friends: One of the greatest treasures of living abroad is the diverse group of friends I've been fortunate to make. Different countries, cultures, and ages have enriched my life in ways I couldn't have imagined. 2. The Courage to Explore: Living in a new country encourages exploration. It pushes you to step out of your comfort zone, take on new challenges, and develop the courage to embrace the unknown. 3. A Deeper Appreciation of Achievements: Each milestone achieved while abroad feels like a triumph. The hurdles and cultural adjustments magnify the significance of accomplishments, reminding me of the resilience and adaptability within us. 4. Focus on Wellbeing: Living abroad has underscored the importance of self-care and wellbeing. It's essential to be ready to face each day with enthusiasm, so I've learned to prioritize my physical and mental health. Every day is a new adventure, and I'm grateful for the incredible journey living abroad has offered me. To help fellow expats truly enjoy their international experience without suffering from self-sabotage in their minds, I invite you to explore my 6-week Mindset Mastery Program. Check out the link in the 1st comment. What are your highlights from your expatriate experiences? Share below! Yours, Peter #ExpatriateLife #LivingAbroad #Adventure #Wellbeing #MindsetMasteryProgram ------------- Hi, I'm Peter, a purpose-driven pathfinder guiding experienced professionals to find meaning in their work and motivation in life. Let's connect and uncover your true purpose together! 🚩Activate the bell on my profile 🚩 Connect with or follow me 🚩 Check out my podcast, youtube channel and other content via the link in my profile 🚩 Book an exploration call and tell me more about you

I enjoy my life abroad. I envision a future for myself and my family in the USA.  Is it realistic to believe that? ⁉️ Is it even what you want as an expat? I honestly don’t know. When I moved to the USA it was initially for 5 years - the duration of the visa. We had no expectations, no particular goal other than experiencing to live abroad. I loved my experiences abroad when I was working in Tokyo and studying in Washington, DC. So when we had the opportunity to move to NYC, we jumped! Of course, leaving France to move abroad was not an easy decision. And what we experienced since then is what I call the « expatriate rollercoaster of emotions ». We also call it « 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙙𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙚 ». ❇️The expat adjustment curve can be described by different phases of adaptation, frustration, anger, resentment, and even depression. It’s very similar to grief for me. You grieve your country, your food, your habits, your friends, your family, a future in a country. You experience a very different culture, new food, new communication style, new code, new school system, and new support system. You start your life again from scratch. But nobody tells you that and usually, you do it alone, with no support. Until you find your people, your friends, your new family. People who share the same experience, from your country or not.  And you realize that a lot of people are like you, without family or close friends. I was able to find close friends in NYC, they were there during the darkest moments of my life. They are not childhood friends but they have seen my transformation, they supported me and I am grateful for that. I experienced profound grief while dealing with the expat adjustment curve, and trust me it was tough. Looking at this curve, I experienced all of this: ➡️Honeymoon I was excited about moving to New York City, I made new friends, started my blog Marie Croque la Grosse Pomme, and moved into a great neighborhood. It was the American Dream!  🏙🍎 ➡️Initial culture shock Finding a job was harder than expected.  Making real friends was not easy. And why is it so hard to eat healthy and find a good baguette? ➡️Superficial Adjustment I got a job, experienced a new type of working environment, met a lot of people, and traveled. I was finally starting my life here! ➡️Culture Shock I experienced profound grief while realizing that my previous career was not for me anymore. Very tough times. A lot of thinking and realization. ➡️Recovery My started a professional coaching training. It was my therapy. I healed and gave birth to a healthy baby who brought me light. 🌈 ➡️Integration Am I in this phase now? I’m not sure but I’m seeing a future here. I see my beautiful children grow, and live their best life here. And for me, that's what matters the most. 🔊 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲? #interculturaltraining #interculturalcoach

𝑬𝒎𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒏: 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒅 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒅 𝑴𝒚 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 ╰┈➤ Traveling alone and working abroad in an unfamiliar environment was a leap into the unknown. It was both exhilarating and daunting, filled with uncertainty and excitement. Reflecting on this journey, I realize how profoundly it has shaped my personal growth and broadened my perspective. 𖠋 𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 out of my comfort zone The decision to travel alone and work abroad wasn’t easy. Leaving the familiar behind, I embarked on a path that required immense courage and determination. Each step outside my comfort zone was a lesson in resilience and adaptability. Navigating new cultures, languages, and social norms, I learned to embrace change and uncertainty. 𖠋 𝑬𝒎𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 diversity Working alongside a multicultural team was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Daily interactions with people from different backgrounds deepened my understanding of various cultures, belief systems, and lifestyles. These conversations were eye-opening, teaching me to appreciate the rich tapestry of humanity and fostering a deep sense of respect and empathy for others. 𖠋 𝑴𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 and emotional growth The challenges I faced while working abroad pushed me to grow mentally and emotionally. Adapting to new environments and overcoming language barriers required quick thinking and problem-solving skills. Emotionally, I became more resilient, learning to handle homesickness, loneliness, and the occasional cultural shock. These experiences strengthened my emotional intelligence, making me more attuned to my feelings and those of others. 𖠋 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍 enrichment Traveling and immersing myself in different cultures also led to spiritual growth. Witnessing diverse religious practices and belief systems expanded my spiritual horizons, encouraging me to reflect on my own beliefs and values. This journey of self-discovery enriched my spiritual life, making me more open-minded and appreciative of the world’s diverse spiritual traditions. 𖠋 𝑨 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍 heart I feel incredibly blessed and grateful for the opportunity to work abroad alongside local people who educated me on their ways and lifestyle. Their generosity and willingness to share their culture with me have left a lasting impact on my life. I carry these lessons with me, knowing that they have shaped me into a more compassionate and understanding person. 𖠋 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 Traveling and working abroad have been transformative experiences that promoted my growth in every aspect of myself. They taught me to embrace diversity, adapt to change, and appreciate the richness of different cultures. This journey has broadened my mind and nurtured my mental, emotional, and spiritual development. As I continue to explore the world, I do so with an open heart and a grateful spirit, eager to learn and grow from each new adventure!!!

Sitting at the airport as I make my way back home from Zurich after spending FIVE weeks in Europe. I really do love living between two countries. It's not for everyone but it's so my jam. One of the many cool things about having a base in both Europe and SA is: ✅ I learn so much about how other people see the world ✅ I see how they choose to organise themselves as a society ✅ I start to understand that there is no "right way" of doing things and that different isn't bad, it's just different ✅ I download what the possibilities are for the future In 2023, I adventured all over South Africa while also being fortunate enough to travel to Kenya, Paris, London, Germany, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, Hungary and Czech Republic. All in all, I spent 80 days out of South Africa and there is no question that travel of any kind really is the greatest form of education. Every one of your senses are immersed in understanding the points I made above. Each of the countries I listed are drastically different from each other. Each of them has a unique history that pushed the people in those countries to act and live the way they do. One of the greatest lessons you gain when you spend so much time abroad is that you learn about the trade-offs of living in a different country. People in South Africa are rightly upset by the way the country is being run, and these feelings are valid, but they also don't realise how incredible our country truly is. I've written about this many times before but I'll say it again. If you plan on moving to another country, I just want you to know that there's a lot you will gain, but there's also a lot you will give up. Most people don't think about the latter until they've moved. My wish for young people in South Africa is for as many of them as possible to take a gap year and go work in another country. The skills they would develop, alongside the understanding they would gain, would be invaluable for the rest of their lives. I know people will say that travel is prohibitively expensive and they're right. But if there's any chance you get to travel, even locally, you should do it. Your eyes will open dramatically and you will get a much greater sense of how the world works. You will be more understanding and empathetic, which will empower you toward greater levels of success and happiness. Saint Augustine is famous for saying: “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." He was absolutely on point. You can always make more money, but you can't get back time. Do whatever you can to travel more. PS. Yes, I need a haircut but I figured I'd wait until I got home so that I'll only pay 20% of the price compared to Zurich 🤣 PPS. Despite all the problems South Africa faces, I still believe it's worth fighting for. 2024 is going to be a big year. Please let's stand together for change and see our country fulfil its true potential 🇿🇦❤️