Open deuren, of niet? Hoe dan ook, onderstaande tips van ervaringsdeskundigen zetten je wellicht nog wat meer aan het denken, of inspireren om echt actie te ondernemen...

• leg je partner nooit jouw tempo op bij het maken van vertrekplannen en forceer beslissingen nooit: ieder heeft z’n eigen tempo.
• gun jezelf ook tegenslag of twijfel, geef jezelf altijd het recht om op een beslissing terug te komen.
• geef jezelf voldoende voorbereidingstijd; plannen kunnen vrijwel altijd nog wel even uitgesteld worden.
• do not fight homesickness, it's part of expatlife experience.
• don't assimilate. Instead you should blend your culture with the local culture. But never forget where you came from!
• find a new hobby to keep you busy - be it learning a new language, cooking or running.
• they will laugh at you. Learn to laugh along, and you'll find they never meant any harm.
• BE FLEXIBLE! Plans change so frequently because, well, that's the way expat life works.
• in many countries lunch is typically cheaper than dinner. Use this to your advantage to explore the cuisine of your new home.
• mindset: Think how you can contribute and make a difference in your new environment, rather than how you can benefit only.
• Smile. You might not be able to speak the language yet but your positive body language will set you up for success.
• make a list of things you want to do/see/try in your new city and country. Pin it to the wall & do your best to follow through.
• make local friends who show you around and make friends in different circles...
• get local as fast as you can. Not by joining local expat clubs but joining local routines. Take sincere interest in local life.
• don't let one bad experience determine your stay. There is always more good than bad.
• keep a journal, record your honest feelings and insights. It is so great to read them later and see how you've changed.
• volunteer your time/talents in support of local organisations. You'll make new friends and give back.
• when you are bored, look around you and you will notice enough things to do, to keep you busy, to make a difference and at the same time and to feel more at home at the new place you are living now.