I’ll never get tired of saying that expat life is terrific, a great opportunity, an adventure full of rewards and satisfaction.

It is also a very vulnerable place to be.

When I first moved abroad to Vienna, I was full of hope, excitement; the sky was the limit.

A couple of months after arriving, feelings of uncertainty and fear arose. I was:

– struggling with the language barrier,

– trying to find a job,

– meeting new people and making friends, 

 and 

– dealing with the loss of my independence.

For my friends and family back home, I was fine. I was trying so hard to look good that I was getting more anxious and frustrated—a vicious cycle.

As expats, we continuously deal with adaptation stress, demanding many mental and emotional resources.

Sometimes, these demands are engaging, exciting, and motivating.

Yet, this is often a source of fear, insecurity, and uncertainty.

Thoughts like:

“I’m not going to adjust to this country.”

“My partner is going to leave me because he/she will not overcome the adaptation process.”

“I’ll never find a job” or

“I’ll be alone forever because I can’t find any friends/ partner in my host country,”

Are feeding this underlying anxiety.

My dear fellow expat, I want to help you navigate this vulnerability.

I’ll share with you some resources I’ve been developing for the last few years:

1.- This Infographic about Expat Vulnerability

2.- This blog article I wrote about identifying the signs of anxiety

3.- You can also find more videos on my Youtube Channel.

If you are struggling in your international life, please be sure you are not alone.

There are so many ways that I can help you. Reach out, don’t get through this by yourself. Make your life easier.

I’m here. 

By your side,

Gabriela