Emigration is not only a physical journey, but also an emotional one – and your inner compass determines whether you will find your way.

When moving abroad, everyone thinks about the practical questions: Where will I work? What are the schools like? How much will the rent be? But few people talk about the emotional toll of emigration. The process is often a rollercoaster ride of hope, joy, longing and uncertainty. Yet, it is precisely this emotional landscape that determines how successful a family or individual eventually adapts.

Phases of the rollercoaster ride

• The leap into the unknown
  Emigration starts with a decision – a mix of dreams and necessity. The excitement of new opportunities clashes with the sadness of farewell. Even if it is a choice that you made yourself, it remains a grieving process.

“I had my last cup of coffee with my best friend and realised I didn’t know when I would see her again. That moment was harder than the plane trip itself. – Marlene, Germany

• The honeymoon phase
  In the first months everything feels like an adventure. The smells, colours and ways of the new country are exciting. You almost feel like you’re on a long vacation – until reality kicks in.

“We loved the first snow! We took pictures and built snowmen, but after a few weeks I realised how much I missed the sun and my flip-flops.” – Jacques, Canada

• The adaptation crisis
  After a while the longing sets in. You miss the familiar voices, your language in the streets, the comfort of knowing how things work. This is where many emigrants experience their first crisis. Was the decision the right one? Will I ever feel at home?

“I stood in the supermarket and began crying because I didn’t know what cream to buy. That was the day I realised how out of place I felt.” – Anél, New-Zealand

• The adaptation path
  Over time you get to know the system, make new friends and start to build a new routine. This does not mean that the longing disappears, but it becomes bearable. You discover that two worlds can coexist within you – your past and your new present.

“When my neighbour unexpectedly showed up with a cup of tea because she saw me struggling with the kids, I realised: I am busy putting down new roots – even though it is far from South Africa.” – Petro, Australia

How to find your emotional compass

Emotional resilience doesn’t come naturally – it requires taking practical steps and developing certain attitudes. Here are some guidelines that emigrants have found helpful over the years:

Cultivate good social skills. It makes it easier to get to know people and feel at home faster.
Learn how to start a conversation, show interest and actively listen. This makes it easier to get to know people and feel at home faster. Those who approach people with genuine interest build relationships faster than those who close themselves off or remain withdrawn.

Keep your expectations realistic. Every country has its challenges – no one lives in a perfect paradise. If you think you are going to experience only happiness and success, disappointment awaits. But if you accept that there will be difficult and beautiful days, it will be easier for you to adapt.  

Use your common sense. A practical mindset helps more than a high IQ. It is not a high IQ that will get you through a new system, but common sense and practical thinking. For example, enquiring at the bank in advance or familiarising yourself with local customs will save you a lot of frustration

Take care of your body. Emigration is stressful – sleeplessness, tension and loneliness can negatively affect you. Regular exercise, good eating habits and enough rest contribute to a strong, healthy body that will carry you through times of stress and tension.

Join community activities. Sports clubs, church, writing or hiking groups offer not only friendship, but also a sense of belonging.You don’t have to wait for someone to invite you, take the first step yourself. Many emigrants say that their first friendships started this way.

Lean on those closest to you. Your family is your anchor. When you move through challenges together and support each other, no one feels alone. Families that communicate openly and honestly handle stress better and build a new routine faster.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it is your doctor, pastor, neighbour or a friend – you don’t have to do it alone. The truth is: no one does it alone. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom.

Use technology wisely.  A digital diary or private blog gives you a place to record your emotions. It helps you look back and see how far you have come. Even voice notes or photos can be an emotional record of growth and adjustment.  

A life between worlds

The emotional journey of emigration is not a straight path. It is a compass that sometimes makes you turn, sometimes makes you stop and sometimes points you in a new direction. It is important to remember that you are not alone on the rollercoaster ride – millions of people around the world experience exactly the same thing. And everyone eventually discovers: you can find a new home without giving up your roots.