Emigration is one of the most far-reaching changes in which you can engage. More often than not it is not just a question of moving to a new country and adapt to the lifestyle \u2013 the process is fraught with challenges that are seldom openly discussed. It is a journey filled with emotional, practical and cultural challenges that you often are not aware of before you leave. In this article we discuss some often unmentioned realities of emigration and provide suggestions to make it easier to handle these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. You are taking along more than just your luggage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You might think you are leaving everything behind, but in reality, you do take along your roots, your memories and your cultural identity. Although these make you unique, they can also lead to challenges in adapting to a new culture. Feelings of loss \u2013 for example, of your language, food choices or lifestyle habits \u2013 can unexpectedly overwhelm you at times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip: <\/strong>Start building a \u201ccultural oasis\u201d in your new home country. Stay connected to your heritage by way of books, music and dishes from South Africa to maintain your connection to your culture and community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Culture shock is real \u2013 even long after you have adapted<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You will probably adapt to your new surroundings, but there will always be small things that surprise you anew \u2013 anything from a strange sense of humour to how people choose to drink their coffee. This \u201cculture shock\u201d may reappear in waves as time goes by, especially around public holidays or special occasions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip:<\/strong> Expose yourself to the new culture and be open to new experiences but also create room for your own traditions. Organise or attend South African cultural events in order to experience a sense of home while abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. You will rediscover yourself (and the people around you)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To be away from everything you know, forces you to view yourself \u2013 and your relationships \u2013 from a new perspective. Maybe you will discover new talents or realise what really matters to you. However, such rediscoveries might also entail new challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip:<\/strong> Keep realistic expectations of yourself and your family. Make use of online support groups or use the World Guide<\/strong> at AfriForum Worldwide<\/strong> <\/a>to find reliable resources and service providers in your new surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. You will experience your home country in a different way<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you return to South Africa to visit, you may find that you do not quite \u201cfit in\u201d the way you did in the past. This feeling of floating \u201cbetween two worlds\u201d is quite normal but can be confusing as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip:<\/strong> Keep up your contact with friends and family and keep them informed about your new life. AfriForum Worldwide<\/strong>\u2019s<\/a> platform connects you to people sharing your experiences and provides advice on how to handle these unique dynamics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Practical challenges can unexpectedly floor you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Practical challenges include matters such as tax implications, visa regulations and integrating your children in a new school. Obstacles of this kind can suddenly feel overwhelming when you lack preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip:<\/strong> Get your paperwork in order before emigrating. Make use of reliable service providers, for instance legal advisory services, to support you with legal assistance. Make use of the World Guide <\/a><\/strong>to search for service providers in your new country, ranging from immigration agents to language tutors. It is important to do some research before just deciding on a particular service provider.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Here we provide some suggestions on how to determine the reliability of a service provider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doing proper research and being well prepared is your best defence against potential problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stay connected to AfriForum Worldwide<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n AfriForum Worldwide understands the challenges of emigration and offers various resources to support our people abroad. Emigration entails a journey filled with change, but you don\u2019t have to set out on your own. Join AfriForum Worldwide and become part of a community that understands and supports you \u2013 wherever you may find yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit <\/strong>AfriForum Worldwide<\/strong><\/a> for more information.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Check online reviews on reliable platforms and actively look for recommendations by other South Africans or people who are in a similar situation. Facebook groups also can provide valuable feedback.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
A reliable service provider will not hesitate to provide you with the contact details of previous or existing clients. You can contact such clients in order to receive honest feedback.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Please make sure that the service provider is licensed and registered to provide the relevant professional services, especially where advice on legal matters, immigration or financial services is involved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Google the name of the service provider, adding search terms such as \u201ccomplaints\u201d or \u201cproblems\u201d, to see whether you encounter any danger signs that you should be aware of.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Avoid any oral agreements. A reliable service provider should provide a written agreement which clearly specifies the service(s) to be rendered as well as the costs and conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Do not pay large advance payments until such time that a relationship of trust has been established between you and the service provider. Reliable business or service enterprises will not put pressure on you to pay large amounts immediately.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
When using online platforms, take care to use only service providers who provide clear contact and background information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Features such as unclear information, unrealistic promises or a lack of documentation often indicate that things are not as they should be.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n