5 Things No One Tells You About Moving Abroad (But I Will)

Are you dreaming of moving abroad, but feeling overwhelmed by the unknown? You’re not alone. On the surface, relocating to a new country looks like an exciting adventure full of new foods, languages, and Instagram-worthy landscapes. But the reality? It’s also packed with surprises, both wonderful and wildly challenging.

In this episode of Expat Livin, Danielle Py-Salas, founder of Expat Livin, wife, mom of four, attorney, and seasoned expat, shares the five honest truths no one tells you before making the move abroad.

Four years ago, Danielle moved her entire family from the United States to Spain, and what followed was a whirlwind of growth, discovery, and humbling lessons. Today, she’s sharing the real talk so you can make the leap with confidence.

1. Homesickness Hits in the Weirdest Ways

You expect to miss your family and friends. That part is obvious. But what really catches you off guard? The little comforts of everyday life that suddenly vanish.

Danielle shares a moment when she found herself nearly in tears at the grocery store, all because they didn’t have her favorite cereal. She missed Target. CVS. Drive-thru coffee. Seasonal candies. These aren’t just conveniences; they’re part of the rhythms that shape our daily lives.

But the good news? You learn to let go. And in time, you discover new routines and rituals that fill those gaps.

2. Bureaucracy Will Test Your Soul

Here’s a big one no guidebook prepares you for: paperwork. Spain, like many countries, is known for its love of bureaucracy. Danielle puts it perfectly: “Spain loves paperwork like Oprah loves giving away free stuff.”

From visa applications to health cards to residency renewals, it’s a maze of forms, appointments, and waiting rooms. But along the way, you gain something valuable, patience, resilience, and the art of staying calm when things make no sense. A smile, a little charm, and a sense of humor go a long way.

3. Little Things Matter More Than You Think

When you move abroad, it’s not just about the big changes, it’s the small things that unexpectedly tug at your heart. For Danielle and her family, it was missing Halloween, Sunday football, and margarita nights with close friends.

These moments may seem small, but they hold emotional weight. That’s why it’s so important to create new traditions where you are. Danielle’s family now celebrates Friendsgiving, a fresh spin on old memories, shared with their expat community. You don’t lose traditions, you reinvent them.

4. Making Friends Takes Time (And Effort)

Forget the fantasy of waltzing into a new country and instantly joining a brunch crew. Making real friendships abroad takes time, awkward conversations, and showing up over and over again.

Danielle remembers the early days, standing at parks, introducing herself at school events, and feeling like an outsider. But little by little, something beautiful happened: her expat circle grew into a close-knit community that feels like family.

The key takeaway? Be patient. Keep showing up. Your people will find you.

5. Culture Shock Is a Roller Coaster

Culture shock isn’t one moment, it’s a series of ups, downs, and loop-de-loops. There will be times you’re filled with excitement and wonder… and times when you feel frustrated, isolated, or just plain tired.

But it’s in those moments, the uncomfortable ones, that your real growth happens. You discover just how strong, adaptable, and resilient you truly are.

As Danielle says, “That’s where you find out what you’re made of.”

Your Next Step: Start With Support

If you’re considering moving abroad, or already planning your journey, we invite you to take advantage of the free tools available:

🌍 Join our Expat Livin community for more information on moving abroad
💬 Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more expat stories

You don’t have to figure it out alone. At Expat Livin, we’re here to help you get from where you are… to where you want to be.