Stage 2 · Lesson 6 of 7
Starting over in a new city or country
Moving to a new city or abroad adds layers: a new language or accent, different food, different humour, and the feeling of being an outsider. Two kinds of connection help. People from your own country or region, through student associations, community groups or places of worship, give you comfort and practical advice.
And local people and other internationals help you belong where you are and stretch you. Aim for both, not only one. Say yes to invitations in the first months, even when tired, because groups form early.
Common trapstaying only inside your home community, or forcing yourself to avoid it. Both extremes leave you lonelier than you need to be.
A question to check yourself and an AI practice session come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with· follow one of these
- BookPaidHow to Win Friends and Influence People (Dale Carnegie)
Dale Carnegie (Simon & Schuster) · Paid book
Old but still useful: interest in others, names, listening and appreciation
- BookPaidQuiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking (Susan Cain)
Susan Cain (Crown) · Paid book
For quieter people: connection that suits you, not the loudest person in the room
Practise
Keep handy
Struggling right now? If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line: Find a helpline (any country), Umang (Pakistan), Tele-MANAS, 14416 (India).