Immigrate successfully

Improve their lives and those of their families are the main two reasons that most international migrants move abroad.

“Migration . . . is the oldest action against poverty,” wrote economist J. K. Galbraith.  Is Money the only cause of happiness and satisfaction? Happiness also depends strongly on the extent to which a person’s objective reality (i.e., living conditions) meets his or her aspirations and expectations from life. After migrating,  individuals begin to adapt to their new surroundings and adjust their goals accordingly.

Homesickness, unsuccessful assimilation, exploitation, and human trafficking are some significant difficulties that may disrupt the expected happiness of the migrants during the journey or at destination.

Well we wish the very best for each migrants and that positive outcomes cannot be taken for granted. But such types of negative experiences suggest that many prospective migrants may have excessive expectations about the futures that await them. Most of the immigrant-receiving countries also have deep concerns about the consequences of immigration for their societies.

The question still remains as to what extend and condition the immigrants and host-country natives are overall better off as a result of migration, in spite of deep research in various domains such as economic gain, social status and discrimination.

According to a study by Martijn Hendriks and co-authors, published in the 2018 World Happiness Report, the average migrant experiences approximately 5 percent more positive emotion (enjoyment, happiness, and laughter) and 7 percent less negative emotion (worry, sadness, and anger) following migration. These findings highlight that moving to another country is for many people a powerful instrument to improve their lives.

Based on the interviews done by Awake Magazine, it states that, “ Many immigrants stick it out in their new country despite loneliness, economic setbacks, and a prolonged separation from their family. They have invested so much in the move that when things do not work out, few have the courage to cut their losses and go home to face possible disgrace and humiliation”.

Tips for an enjoyable and satisfying Life as an Expat:

1. Have a positive attitude and having a good up to date knowledge about an unfamiliar environment.
2. Keep a list of important phone numbers always with you in case of emergency i.e. hospitals, police, numbers of your language speaking people, fire brigade, ambulance, embassy of your native country etc.
3. Find out the risk of health issues in your destination country. Most countries expect that vaccinations and immunization is taken as soon as you move.
4. Be prepared with medications for your pre-existing health issues and find out beforehand where your medications will be available in the destination country. You may also find out Doctors who is specialized in your health problem and consult him/her before and let them know you are in the country.
5. Most people carry a medical Id card with details of their medical condition and medications, which is very helpful in case of accidents and emergency situations.
6. Follow all the local laws and regulations to avoid unnecessary troubles. Make yourselves aware of all the local laws related to travel, transports, documents requirements. Learn about possible security and terrorism threats you might have to face. Avoid being at objectionable, secluded places.
7. Always be on the watch to keep yourself safe outside or inside your house. Keep your house safe at nights with secured locking systems. 
8. Try to blend in with local people and their customs. Try not to argue when there is  difference in opinion. Talk politely, always carry a smile when talking to a foreigner. 
9. Do not be quick to take an offense  Apologize when things do not work your way.