The four seasons of expatriation

The expatriation journey unfolds in distinct phases, often called the "seasons" of expatriation. Each season shapes an expat's experience in profound ways.

The honeymoon phase: A summery start

Upon arrival, many expats feel a surge of excitement and wonder. Everything seems new, bright, and full of promise — much like a tourist discovering a new destination. At this stage, expats tend to idealize their surroundings, focusing mainly on the positives while remaining somewhat detached from everyday life. This is the "honeymoon" or "summer" phase.

However, not every experience matches this idyllic image. For example, an expat moving to a tropical island like Mauritius might soon feel disillusioned during the rainy season, facing realities like heavy storms and flooding.

Culture shock: The harsh winter

As time passes, the expat steps out of the tourist role and tries to blend into the local culture. This transition can be difficult. They may struggle with unfamiliar customs, bureaucratic systems, and — if there's a language barrier — even basic communication. Frustration builds as challenges surface at work, school, or during everyday interactions. Winter sets in. Motivation wanes. Stress, isolation, and even depression can take hold.

This is the "culture shock" phase, also called "Seasonal Affective Disorder", a common crisis point, particularly for those living in colder, darker climates like the Nordic countries or North America.

Adaptation: The autumnal routine

Fortunately, crises do not last forever. Over time, the expat begins to adapt. Cultural differences that once seemed overwhelming become manageable. The language becomes less intimidating. Daily life starts to feel familiar. They find their favorite cafés, settle into routines, and start seeing the host country with clearer, more balanced eyes.

This is the "autumn" phase — a period of adjustment, where initial illusions fade but a deeper, more sustainable connection to the host country takes root.

Integration: The return of spring

In the final phase, the expat no longer feels like a stranger. Even if locals still view them as foreign, internally, the expat feels at home. They move easily through the city, maintain friendships, and build a fulfilling life.

They strike a balance between their ties to their home country and their new life abroad.

This is the "spring" of expatriation — a time of renewal, belonging, and personal growth.

Do all expats experience these four phases?

Not every expatriate follows the same emotional journey. It's important to reassure those who do not experience all four phases: they are not mandatory stages but general patterns that many people observe.

Some expats never go through culture shock. Others may skip the honeymoon phase entirely. Several factors shape these differences, including personal experience, personality, emotional resilience, language proficiency, and whether the expat already has a network in the new country.

Another key point: the "seasons" of expatriation are not a recurring cycle. ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵs do not necessarily loop endlessly through honeymoon, culture shock, adaptation, and integration.

An expat who feels settled lives much like a local and no longer moves through these emotional phases. Instead, they experience the everyday ups and downs of normal life — work stress, financial concerns, local politics, friendships, and neighborhood life.

Even after many years abroad, it's natural to occasionally feel out of place. Still, understanding these phases provides a valuable perspective. It helps expats anticipate challenges and better manage transitions. For instance, recognizing the signs of culture shock can make it easier to navigate — especially since some expats encounter it almost immediately after arrival.

How to handle culture shock

Culture shock is often described as the anxiety that follows a significant change in environment. The expat feels disoriented, loses their bearings, and watches their initial enthusiasm fade. The attraction to the new country weakens, and confidence slips away.

It's important to note that culture shock can occur even when moving to a country that feels culturally similar to one's own.

To better handle this experience, first acknowledge that it is normal. Understanding that "this can happen" helps to de-dramatize the situation and ease self-imposed pressure.

Culture shock even serves a purpose: it dismantles unrealistic or overly idealized views of the new country, making way for a more grounded understanding.

However, anxiety can trap the expat into seeing only the negatives, leading to a distorted and overly critical view of their new environment. To counterbalance this, it helps to prepare ahead of time. Research the host country's culture and customs before your move. Begin learning the language early, even at a basic level.

Once abroad, allow yourself time to adjust. Be patient. Acclimation is a gradual process. It's normal to question your expectations and assumptions — but do so without self-blame.

If low mood or anxiety persists, seek support from a healthcare professional. Sometimes, deeper issues can contribute to ongoing distress, and professional help can provide the tools needed to move forward.

Tips for a thriving expat life

Start by asking yourself a simple question: What does "success" mean to you?

For some, success means securing a fulfilling job abroad. For others, it's building a circle of friends, pursuing hobbies, or simply living comfortably as part of a new community. Each person defines success differently.

Similarly, an international relocation that does not go exactly as planned is not a failure. Unexpected events are part of the experience. Losing a job, for example, does not erase everything you have built or learned along the way.

One of the first steps toward a thriving expat life is releasing the pressure to control every outcome. Prepare thoroughly — research, plan, and anticipate — but accept that even the best preparation cannot eliminate every detour. Adaptability is part of the journey. Maintaining contact with family and friends back home helps preserve emotional balance. So does accepting that mixed feelings are normal.

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ life is not always idyllic. Like anyone else, expats face both good days and difficult ones. Understanding and accepting these realities lays the foundation for a fulfilling expatriation — one built not on perfection but on resilience, growth, and openness.