Insights from Réka Tóka, Expat Coach
Deciding to leave your home country and move abroad is one of life’s most courageous choices. It’s a decision filled with hope, ambition, and curiosity, yet often shadowed by fear and uncertainty. For many, the promise of a new life in a foreign land is both thrilling and daunting. The expat journey is an adventure—one that transforms lives but also presents unique challenges that can feel overwhelming.
At its core, moving abroad is about starting anew. New country, new culture, new language, new routines—every aspect of life is unfamiliar. While this fresh start is exciting, it’s also a stark reminder of what’s been left behind: family, friends, and the comfort of the familiar. Even for the most optimistic expats, there’s an inevitable moment when the reality of the transition sinks in, and the initial excitement gives way to questions like, “Did I make the right decision?” and “How do I build a life here?”
The Hidden Pain Points of Moving Abroad
- Loneliness and Isolation
One of the first hurdles expats face is the lack of a social network. Leaving behind close-knit friendships and familial support systems can feel like cutting ties with the foundation of your identity. In a new country, building meaningful connections takes time, and the process can feel incredibly isolating. Language barriers and cultural differences often exacerbate this feeling, making it even harder to feel a sense of belonging. - Navigating Unfamiliar Systems
Even the simplest tasks—like grocery shopping, commuting, or visiting the post office—can become daunting in a foreign environment. Every country has its own set of rules, customs, and bureaucratic processes, and for someone unfamiliar with these systems, it can feel like navigating a maze without a map. - Cultural Adjustment
Adjusting to a new culture is more than just learning the language or eating the local cuisine. It involves understanding unspoken social norms, adapting to different work ethics, and finding a rhythm that aligns with your new environment. Often, this adjustment process feels like walking a tightrope between staying true to your own identity and assimilating into your new surroundings. - Loss of Identity
Moving abroad isn’t just a physical transition; it’s an emotional and psychological one. Many expats struggle with a sense of identity loss, as they’re no longer surrounded by the cultural markers that once defined who they were. The absence of familiar rituals, traditions, and even the sound of their native language can leave expats feeling disconnected from themselves. - Career and Financial Uncertainty
Starting over professionally in a new country often comes with its own set of challenges. Qualifications may not transfer, job markets may be competitive, and the cost of living can be unpredictable. Expats frequently find themselves in positions where they have to rebuild their careers from scratch, which can lead to financial stress and self-doubt. - The Emotional Rollercoaster
Moving abroad is an emotional journey filled with highs and lows. The excitement of exploring a new city and meeting new people is often accompanied by moments of homesickness, frustration, and self-doubt. For some, these feelings can snowball into deeper issues like anxiety or depression, especially if they don’t have the tools to process and navigate their emotions.
The Expat Reality
These challenges are universal to the expat experience, and yet, they’re rarely talked about openly. Many people share picturesque snapshots of their new lives on social media—photos of charming streets, exotic meals, and adventures in breathtaking landscapes. And while these are an accurate representation of how one broadens your horizons and welcomes new unforgettable experiences and people, behind those images is often a complex and deeply personal struggle to build a sense of home in a place that doesn’t yet feel like one from day one.
While these pain points are daunting, they’re not insurmountable. With the right mindset, tools, and support systems, expats can overcome these challenges and create a fulfilling, vibrant life abroad. This journey of self-discovery and adaptation is at the heart of what it means to be an expat—a blend of resilience, courage, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
Recently, Womazing founder Zsuzsanna interviewed Réka Tóka, a seasoned Expat Coach whose expertise provides invaluable guidance for expats navigating new cultures and lifestyles.
“It is important to find all the elements of your life in the new place in order to have a successful move. And when things get hard, remember to breathe. You are not alone on this path.” – Réka Tóka
–You work with expats. What does it mean, and how did you choose this topic?
“Expats are people who decide to move abroad and live their life in a different country. This can be short- or long-term, and some of them later return to their homelands. Some of them move around, some become immigrants and stay in their second country. I learned more about this topic when I became an expat in 2019, and my interest in expat life still lasts. I recognized the unique challenges this lifestyle gives people, and I wanted to help.”
–What do you think, why do expats need help to establish their new life?
“It is super challenging to start anew in a new place—even more so when we face new cultures and languages in the process. We need to adjust to everything, so even the smallest day-to-day actions—like going grocery shopping or a post office run—can bring challenges. When we move to another country, oftentimes we do not yet have a social network or support system in the new place, and that can feel very lonely. We may feel lost or stuck in this process. This is what I can help with: to find yourself in the process and establish a new life which you enjoy living.”
–What is the biggest challenge for them when starting a new life, joining a new community, and moving to another country?
“Usually the toughest point is when reality hits: the excitement of all the new things wears off, and we crave connections and safety. We look for community, but oftentimes it is hard to find as a newcomer—especially if we don’t speak the local language. Fortunately, there are many things we can do about it, and many expat communities wait for us to join them. Another thing I see happening is when we move for work, and we don’t learn enough about our new home before the move. This can bring some painful surprises and discomfort in the long run. Maybe the new place is not really a fit for us, even though we got our dream job…”
–How can they make this process easier?
“Planning goes a long way! And by that, I don’t mean just the usual transport and packing. When you start your journey, plan for the lifestyle, find the things well in advance that you can be excited about. It also matters where you are moving: how did you choose your destination? What is your reason behind the move? How does the new country fit you? How close or far is the new culture from your home culture? Ask yourself plenty of questions and try to look at the big picture as well.”
–How can you help in this process?
“With the right questions and tools, the experience can be so much smoother! That is what I bring to my clients. Coaching and mentoring both have an arsenal of exercises and questions to help on this journey. I often see that visualization and routine-building changes the whole situation of my clients.”
–What is your advice to people planning to work as an expat in a new country?
“Start with your why and start with observing your current life. When you move abroad, everything changes, not just your job. It is important to find all of the elements of your life in the new place in order to have a successful move. And when things get hard, remember to breathe. You are not alone on this path.”
How Womazing can help you as an Expat
The journey of moving abroad doesn’t stop at personal development—it requires building a sense of belonging and connection. This is where Womazing plays a vital role alongside Réka Tóka’s coaching.
Creating a Community for Expat Women
Womazing provides expats with a ready-made network of like-minded individuals who understand the joys and challenges of expat life. Through our digital platform, we hope to bridge the gap between isolation and belonging, especially when it comes to supporting each other when it comes to entrepreneurship.
Practical Support Meets Emotional Empowerment
While Réka focuses on building confidence and routines for a successful transition, Womazing delivers practical resources to entrepreneurs like networking opportunities and amplification of your professional reach. Together, these services ensure that if you’re an expat, you are supported both emotionally and practically.
A Space for Shared Stories
Expats thrive on stories of perseverance and success. Womazing’s platform enables expats from Hungary, Central Europe and beyond to share their experiences, reinforcing the principles of self-discovery and resilience. When individuals witness others overcoming challenges, it inspires them to persist.
How Womazing Extends Opportunities for Expat Entrepreneurs
By partnering with Womazing, expat entrepreneurs reach an international audience. Womazing provides a powerful platform to amplify their reach and establish credibility in new markets. Through features in Womazing’s blog, you can share your story, expertise, and services with a like-minded audience who values community and cultural connection. These blog posts not only inspire fellow expats but also position you as a trusted expert in your field.
Additionally, Womazing’s network extends opportunities for you to collaborate, partner, and promote your services. By being included in Womazing’s curated resources or featured in our service directory, you, as an expat entrepreneur, can connect with an audience already looking for support from people who understand their unique challenges. This partnership transforms Womazing from a community platform into a strategic ally, helping you expand your reach and build relationships that grow your business.
When you’re ready to amplify the reach of your business, contact Womazing today, and we’ll take the guesswork out of connecting with conscious clients and let us do the networking for you!
