Living Abroad, Finding Yourself

Table of Contents

PART 1: PREPARING FOR DEPARTURE
Introduction: the emotional journey of leaving
Chapter 1. The five psychological stages of starting anew
Chapter 2. Practical preparations for departures
Chapter 3. Navigating relationships and emotional balance
Chapter 4. Comfort, learning and panic zones
Chapter 5. Conclusion: trust the process

PART 2: LEAVING: THE HONEYMOON PERIOD
Chapter 6. Setting up the new chapter in your life
Chapter 7. The “yes” period: saying yes to the unknown
Chapter 8. Decoding cultural nuances: Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory
Chapter 9. Conclusion: the art of starting anew

PART 3: FRUSTRATION
Chapter 10. From magic to mirrors: when the honeymoon ends
Chapter 11. Building pillars: relationships and belonging
Chapter 12. Love across cultures: the trials and triumphs
Chapter 13. Overwhelmed by options: the paradox of choice
Chapter 14. Conclusion: from frustration to growth – turning challenges into belonging

PART 4: ADJUSTMENT
Chapter 15. Adjustment: the space between struggle and stability
Chapter 16. The expat FOMO dilemma
Chapter 17. People make places: building meaningful relationships
Chapter 18. Sitting between two chairs: cultural identity and integration
Chapter 19. Daring to dream – and taking control of your journey
Chapter 20. Conclusion: the art of belonging without losing yourself

PART 5: ACCEPTANCE AND REPEAT
Chapter 21. When is acceptance reached?
Chapter 22. The science of happiness: understanding our hormones
Chapter 23. The expat archetypes – where do you fit?
Chapter 24. The great return: closing a cycle, not an identity
Chapter 25. Conclusion: acceptance as a continuous journey

PART 6: PREPARING TO RETURN HOME
Chapter 26. The emotional complexity of first returning home
Chapter 27. Repatriation and reverse culture shock: the final expat challenge
Chapter 28. Reconstructing identity: finding peace in uncertainty
Chapter 29. Making the decision: should I stay or should I go?
Chapter 30. Overcoming fear, judgement, and self-doubt
Chapter 31. Conclusion: redefining home on your own terms

Epilogue: Embracing change, finding home