How to stay motivated when you're feeling demotivated abroad
Moving abroad can feel like stepping into an entirely new world. It’s a thrilling adventure and a chance to experience life in a way most people only dream about. But while living abroad is full of exciting opportunities, it also comes with its share of challenges—sometimes, the spark dims, and it’s easy to feel demotivated.As a student abroad, I know firsthand what an advanture it is and the challenges that can come along.
The good news? 💡 Staying motivated is totally possible, even if you’re in a bit of a slump. Here are some effective strategies I’ve found that can help reignite your motivation and make each day feel purposeful:
Establish a routine 🌅:
Having a daily routine can bring a sense of normalcy and structure to an otherwise unfamiliar environment
Connect with others 🤝:
Meeting people and forming connection can make a huge difference. It can help reduce feelings of isolation.
I got lucky in meeting another intern who has similar interests, humor and is as curious about the city as I am.
Explore your surroundings 🌍:
Getting out and discovering your new environment is one of the most fulfilling parts of living abroad
Stay connected with friends and family 📞:
Staying in touch with family and friends provides comfort and regular check-ins can help bridge the distance.
Practice self-care 🧘♀️:
Maintaining your mental and physical health is essential. Make sure to include these practices in your routine.
Set personal/professional goals 🎯:
Setting achievable goals can give you something to work towards, keeps you motivated and a sense of accomplishments at the end. (Especially when working remote)
As a student abroad, I had a vision of what this experience would be like—exciting and packed with adventure. But sometimes life throws in a few unexpected twists. This had led me to work remotely for a while, which was an adjustment. Working remotely can be especially challenging because you miss out on the energy and motivation that comes from being surrounded by colleagues and friends.
But even from a distance, these strategies have helped me stay connected and motivated. I kept in touch with a few close friends and colleagues, adjusted my routines, interracted more with my roommates and found ways to keep exploring and learning in my own way.
If you are looking to get some additional support during your new experience working abroad, we advise you to make use of the help a recruitment company like ours can offer. We will not only help you find a job abroad, guide you through the interview process, and assist where we can in finding accommodation, but we will also be a person to call if you ever feel in doubt about your decision or feel a little overwhelmed 😇 Most of our recruiters are currently or have been working abroad themselves and speak from a lot of experience.
If you ever feel demotivated or uncertain during your experience abroad, don’t hesitate to reach out to your recruiter. We’re here to support you every step of the way and to help you make the most of this journey!