After living in South Africa, I decided to move back to Mozambique for a year before eventually relocating to France. As an individual who has lived in different countries, my experience of transitioning from Mozambique to France was both exciting and challenging.
Moving to a new country is a big step, but it becomes an even more significant challenge when you are moving with your family. That was the case for me when I decided to relocate from Mozambique to France with my wife and daughter, without even knowing how to speak French. Our journey was exciting, but it also came with its fair share of challenges.
Before I moved to France, I had spent over three years in South Africa, where I had grown accustomed to the diverse culture, the food, and the people. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, I decided to return to Mozambique for a year to be closer to my family.
The first hurdle we faced was the legal system in France. We found that the process of obtaining the necessary documents, such as visas and permits, was slow and cumbersome. It was a frustrating experience.
Another significant challenge was adapting to the French culture, which was different from what we were used to in Mozambique and South Africa. One of the most notable cultural differences was the French people’s reserved nature, which made it difficult to establish new relationships.
The language barrier was another significant challenge that we had to overcome. We didn’t speak French, which made it difficult to communicate with the locals, especially in the early days.
As a family, we also had to navigate the challenges of adapting to a new environment and lifestyle. For example, we had to adjust to the pace of life in France, which was slower than what we were used to in Mozambique and South Africa. We also had to adapt to the different school system and find the right schools for our daughter.
We made an effort to embrace the French culture, try new foods, explore the city, and establish new relationships. We also learned to be patient with ourselves and each other as we adapted to the new environment.
Looking back on our journey, we learned many valuable lessons. We learned the importance of being open-minded, flexible, and patient when adapting to a new environment. We also learned that communication is key, especially in a new country where language can be a significant barrier.