Living and working abroad can be an amazing experience and it’s honestly something I wish I had had the opportunity to do when I was younger.
You get to experience different cultures, have adventures and if you’re from the UK like me, maybe experience some sunnier climes.
However, working abroad doesn’t dull the need for human connection. And while you might see your work colleagues everyday, mixing work and pleasure isn’t always advisable.
Dating while living another country can be tricky and there are lots of things to consider before you get started, such as whether you want to date someone local or whether you’d prefer someone living and working abroad with the same cultural and background as you.
Learn About The Local Dating Culture
Dating culture varies across the world and it can really help to know what to expect when you’re based in a different part of the globe to where you were raised.
What’s considered rude, forward and romantic can vary wildly.
Islamic countries typically have stricter rules around alcohol, whereas in many parts of Europe, meeting for drinks on a first date is considered the norm.
Make Safety A Priority
Safety should be a priority no matter which country you are in. Simple things such as ensuring you know when the last public transport runs and having a local taxi number saved in your phone can make all the difference, as well as letting a trusted friend or family member know where you’ll be.
In the U.K. we have something called ‘Ask For Angela’ which is a code to let staff at a bar or restaurant know you’re feeling uncomfortable – they will discreetly help you to leave.
Decide Who You Want To Date
It might be a controversial opinion when it comes to dating, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting to date within your own cultural or religious background.
While I fully respect other people’s cultures and beliefs, as someone who is an atheist, I really think I’d struggle dating anyone whose religion is a huge influence on their life and choices.
As Baptist American living in London, you might find it useful to try Christian dating, or if you’re part of the LBGTQ community you might want to try a niche dating app that connects singles who understand your journey.
Short-term vs Long-term Relationships
Just when you think you’ve found someone special, you could face career changes that mean you need to relocate or it’s time for your new found love to move back to their home country.
To avoid heartache, it’s best to be up front about expectations from day one.
Is this just a fling or are you happy to go long distance if needed?
Language Barriers
Language barriers can make dating tricky, even if you share a common language.
Emotion and subtlety can sometimes get lost in translation meaning misunderstandings can be more frequent.
In these situations it’s important to show patience, kindness and humour. Not speaking the same langue doesn’t have to be a deal breaker if you’re both prepared to learn and show a little vulnerability – you could even find tutors to help you.
Building A Life Together
If a relationship does become serious, there are some issues that might arise; visas, living arrangements, career choices and possibly even deciding where to settle long term.
And these decisions might come quicker than if you were living and working in your home country.
While these logistics are important to consider, you need to be sure the relationship is strong enough to withstand them before making any life-changing decisions.
