🌊 What No One Tells You About Your First Week Working Abroad

The first week of working abroad is exciting, intense, and often a little overwhelming. Between settling into new surroundings, learning your role, and meeting dozens of people, it’s easy to feel like everything hits you at once.

Here’s what to really expect from your first week—and a few things no one tells you (until you're in it).

1. You Might Feel Out of Place at First 🤷‍♀️

It’s completely normal to feel a bit lost when you arrive. New job, new people, new environment—it takes time to find your rhythm. Everyone else has been the “new one” too, so don’t worry if it takes a few days to find your feet.

2. You’ll Be Exhausted by Day Three 😅

Even if you're used to long days back home, the combination of heat, socialising, and being ‘on’ all the time can be draining. That’s totally okay. Grab an early night when you need it—your energy will even out once the adrenaline wears off.

3. You Don’t Have to Be Everyone’s Best Mate

You’ll meet loads of people right away, and there can be pressure to get on with everyone instantly. Be friendly, be open—but don’t stress about forming lifelong friendships in 48 hours. The real connections will happen naturally.

4. You’ll Learn More by Doing Than Watching 💡

Training is important, but nothing teaches you faster than being thrown into a shift and figuring it out in real time. Mistakes will happen, and that’s how you improve. Ask questions, own what you don’t know, and you’ll gain confidence quickly.

5. Homesickness Can Sneak Up on You 📱

Even if you’re loving it, you might suddenly miss home during a quiet moment. A quick message or call can help you feel grounded again. It doesn’t mean you’re not enjoying yourself—it just means you’re human.

6. Your First Week Isn’t the Full Story 📖

The first few days are just the start. Don’t judge your entire experience by how the first week feels. Things change fast—you’ll grow, adapt, and settle in more than you expect.

Final Thought ✨

That first week might feel like a blur of names, nerves and noise—but give it time. You’ll find your pace, your people, and your place in it all. Just take each day as it comes, and remember: everyone else is figuring it out too.