The Power of Social Media for Expats

When I left my homeland to live in a new country in 2003, there was no Skype or WhatsApp, and Facebook was still in its infancy. We relied on phone cards to keep connected with family and friends back home, and the quality of communication was often hit and miss, particularly at certain times.

Today, the online world looks quite different. We can talk face-to-face, network online, share our latest adventures, thoughts and feelings, and keep loved ones in step with our travels and moves wherever they may take us.

Now I’m in the throes of yet another international relocation, this time to Vancouver, and I’ve realized just how much technology, and social media in particular, has the power to transform how we relocate from one place to another. When you’re keen to meet new people and immerse yourself in a new culture but might not have the language skills or the on-the-ground ability to do so, social media can help you discover local favorites, research vital information, network with others and establish yourself without ever having left your home country.

Social media has become invaluable for us expats. We no longer jump into the unknown, unsure of what awaits and how we’ll get on. The power of social media can literally transform our expat experience. As an expat, here’s how you can get the most out of it.

Understand your new expat life before you arrive
As well as being able to keep up with the news at home, social media is a great way to keep up with news about the destination you’re moving to, and a valuable source of local gossip and regional updates. You can find out about the best eateries, listen to what people are saying about the weather and track latest trends related to property, schooling, financial matters and employment rates. Even subtler differences, such as cultural nuances and language variations, can be discovered through social media channels.

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