Moving abroad is an exciting adventure, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. For British expats, the excitement of a new life in a different country can sometimes be dampened by the unexpected annoyances that arise when adjusting to a new way of life.
The Struggle for a Good Cup of Tea
One of the biggest frustrations for British expats is the difficulty in finding a proper cup of tea. No matter where you go, it seems impossible to find the perfect balance of strong black tea with just the right amount of milk, and while some countries might serve tea, it’s often a far cry from what Brits are used to.
Misery of Missing Marmite
Marmite is one of those things you either love or hate, but for those who love it, not having access to it can be a real pain. Many expats are surprised to find that this iconic spread is almost impossible to find outside the UK, and when they do, it’s often at a hefty price.
Confusion Over Queuing Etiquette
Brits are known for their orderly queues, and nothing disrupts this more than moving to a country where queuing etiquette is less of a priority; whether it’s people cutting in line or the complete absence of a queue altogether, it can be a shock to the system. Adapting to a new way of waiting in line—or the lack thereof—can be a daily frustration.
Weather Woes
The British are famous for talking about the weather, and it’s no wonder—it’s a significant part of daily life in the UK. Moving to a country with a completely different climate can be challenging, as you might find yourself missing the unpredictable but familiar British drizzle.
Understanding Different Humour
Unique, often dry, sarcastic, and full of irony is how you’d describe UK humour, so when you move abroad, you quickly realise that not everyone understands or appreciates this style of humour. Jokes that would get a laugh back home might be met with confused stares or awkward silences.
The Pain of Pining for British TV
There’s nothing quite like settling down with a cup of tea to watch your favourite British TV shows; however, many British expats find it challenging to access their beloved programmes while living abroad. Geo-restrictions can prevent you from streaming the BBC or ITV, and local TV might not have the same charm.
Navigating the NHS Withdrawal
One of the most significant adjustments is learning to live without the NHS. The UK’s National Health Service is a source of pride and security, and moving to a country with a different healthcare system can be daunting, especially if there’s a high cost of private healthcare.
The Challenge of Currency Conversions
For British expats, dealing with a new currency can be more challenging than expected, and trying to mentally convert prices from pounds to the local currency can be exhausting. It ends up being easy to either overspend or be overly frugal.
Craving a Proper Sunday Roast
There’s nothing like a proper Sunday roast with all the trimmings, but finding something comparable abroad is nearly impossible, and many find themselves craving roast beef, Yorkshire puddings, and gravy. Sadly, these are often difficult to find in other countries.
Frustration of Language Barriers
Living in a country where English isn’t the first language can be a significant hurdle for British expats. Even if you’re proficient in the local language, there are always moments when communication breaks down, such as ordering food.
Missing the Great British Pub
The local pub is a staple of British life, offering a cosy atmosphere, a pint of ale, and a place to catch up with friends. Abroad, however, the pub culture might be non-existent or vastly different. This can lead to a sense of nostalgia for those familiar Friday nights down the pub.
Adjusting to Different Driving Habits
If you’ve ever driven abroad, you’ll know that driving habits can vary significantly from country to country. Whether it’s adjusting to driving on the other side of the road, dealing with more aggressive drivers, or navigating unfamiliar road rules, getting behind the wheel in a new country can be nerve-wracking.
The Dilemma of British Manners
Locals from the UK are known for their politeness and often have specific manners that don’t always translate well abroad, such as the overuse of “sorry,” or the habit of making small talk. These manners can sometimes cause confusion in other cultures.
Disappointment of Food Portions
For many British expats, adjusting to different portion sizes can be a surprise. Some countries serve much larger portions, which can be overwhelming if you’re used to British servings, while on the other hand, some places offer much smaller portions, leaving you feeling unsatisfied after a meal.
Struggle to Stay Connected
Staying in touch with family and friends back home is crucial for most expats, but time zone differences can make this difficult, therefore the challenge of finding a time that works for everyone can be an ongoing issue. Over time, you might feel disconnected or isolated—especially if you’re missing important events back home.
Grappling with Different Phrases
Even in countries where English is the primary language, British expats often find themselves tripped up by different phrases and slang. Words that mean one thing in the UK can have entirely different meanings abroad, which can lead to some embarrassing or confusing moments.
Complexity of New Customs
Every country has its own customs and traditions, and adapting to these can be challenging for any foreigner, like understanding the local holiday schedule or participating in traditional ceremonies. The fear of unintentionally offending someone or breaking a cultural norm can be a constant worry.
Challenge of Finding British Products
When living abroad, finding familiar UK products can be a challenge. While some products might be available in international stores, they’re often more expensive and not always the same, and this can result in missing the little comforts of home.
Loneliness of Missing British Celebrations
Finally, one of the hardest parts of being a British expat is missing out on traditional British celebrations. Whether it’s Bonfire Night, Christmas, or a local festival, being away from home during these times can be tough, thanks to the fact that other countries might not celebrate in the same way.
