5 Reasons I Wish I’d Had an Expat Coach Sooner

When I moved to Italy over a year ago, I had never heard of an expat coach. I didn’t know there was an entire industry around helping people adjust to live abroad.

I struggled. If you’ve read my content on this journey, you know that at times, it was very difficult for me, to adjust my expectations to line up with the reality of living in rural Italy.

If I’d known then the magic that an expat coach can offer, I would have jumped at the opportunity to work with one. I did find one earlier this year, and she was incredibly helpful to me. I just wish I’d found her sooner.

Here’s why.

1. Expat Coaches GET It.

Expat coaches, by their very nature, are expats. They’ve moved one or more times abroad, and they understand the specific emotions that you’ll go through.

They have strategies to help you cope with loneliness, depression, and isolation. Because they’ve been there too.

2. Before Your Move, They Can Set Expectations

This is where I really could have used help. Before the move, I thought I was pretty familiar with Italy and its idiosyncrasies.