The jetlag can be agonizing, the new language surrounding you exotic and strange, and getting used to your new professional team and coaching staff takes a toll on your energy. It is easy to find excuses to put things off to a later date. “I’ll unpack everything later. Why should I find the best supermarket and restaurant right now? I cannot possibly start language classes yet. I am way too exhausted.” Sounds familiar?
Moving abroad for a pro contract can be overwhelming during your first week. But quickly you will establish a routine. The reason why those first 30 days are so vital in your season abroad is that you will essentially set those habits that will either help you maximize your opportunities and time in this country, or minimize your experiences and contact to others to a bare minimum. It’s in your hands.
Even if you won’t be living in this city for the rest of your life, it hinders your success and experience to approach this time abroad like a temporary stint. We all know it is not for forever. But by setting up a routine that allows you to quickly integrate into your team and the city, you will be able to look back at a tremendous opportunity for self-development well past your pro sport career.
What can help you set up a positive routine that gets you out of your four walls and gives you the chance to experience life abroad while at the same time building a foundation for a long-term career? Here are a few ideas:
- Reach out to foreign players in the area to introduce you to the city and other people.
- Make a bucket-list of “things to see and visit” and find out what your schedule looks like to plan these activities and trip for the next months.
- Explore your neighborhood and city with different means of transportation (bike, taxi, bus, train, walk), try restaurants and check reviews on the internet for good places
- Learn at least basics of the local language to show your efforts of fitting in
- Unpack properly and settle in
- Join a MeetUp group or Internations group to meet other like-minded individuals outside of your sport
- Build a relationship to the local media, ask them to feature your story
- Develop a healthy eating and sleeping routine, set a schedule for yourself
- Monitor your spending to ensure financial stability over the months that you are out of a contract
The biggest challenge for many pro athletes is that their day isn’t filled to the rim with activities. You are the one that is in charge of that time to make sure you recover, stay fit, sleep enough, and socialize. Habits are tough to change. When you move to a new country, you have the power to establish new habits and routines. Make sure they are the right ones from the start.
To find out more tips like these, grab your copy of the book “Play Abroad 101”
About the author: Susan Salzbrenner runs “Fit across Cultures”, a start-up that helps athletes maximize their success abroad through online resources, coaching, and training. She’s lived in six different countries on four continents, works as a psychologist, life coach and facilitator with corporate executives, multinational teams, student athletes and pro athletes on transition management, cultural intelligence and global talent development. Follow her on Twitter or IG @fitaxcultures
