So you have made the move to Portugal, all your things are unpacked and you can begin to enjoy your new life in the sun. So what do you do now? Once the move is over and you begin the reality of your new life abroad, it can suddenly appear very daunting. Don’t panic!

It is the little things in life that get overlooked, yet sometimes these are the things that help our lives run so smoothly. Take friends for example, we couldn’t imagine a time when we would know no one, but if you have moved to a foreign country, that is exactly what it is going to feel like. It’s time to get yourself out there and do the big meet and greet. Talk to neighbours, shop assistants, anybody. It may seem a little scary at first but once people start talking back it will do wonders for your confidence. If Portuguese is a new language to you, this will also help you to build up your confidence when speaking it. A new language will always be trial and error, but practice will make perfect!

Portuguese people are very friendly and you should find it very easy to integrate into your new community. They will try extra hard to welcome you if they can see that you are making an effort to speak their native tongue. If you are invited for dinner at a neighbours, make a real effort; perhaps take a home made pudding or a bottle of wine with you, and don’t be nervous about meeting new people, you never know who you may meet! Portugal is quite a traditional country, still moderately religious, so it is best to do some research into the way the Portuguese view things, so as not to make any social errors.

If you have taken children with you, pick your child up at home time, this is a great opportunity to get to know some of the other parents at the school, and encourage your children to have friends over. This is a quick and easy way for you to get chatting to parents and it will also help with your child’s confidence too. Joining in local activities such as church groups or joining the gym is a great way to get to know people. You will start to recognise faces and new friendships are easily formed this way.

If you are retired but feel that you would like to give something back to your new community, have you though about volunteering? Many local papers advertise for charity workers and volunteers, or again, talk with the locals and see what they do to fill their days. You could even try your hand at some volunteer work if you are looking for a job. It will look really good on your CV and may also provide you with experiences you may not have the opportunity to do otherwise.