Whether you know it or not, you have a network of friends and family that help you when you need it and laugh with you at other times. When you go to a new country you will be leaving all that behind. That is why it is so important to start networking as soon as you arrive in your new country.
Networking brings you friends and advice on all the myriad details of a life that may be quite different from the one you just left. You need to know which school to place your children into, who is the best doctor and dentist, where to shop for the best bargains and many other details, large and small.
Networking in a new country need not be intimidating. It can be as simple as joining a sporting club, the Parents and Citizen's Association at your children's school or a craft group, or any other social group. It's not hard to make yourself known to owners of the corner or coffee shop. You can even go online and join various chat forums that interest you. In no time at all you'll find that you've made many new friends who are delighted to help you out when you need it - and before long, you will be one of the locals and able to offer help to another newbie who comes along.
