Cat's Blog

Cat Boersma walking barefoot on sand at sunrise, reconnecting with herself through nature therapy.

Moving to a new country is an exhilarating experience. The excitement of exploring new places, tasting unfamiliar foods, and meeting diverse people can be immensely fulfilling. However, behind this excitement often lies a hidden reality for many expats: the feeling of being overwhelmed. Navigating an unfamiliar environment, adjusting to different cultural norms, building a social circle, and perhaps even managing language barriers can all contribute to an expat’s sense of stress and isolation.

Cat Boersma resting barefoot against a tree with her backpack, finding stillness and support in nature.

Moving to a new country as an expat can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming. You’ve likely envisioned the adventure of discovering new cultures, meeting interesting people, and broadening your horizons. Yet, the reality often comes with unexpected challenges — unfamiliar surroundings, cultural differences, and a sense of displacement that can leave you feeling unmoored.

Traditional Dutch windmill surrounded by tulip fields, symbolizing grounding and new beginnings for expat women seeking connection and balance through nature therapy.

Moving to a new country can be both exhilarating and challenging, especially when it comes to forming deep, meaningful connections with others. As an expat in the Netherlands, you might have heard the misconception that it's nearly impossible to establish genuine relationships outside of your immediate circle. However, this myth can be debunked, and here’s why.

Smiling woman hanging playfully from a tree branch, symbolizing courage, resilience, and the freedom to embrace new beginnings as an expat.

Moving as an expatriate, while undoubtedly exhilarating and full of promise, often comes hand in hand with a significant degree of upheaval and turmoil. It's a venture into the unknown, a leap of faith into a new culture, environment, and way of life. Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there lies the potential for profound personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery. In this exploration, I'll delve into the multifaceted aspects of finding ease amidst the turbulence of an expat move, drawing upon personal insights and broader experiences.

A peaceful stream flowing under the shade of green trees, symbolizing calm and renewal for expat women navigating change through nature therapy.

Moving to a new country can be both exhilarating and daunting. The excitement of exploring a different culture, cuisine, and way of life is often tempered by the challenges of adapting to unfamiliar surroundings and navigating through periods of homesickness. Amidst this whirlwind of emotions, one constant companion can provide solace, comfort, and a sense of belonging: nature.

Woman smiling as she hangs from a tree branch, embodying courage, playfulness, and resilience for expat women navigating change.

Expat life can feel like diving headfirst into uncertainty—lonely, disorienting, and overwhelming. Yet within that discomfort lies possibility. In this blog, I share 7 powerful steps from my Expat Adventure Framework to help you overcome fear, root into your new environment, and grow with confidence.

Map of Europe with colorful flags marking destinations, symbolizing the expat journey and the search for belonging.

In a study among Expats, the majority of respondents said they were unconcerned about encountering mental health issues while away — even though our global health insurance claims data and independent research studies alike show that those on international assignment and their family members can often struggle with issues such as stress, anxiety and depression.

Expat woman sitting in a dark room, feeling low and withdrawn, reflecting the loneliness and seasonal sadness often faced during winter abroad.

When the “winter blues” last longer and turns into a depression, we call this SAD. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually in the fall and winter when sunlight exposure is reduced.