When I decided to move to Ireland, I realized I wasn’t alone. Many Brazilians, like me, seek new experiences in this country full of stunning landscapes, countless opportunities and a rich culture.
However, throughout my journey, I noticed that many of us make common mistakes when adapting to life on the Emerald Isle. These errors can especially harm those who are going to spend a short period in the country.
In this article, I will share with you some of the most frequent mistakes and I will also give you some tips to avoid them. Just take a look!
Not preparing for the weather
One of the biggest shocks for many Brazilians is, without a doubt, the Irish climate. I myself was used to the hot sun and clear days in Brazil.
I didn’t take the warnings about constant rain and cloudy days very seriously. That was one of the biggest mistakes I made. Therefore, I recommend investing in a good umbrella, waterproof clothing and learning to appreciate the beauty of gray days.
Not integrating into the local culture
Here I’m going to talk about the biggest mistake made by the majority: many Brazilians tend to group together, forming closed communities. While it’s great to have a little piece of home in Ireland, isolating yourself can prevent us from experiencing the local culture.
It wasn’t until I started interacting more with the Irish and participating in their traditions that I really felt at home here. And that’s when new opportunities began to emerge. Therefore, I suggest paying very close attention to this.
Underestimating the importance of language
Language is an obvious barrier. Even those who have a good level of English can face challenges, especially with an Irish accent. Ignoring the importance of improving your language is a mistake.
To overcome this barrier, at the beginning I participated in language exchange groups and this made a big difference in my adaptation. When choosing a language school it is crucial to be aware of this issue.
Not planning financially
Life in Ireland can be expensive, especially in cities like Dublin. Some Brazilians do not properly plan their finances and may face difficulties. Learning how to manage my money and create a budget was crucial to my time here.
When I decided to open SEDA College, I saw that having financial control helped me a lot to create a reserve, financial independence and thus be prepared to fulfill my dream of starting a business on the Emerald Island.
Forgetting local laws and regulations
Finally, understand that Ireland has its own laws and regulations, and it is essential to be aware of them. For example, the traffic rules are different in Brazil, and it was an adjustment for me.
At first, not so much, as I used public transport a lot, but when I felt the need to have a car, I needed to adapt to these regulations.
Additionally, it is vital to understand employment laws, especially for those coming on study or work visas. Remember that moving to a new country is always full of challenges and learning. I made some of these mistakes, but I learned from them.
That’s why I thought it was essential to write this article to show you the main mistakes that you cannot make under any circumstances.
