Adapting to life in Spain. Frustration and confusion arise anywhere when you buy or sell a house. Spain is no different.

There are many reasons why a family may want to leave the security and comfort of their own country but the primary reason among expatriates seems to be the desire to live in a land which is not quite so generous with the rain and cold. For others, as old age approaches, thoughts turn to health and many are aware that the Spanish Health system has an excellent reputation with no significant waiting time for treatment.

The majority of foreign residents in Spain originate from northern European countries, all of which suffer from a poor climate. There are more UK residents in Spain than all other foreign residents combined. Many parents, particularly young ones, don't like the idea of their children growing up in conditions of anti-cyclonic gloom and look to other countries as an alternative.

Spain, with its 315 days per year of sunshine, large expatriate communities and low cost of living is the logical choice and high on most lists. However, there is much to think about before such a move is undertaken. If you have no need for work after doing your bit then get on that flight - the Spanish sun is waiting to welcome you. On the other hand, if you require a regular income in order to be able to support your family then you need to give careful thought as to how you are going to achieve this.

The Spanish are extremely tolerant of their country's invasion by so many foreigners. Seemingly there are no problems, with nationals of many different countries living harmoniously in Spain. Spain is a "melting pot" for EU citizens and is probably the most international of any of the World's countries. Many Spaniards speak several languages, Unfortunately, the British are not so gifted and by necessity, clump together so as to be able to communicate.

A significant minority of British expatriates are critical of Spain, complaining about the Spanish "mañana" mentality, the lack of sophistication, poor services, even the weather is criticised Sometimes for being too hot, other times because it may be raining.

Time and time again you will hear the same people saying "back in the UK" etc. When asked the question why if the UK is so good don't they return? - the answer is invariably silence or the single word "well"! Couple this with the price of alcohol and no doubt you are somewhere near the truth!

If your idea of heaven is the UK with permanent sunshine, no matter how hard you try, you won't find Spain measuring up to what you want. Spain is different. The differences are those things which make up the character of both the country and the people and which help to make it so attractive to the many foreigners who holiday and who often go on to live here permanently.

Spain with its red "tape and laid back" attitude to almost everything can be frustrating. Not only when you first arrive but probably for the duration of your stay. However, the Spanish authorities hope that you will like their country - (in which you have as much right to reside as they do) and are aware that each month foreign residents are cashing their pension cheque's in Spanish banks, producing prosperity for all.

Culture Shock: Moving to Spain Relocation to Spain: How will you settle?

Many of your friends and family will be envious of your move abroad and you are probably exhilarated by this exciting adventure. That is why it will be difficult to understand and accept that there will be a point when the blues (culture shock) will settle in.

Not many people will commiserate with you if you have a good relocation package and when you should be having fun. But being an expatriate comes at a price. You will be lonely in the beginning and see a lot less of your family and friends. Since international phone calls are quite expensive, you will not call whenever you feel like it. You will miss things from your home country that you never thought you would miss. But, remember that if the relocation does work out it will be an enriching experience for you and your family.

Here are the four stages of culture shock that most expatriates experience sooner or later.

The honeymoon stage

You are happy in dealing with daily life and local people. You feel that there are many things that are similar to your home country. Everything and everyone is charming.

The crisis stage

You are experiencing problems doing ordinary things like writing a check, not finding the groceries you need, and not being able to express yourself. You feel helpless. You are starting to see the differences in your host country. Everything is better in your home country. You are getting very frustrated, lonely and possibly blame your spouse for the move. Usually the spouse who is working will go through this stage at a later period. He will have to adapt to the local customs, and this can cause some friction.

The flight stage

You cling on to your home country, burn up telephone bills, and become reclusive. You find it difficult to make new friends.

The readjustment stage

You start understanding that although things work differently in your host country, it does not mean that it is worse, and that life in your own country is not perfect either. You start accepting your new life and try to get the most out of it.

How to fight the blues

It is really advisable to buy books on the country that you are going to live in. There are the general books about the country and travel guides, but also books that are written especially for expatriates. There is so much to learn and experience that you will find that you have too little time to visit all the interesting places or buy all those wonderful specialties that you cant find at home. Books for expatriates will also help you understand the people and customs of your host country much better and give advice on getting simple daily chores done.

On top of that, even if you feel that you are not a very social person, consider joining an expatriate club, if only for the first year to help you get settled. You can talk about your problems to people who have had the same experiences. You find out that you are not alone and that will help you get through the day. You will find churches of your language and denomination in most European countries and they too can help you make a bond with your new country.

You should expect and accept that basic activities like groceries and banking will take twice as long as you are used to. Just relax. Develop a routine. It is important to talk to your spouse about the difficulty you have in adapting. Give yourself at least 6 months to get over the first difficult stage.

If you learn the language and find out more about the culture, you will feel at home much quicker. Sometimes it is good to take a trip, and when you come back you will have the feeling of "coming home." In the final analysis, the figures must speak for themselves. 60 million tourists and one and one half million foreign residents are proof enough that Spain has much to offer. When you arrive, be positive and look for the good in your Spanish adventure Enjoy the beautiful climate go out and make Spanish friends. If you have children, you have a whole new experience of learning how to cope with them not being under your feet but instead spending most of their time under the sun. Spain has so much to offer but you must remember, no one is going to show you where it is, or demand you take it.

What you do and how you do it, is entirely up to you and this alone will determine the quality and length of time you spend under the Spanish sun.

Moving to Spain great prices reliable removals, Nicks Removals to Spain - man and van service or full Removal to your new Spanish home. Espana mudanzas especializacion Torrevieja removals.