The Emotional Journey of Moving Abroad: A Story of Adaptation, Loneliness, and Finding Belonging in Valencia

The emotional journey of moving abroad isn't always visible on the surface, but it shapes how expats adapt, connect, and eventually find home.

At Globexs, we’ve walked this road with hundreds of digital nomads, corporate professionals, and families. Through our mid-term rentals in Valencia, temporary housing solutions, and the Globexs Community, we’ve seen first-hand how the emotional aspect of relocation is just as important as the logistics.

A Personal Story: "I Thought I Was Ready..."

Katrin, a 34-year-old UX designer from Berlin, had always dreamed of living in Spain. The sun, the food, the lifestyle — it seemed like a perfect escape from grey winters and work-from-home isolation. With her job fully remote, she packed her life into two suitcases and booked a furnished apartment in Valencia through Globexs for three months.

Her first week was magic: morning coffee under palm trees, working from beachside cafés, getting lost in the colorful streets of Ruzafa. But then came the silence.

"I remember one evening, sitting on my balcony, watching the Valencian sunset," Katrin shared. "It was beautiful, but I suddenly felt so alone. I didn’t know anyone. I missed the sound of my native language. I didn’t even know where to buy the right shampoo."

The emotional crash after the honeymoon phase of relocation is real. It happens to almost every expat.

The Hidden Cost of Starting Over

Moving abroad means leaving behind not just places, but people. Your daily routines, your social circles, your sense of familiarity — all vanish. Even with the best apartment for a few months in Valencia, there’s no furniture that can fill the space of human connection.

Many expats feel guilty for struggling. “I chose this. I should be grateful.” But emotions don’t always follow logic. The truth is: culture shock, loneliness, and emotional fatigue are normal, even in a city as sunny and warm as Valencia.

Globexs Community: The Turning Point of Connection

Clients of Globexs are automatically a member of the Globexs Community. For Katrin, the turning point came when she joined a Globexs Community meetup for remote professionals and coliving residents.  “Suddenly, I was surrounded by people who got it. Other digital nomads who also missed their moms, who had cried in supermarkets, who were learning to laugh again in Spanish.”

The Globexs Community isn’t just for coliving — it’s for anyone staying with Globexs, whether you’re in a coliving space or a private flat. The community offers:

• Events and local experiences
• Networking with like-minded expats
• Coworking discounts
• Support finding your way through bureaucracy

Why Community Matters More Than Ever

As more people embrace remote work and global mobility, the emotional side of moving is gaining attention. Finding the right mid-term rental in Valencia is only part of the picture. What truly makes a relocation successful is finding your people — those who speak your language (literally or emotionally), who invite you for coffee, who make the new place feel like home. Globexs is a relocation company that helps expats settle abroad — offering not only mid-term housing, but also assistance with legal documents and a strong international community.

A Happy Ending (and a Beginning)

Three months after she arrived, Katrin extended her stay. Then she found a local gym. Then she met a friend at a Globexs dinner who introduced her to a cycling group. Today, she’s still in Valencia — and she calls it home.

"It wasn’t easy," she says. "But I learned that home isn’t where you’re from. It’s where you feel seen. And thanks to Globexs, I felt seen.

Before You Move Abroad, Remember This

When you’re preparing to relocate to another country, it’s important to know that this is more than just a logistical shift — it’s the beginning of an emotional journey of moving abroad. Almost every expat goes through moments of self-doubt, cultural confusion, and loneliness. But these challenges aren’t signs of failure — they are part of a story of adaptation.

You’ll slowly begin to understand the local customs, learn the language, and connect with the community. The unfamiliar will start to feel like home. And in time, you’ll come to realize that every difficult moment helped shape a stronger, more open version of yourself.

One day, sitting in a sunny café in Valencia, you might think:
"I made it. This is my life now — and I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything."

Because moving abroad is not just about changing where you live — it’s about transforming how you live.

Moving Abroad? Let Globexs Guide You

Whether you’re looking for an apartment for a few months in Europe, a furnished apartment in Valencia, or a supportive coliving for professionals experience — we’re here for every step, every emotion, and every new beginning.

Explore our listings. Join our community. And find your new home in Valencia.