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We wholeheartedly thank Julia Teresani, who had already shared her experience of pregnancy and birth during lockdown in Shaghai, for this practical article with tips on how to keep yourself busy abroad.

How to keep yourself busy abroad while not working and what new mommies can do.

Moving abroad and living an expat life is an intriguing experience. However, sometimes it comes with a cost. If you relocate with your partner, often someone needs to give up working.

That was my case. My husband and I moved to China in August 2021. We did not want to miss this experience. We love traveling and embracing new cultures. Unfortunately, I could not keep my work. Therefore, I took a sabbatical break from my company.

Having plenty of time is a luxury, but it can frustrate you. People rarely know in which direction to move and find themself useless. You have to find out how to keep busy abroad without your friends and family.

In the beginning, not being able to work from Shanghai appalled me. However, in September 2021, we found out that we were pregnant. Lack of work didn’t look so bad anymore, especially since had I remained in Spain, I would have only enjoyed a four months maternity leave.

Learn the Language 

So, I started to learn Chinese. I enrolled in a language course at Donghua University in Shanghai. Super intensive course, with daily classes for about three hours. It kept me busy all day. I went to school in the morning. I was doing homework and getting ready for the midterms in the afternoons. In parallel, I took lessons with a private tutor to practice the speaking part. I found a teacher who was very passionate about her country and culture. We went together to eat Chinese food and for tea tasting, and she told me many stories about Chinese history and culture. 

Photo credit: Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

During the course, I found many women who moved to China following their husband’s paths or the other way around. Also, I met some expats who took breaks from their work and dedicated their time to learning the language.

Learning the language can keep you busy. It helps you integrate with the culture. Once you can communicate with the locals at the supermarket or restaurants, you will notice how much joy it will bring.

Volunteer or start a new business

Volunteering is not only the way to spend your time but also an honorable act. You can volunteer for some existing non-governmental organizations.

Also, you can start your own business. In Shanghai, I met many entrepreneurs-women, who run bakeries or clothes stores. It is really a complex step and a long-term one. But if you get an idea, opportunity, and time, why not do it?

Local hobbies and Travelling

It might be a perfect time for your hobby. Finally, you have time to do what you love but never have time for it: dance, read, or do yoga. You can also try the typical activities of the country you are in. My expat friends in China enjoy doing tai chi or taking calligraphy classes.

Photo credit: Little Plant on Unsplash

Often we can go on holiday once or twice a year. We have an intensive two weeks, and in the end, we need another holiday after these holidays to rest. The advantage of being an expat is discovering a country at a slow pace. You can plan your weekend escapes to different regions of the country.

For new mommies

Motherhood is one of the most fascinating experiences, but it can be lonely and frustrating, especially if you are far from home.

Photo ©JuliaTeresani

I am a mother of an one-year-old baby, and I went through the stages of pregnancy and delivery in China.

I remember the first months after delivery. When my husband went back to work, I found myself lonely. I was alone with a newborn child at home. I did not know what I was doing. All my family and close friends were over the ocean.

So what can a new mommy do with her time and newborn in her arms? Search for other new mommies with whom you can walk and share experiences, and your babies can grow together and enjoy each other company. It is healthy for both. Foreigners abroad often create many communities for mothers and children.

In Shanghai, we have the Shanghai Mamas community, which has various groups of different kids’ ages. They organize coffee meetings and also many other activities. Discovering this community was a blessing for me. I often participate in these meetings. Many moms share tips on what you can do and where to go with your baby.

 

Julia Teresani
Shanghai, China
May 2023
Main photo: Edward He on Unsplash

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