The conclusions we draw are based on my conversation with Olena Semenchuk, a PCC-ICF coach and the head of the Professional Development Committee at the International Coach Federation Ukraine, in an episode of the podcast "What if it could be like this?"

Olena, originally from Ukraine, has traveled extensively worldwide and lived in various countries. She speaks seven languages and has a diverse and rich experience adapting to different countries.

In addition to Ukraine, where she was born in Ukrainian Crimea and later lived in Kyiv, Olena lived with her Spanish husband in Barcelona for some time. Later, the family moved to Poland, now settling in Lithuania. Therefore, her extensive experience and our shared knowledge of coaching possibilities will benefit all Ukrainians currently living abroad as refugees or emigrants.

Key conditions for successful integration in any country

We have gathered key points for people in another country who need to adapt to new conditions.

Language skills: It's beneficial to have at least basic knowledge of the language of the country you have arrived in. There may not have been time for preparation for Ukrainian women who have ended up abroad involuntarily. However, even basic knowledge of English is a good start. 

And, of course, it's highly desirable to start learning the local language as soon as possible. This provides new opportunities both in the present and for the future. Regarding children, who tend to learn quickly, having an additional language is especially valuable as it will give them a significant advantage in adulthood.

Having loved ones nearby: Emigrants who marry abroad, like Olena, often move with their families (mothers, children, close friends). This is a common situation for refugees as well. Going through the integration process is easier when you have loved ones around. The key is to support each other and stay together.

Pursuing interesting activities: To avoid the emptiness that can occur when all work-related ties are severed and activities in Ukraine come to a halt, it's essential to engage in various activities: learning, attending events to meet locals and representatives of other countries, interacting with the Ukrainian community, and more are ways to stay active and fulfilled.

The presence of previous experience living in other countries can be helpful. This is not advice but rather an observation. If a person has had the opportunity to study or work in any other country, the integration process becomes easier.

Understanding what we want to do in the new country and what we should focus on is a crucial condition for smoother adaptation. When you have a vision and a purpose, even in the face of challenges, you move in the right direction.

Analyzing our thoughts, what we think about, what we focus on, how well we understand ourselves, and what we want are significant factors. They determine whether we can identify opportunities and paths in a foreign country.

"If we don't understand why we're here and what we want to do next," believes Olena, "the adaptation process won't be comfortable. Everything becomes much harder, regardless of the environment."

Being aware of possible emotional swings is essential. Be prepared that, initially, when you lack understanding of why you're there, strong emotional reactions and even depressive states may occur. Being prepared for this, at a minimum, helps identify the state and cause-and-effect relationships and seek help from professionals. In coaching, we work with a person's thinking - focusing and directing their thoughts, asking questions, and analyzing. Therefore, it's advisable to turn to coaches in a timely manner, as it can help navigate emotional pitfalls.

Employment and realization: If you already have a substantial client base and experience, engaging in professional activities in the country where you currently reside is not mandatory. There are many opportunities to work online. Additionally, you can virtually network and find clients and new professional connections online.

Additional benefits of coaching:

When a person works with a coach, they better understand themselves, their circumstances, conscious or subconscious strategies, and their own biases. They start to comprehend themselves and the environment they're in. Consequently, they can choose more easily and see things they haven't seen before.

With a coach, it's valuable to have a conversation to hear oneself and receive feedback, focus, and clarify things for oneself. Coaching can improve your life in a foreign country even without searching for higher meanings.

"Getting used to a new country is a complex story. When you, as an adult, don't understand, excuse me, how to turn on the faucet in the bathroom, it's challenging," emphasizes Olena. "We encounter many situations where we feel like children, not understanding why something works a certain way. When there are so many challenges like this, our brain starts to feel strange."

Another crucial aspect of coaching is that you have someone who listens attentively. Let's be honest; very few people actually listen to us. The act of having such a conversation is healing in itself.

In any case, it's worth trying and seeing how it works. Even a brief experience can clarify many things and be of substantial assistance in various aspects of life.