Loneliness Abroad: why so many Italians feel lonely and how to overcome it

Why you feel lonely abroad

When you move to another country, you lose—at least temporarily—many reference points:

• family and friends
• familiar language and culture
• established routines
• a sense of belonging

Even if you are surrounded by people, you can still feel emotionally distant and misunderstood.

Loneliness does not mean failure

Many expats think:

• “Maybe I made the wrong decision.”
• “I should be happy.”
• “Why can’t I adapt?”

In reality, feeling lonely is a natural response to a major life change.

Common signs

• frequent sadness
• difficulty sleeping
• loss of motivation
• irritability
• a constant desire to return to Italy

How to deal with loneliness abroad

1. Accept what you are experiencing → recognizing your emotions is the first step toward overcoming them.
2. Build new connections → even one authentic relationship can make a significant difference.
3. Spend time in places that interest you → libraries, gyms, sporting events, and other environments you enjoy can provide natural opportunities to meet people who share similar interests and values.
4. Maintain healthy routines → sleep, movement, and self-care help restore stability.
5. Seek support → a support or mentoring path can offer you listening, clarity, and practical tools to navigate this phase.

You are not alone

Behind many successful expatriation stories lies a period of deep vulnerability. With the right support, this difficulty can become an opportunity for growth.

Want to regain balance while living abroad?

Contact me for an initial consultation and discover how to navigate this phase of your life with more ease and clarity.

If you are going through this, you may also find these helpful:

Culture Shock: the 4 stages every expat goes through

When living abroad doesn’t make you truly happy: what to do and why it happens