Table of contents
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Culture shock affects everyone
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Adopt traditional greeting customs
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Build your tribe
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Engage in activities you enjoy
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Build your professional network
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Check-out cultural highlights
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Learn the language
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Give yourself enough time
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Satiate your longing
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Don't compare countries.
Culture shock affects everyone.
Culture shock is a term used to describe feeling out of place when you move to a new culture. The process of adapting to a new environment can be difficult. You may feel anxious, lonely, and depressed.
The four phases of culture shock are:
Honeymoon phase
Culture contact phase
Withdrawal phase and adjustment
Adaptation phase
It takes time to get used to a new country, but there are things you can do to help the process go more smoothly. Culture shock begins with the honeymoon and lasts till it reaches the adaptation or adjustment phases.
Learn the culture and customs of the new country before moving there so you can easily integrate into society after your arrival--remember that it will take some time to get used to your surroundings, so be patient!
What You Can Do to Become Comfortable in Your New Homeland
Adopt traditional greeting customs
When you relocate to a new country, learning about the traditional greeting customs is essential. In some countries, such as Japan, bowing is a common way to greet someone. In others, like Italy, shaking hands is customary. Knowing the local gestures is best, so you don't cause any misunderstandings and can properly greet people when you arrive.
Build your tribe
Making friends is one of the best things you can do to settle into a new country. New expats should try making friends with people who share a similar cultural background and those native to their new country and make connections with those from other countries. Expat networks are free to join and host frequent events.
Finding an expat community related to your home country on Facebook is also a great way to meet like-minded people. Join a community to make friends with people in your new country; this may introduce you to other interesting people who share similar interests. School is another easy way to meet other students going through similar experiences as you, which can lead to social opportunities and helpful insights into the local culture and society.
Don't be afraid to meet new people; this may introduce you to fantastic individuals with skillsets or backgrounds different from your own! Get involved in the local society by joining a church or community center – doing so will help you get acclimated while simultaneously immersing yourself in the community
Engage in activities you enjoy
When you're about to transition into a new country, the most important thing is for your interests and hobbies to stay alive. Transitioning can be very difficult, so engaging in any form of leisure or activity will help keep yourself busy during this period when everything else may feel unfamiliar.
Doing so provides an outlet for any emotions present during your transition and helps you connect with like-minded people. Plus, it's easy to build relationships by asking about the dog or other leisure activities. If you're looking for local communities, check out book clubs and knitting clubs – there's usually one for every interest!
Build your professional network
Making connections is an essential part of life, especially when you're new to a country. Building a professional network is one of the best ways to feel like you belong. It can help you learn about the culture of your company, find mentors, and develop friendships with people who might be able to help your career.
There are many ways to make connections. LinkedIn is a great place to start, but don't forget in-person events such as industry networking or after-hours company socials. Try to attend two or three such events per week, and introduce yourself to different people on your team to meet 2 or 3 new people per week. This will help you get comfortable with your new surroundings and make valuable connections that can last for years.
Check-out cultural highlights
Education is vital in understanding and appreciating the culture of a new country. Many people think this only comes from attending formal classes or lectures, but there are many ways to gain an education in another culture.
You can find education in the arts, festivals, sporting events, cafes, and typical cuisine. The bonus is that it will help you relate to others who share your interests - and possibly make new friends along the way!
Learn the language
Learning your new country's language and common vernacular will help you integrate into society. Language is one way to learn about a culture, but there are other ways. Even if you know the same language as your new country, learning its slang can be beneficial for various reasons (for example, connecting with locals). Additionally, research has shown that learning a language can decrease the onset of dementia. Whether or not you're fluent in the local language when relocating to a new nation, it's always a good idea to improve your skills!
Give yourself enough time.
It often takes years for expats to feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Adjusting to a new culture, climate, and way of life can be daunting. However, some things can make the transition easier.
Familiarize yourself with local customs. This can be as easy as reading up on the country's history or watching its news, but it is essential to understand the values and beliefs of the locals.
Satiate your longing
One of the best ways to feel connected with your roots is to cook homemade food. Not only will it taste great, but it'll also make you feel like you're in control and doing something productive. Plus, cooking for yourself is always a lot cheaper than eating out.
If there's one thing that connects all cultures worldwide, it's food! So when you're feeling homesick or just longing for familiarity, take some time to cook up a dish from your homeland. You can find recipes online or in cookbooks or even ask friends and family for their favorites.
In addition to cooking your favorite dishes, try learning about the culture of your new country and bringing some elements from home into it. This could involve joining local clubs or groups related to your interests, reading books by local authors, or watching movies made by directors from that country. The more you learn about the people and culture around you, the easier it'll be to settle in.
Another way to connect with loved ones back home is by scheduling regular chats, whether over a video call using platforms like Google Hangouts, Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc., or simply talking on the phone. Technology has made long-distance communication so much easier, and it can be a great way to feel like you're not missing out on important events in your friends and family's lives.
Lastly, don't forget to take care of yourself! Make sure to schedule time for activities that make you happy and relaxed, whether that means going for walks, reading books, listening to music, or spending time with friends. The key is to find things that help you feel connected with your new surroundings – both physically and emotionally.
Don't compare countries.
When you're moving to a new country, it's important not to compare it to your old country. Each place has its unique culture and set of customs, so you'll need to take the time to get used to your new surroundings. Be patient and give yourself time to adjust; eventually, you'll feel at home.
Look at it as an adventure.
When moving to a new country, keeping an open mind and looking at the experience as an adventure is essential. You will make new friends, learn about another culture, and grow as a person. Please don't leave your hobbies behind--bring them with you! This is a great way to continue enjoying what you love while experiencing all your new home has to offer.
Conclusion
We all have to start somewhere. Whether you're just moving from place to place or settling down for good, the best way of integrating into your new culture is by being sensitive and kind towards yourself while trying out different things that interest you about this unfamiliar land--and remember: it will take time!
Why not let our team of experts take care of the logistics for you? You'll be able to enjoy your time in this beautiful country and focus on what really matters: making friends, exploring new cultures, and trying delicious food. Get started by booking a call with us today!
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