Making the decision to move abroad and begin a new life can be equal parts euphoric and terrifying. Whether you’re relocating for work, education, or personal reasons, immersing yourself in a new culture can be an exhilarating adventure, but not without its challenges.
Many expats experience a phenomenon known as culture shock, which refers to the psychological and emotional responses experienced when exposed to a significantly different culture or way of life. Culture shock can manifest in various ways and intensities, ranging from mild confusion and frustration to more severe feelings of isolation and anxiety. However, there are numerous helpful ways of navigating these feelings. Read on to find out more.
Do Plenty Of Research
Educating yourself about the culture, customs, traditions, and social norms of your new home country is a crucial step before you begin your journey. Every culture has its unique nuances and intricacies that might not be immediately apparent upon your arrival. Doing plenty of research beforehand helps you gain insights into the local way of life, values, beliefs and laws, fostering respect and preventing unintentional misunderstandings and social faux pas. This can lead to increased confidence and a reduced likelihood of culture shock.
Visit As Much As Possible
While you may not have the available time and resources to jet off around the world on a regular basis, visiting your new location as much as possible will help prepare you for life as a resident. Not only that but gaining first-hand experience will help you determine whether or not your destination aligns with your expectations and preferences, allowing you plenty of time to make an informed decision.
Stay Connected
Staying connected with your loved ones back in your home country can make the adjustment period of moving abroad much smoother and easier to manage. The emotional support and encouragement of family and friends can help you cope with challenges and push through adversity. Additionally, it may be beneficial to reach out to fellow expats in the local area, as they will likely have experienced similar challenges and can provide valuable advice and understanding.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Moving abroad is a major life change that is bound to affect you in numerous ways. It is important to remember that feeling homesick is par for the course. Recognising that your emotions are valid and shared by many expats can alleviate the sense of isolation that sometimes accompanies these feelings. Emotions are a natural part of being human; allowing yourself to experience them is a healthy way to process what you’re going through. Suppressing them by bottling up your thoughts and feelings will only make things worse.
Keep An Open Mind
It would be unrealistic to expect your new location to resemble your home country in every way, regardless of the similarities. As such, it is imperative that you keep an open mind regarding everything from the cuisine to the type of accommodation available. For example, your rental property in Hong Kong may be vastly different to your apartment back home in your native country, from the building materials used to the price of utilities. Remember, approaching your new surroundings with an open mind can lead to a deeper understanding of the culture and a more fulfilling experience.
Improve Your Language Skills
When moving to a new country, investing time and effort to learn the local language can make all the difference. Learning the language goes beyond practical communication; it can lead to new friendships, better job opportunities and a deeper appreciation of the culture. While you may only have a basic understanding of the language and a few rudimentary conversational skills, the good news is that integrating yourself into an area with native speakers is an excellent way to improve and eventually become fluent.
Be Patient
Above all, navigating culture shock is an exercise in patience, as it generally manifests in four distinct stages. Adapting to a new culture and becoming accustomed to an unfamiliar environment is a gradual process that won’t happen overnight. While culture shock may be frustrating, being impatient will only worsen your situation, tainting your overall experience. Give yourself plenty of time to adjust and focus on the journey so you can enjoy your new location in all its glory.
Suitcase Publications 