Saturday

Adapting To Living In A New Culture

By Joyce Bell


Adjusting to a new way of life in another country is not easy. There is a lot that you have to adjust to, such as the language, the way you need to act both in the business sense as well as on a day to day basis. What may seem acceptable to you, may be rude to everyone else. Often, you will learn as you go along. When you are living in a new culture you should have a good attitude, with a positive mindset and this is going to help you go forward.

It is not something that you will get used to overnight. Usually it takes between six and twelve months. One needs to be patient with themselves. However, it also means that you have to make the effort and work on the various phases. By sitting at home, you are not going to adjust. As you begin to learn the language, put this into action, get out and take part in activities and explore, you will begin to adjust.

At first, excitement will take over, as the individual enters the new environment. They explore their surroundings and they are keen to find out more about what there is to do and what there is to see. This is more like a vacation. However, reality will hit them. They begin to think about what life is like at home.

They may become homesick. There will be certain things that are unable to cope with, such as the language or finding their way around. They have to adjust to the new schooling system. There are different ways of doing things in one's daily routine. Things like shopping are even different.

Always have something for them to do. Find out beforehand what groups and activities are available for children in the new location. Remember that every country is different. You may have coped well in one area, but going somewhere else may be a nightmare, so don't become too confident. It can depend on a number of factors.

Students like this need help with adjustment. They need to realize that there are different cultures which exist. The American culture is very different to that of the Asian, for example. There are less customs and traditions. They need to be open minded and avoid labeling people according to the way that they have been brought up.

If you refuse to see the positive aspects, you will never get anything from this. One can look at the history, art, galleries, things to do and see and joining up with clubs where they will meet others in the community. They will also be able to meet other expats who are working in the area. Usually expats meet up and get together at pubs.

People who take the courage to join up with clubs and societies will feel more positive about their surroundings. It is important to take advantage of the community on your time off. There is always something new to get involved in. One needs to make the most of this adventure. Most people will be going to a new country on a temporary basis. It will not do you any good simply staying indoors.




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