Things happen, life takes its course and we need/want to move along. Pack our bags, store our sweet memories and check in to a new destination called home for few years. I've always said that life has so much to offer and it is also too short to just stay in one place.
Everybody that has ever moved experienced that so called culture shock (disorientation experienced when suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture or way of life). So it happens and in order to know how to deal with it we need to understand it better. In few word you are suffering of culture shock if:
- you are feeling insecure in the new environment, sometimes shy for a longer period of time;
- you prefer engaging in activities that don't involved other people;
- you feel like sleeping more than normal and you still feel tired;
- you miss your previous home, your friends and you find it difficult to engage in new friendships;
- you seam to observe all the bad things in the new country and also you get bothered over little things ( the waiter was slow in a restaurant, the bellboy did not open the door for you and so on)
- obviously the list may continue and it is subject to the individuality of each person.
But what can we actually do for our transition to become a positive experience and also to overcome the culture shock?
- Do your research. Read about the history, find out about the political regime, cultural customs, safety issues and mainly try to learn the language a bit so you can communicate. All of this in order for you to see where you fit.
- Try speaking with the locals (do an effort if doesn't come easily for you) that will give you much more tangible information that any other website that you might have read. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
- Don't be ignorant, nobody likes foreigners that think of themselves as being better just because they come from more developed countries.
- Reach out to the expat community so you can learn from the experience of other people but don't let yourself interact just with expats because you will probably miss out on lots of things.
- Get involved! Do things that you will normally do but do be aware of the local customs and I am sure you will find yourself a cozy spot in the new place.
Let's see how the happiness part goes...
In order for you to be happy you really need to work on your expectations. More probably there will be moments when you will get frustrated because things are not happening how you want them to happen. But keep in mind that you are the one who needs to adapt to the country not the country to you. And the most important thing in order for you to cope is to Look on the bright side and develop a healthy sense of humor! Like that
you'll definitely have brilliant outcomes that will effectively contribute to your personal and professional growth.
Stay positive!
W.P
illustration by Andrea Wan
