There are just so many things to do after relocating to a new country. From learning the value of a new currency to making sure your expat insurance covers you. You need to find your way around your new city or town, get to know the customs of the locals and possibly deal with an entirely new language. While there are a ton of new experiences waiting for you, you may be having a bit of difficulty with the initial adjustment, as so many do after relocating to a new region or moving cross-country.
With so much going on, it’s easy to forget the little things, those things one would do when moving to any new neighborhood. Moving isn’t merely a matter of practicality, and there are emotional and psychological factors that come into play when adjusting to a new environment. What’s more, not being able to rely on any familiarities is what makes adjusting to a new region quite tricky. However, that’s not to say that a smooth adjustment is not possible. If you have recently moved to a new region, the following top tips will help you adjust.
Keep An Open Mind And Friendly Demeanour
Foreign customs can be precisely that: foreign. You may find yourself surprised and sometimes even quite uncomfortable with the traditions in your new homeland. The best way to deal with this is to expose yourself to as much local culture as possible. It will also serve you well to purchase a small guide book to help you navigate your new environment. If the locals speak a language that you are not familiar with, you could also consider purchasing a simple translation book that will help you understand basic words.
It won’t be long before you start gaining an insider’s understanding of many customs and affectations that at first seemed bizarre can become charming in a natural way. By keeping an open mind and positive attitude, you are far less likely to be shunned by your local community.
Understand Which Of Your Customs Is Taboo
Did you know visible tattoos are a massive taboo in Japan? In different regions, seemingly simple norms are taboos. In many Asian cultures, it is rude to address someone with whom you are not priorly acquainted. It is considered offensive to use a knife to cut up food in public in other places. Discovering the norms and taboos in your new region is quite essential to ensure a smooth adjustment without the negatives of a cultural shock.
The list of these taboos goes on and on depending on the region in question, with every culture having their particular faux pas that could land you in social disgrace. Make sure to do extensive research on the customs, dining taboos, mannerisms and cultural practices of a country before making a move. This way, you may endear yourself to locals by showing respect to their traditions.
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Comforts Of Home
Be sure to allow yourself the comforts from home. Cook meals that you enjoy from your homeland, and perhaps even invite new friends over to sample a taste of your culture. By doing so in a culturally sensitive way, you are mostly sharing an exotic experience with your new local friends and showing that your homeland offers new and unique traditions of its own.
Outside of catering to guests you should also bring some elements of home into your new abode. Decorating with the style and aesthetic of home can help overcome some of the homesickness you will undoubtedly start to experience.
Stay In Touch With Friends And Family From Home
On those days when you find it particularly challenging to adjust or are merely missing home more than usual, a skype call to a friend from back home can be a saving grace. It would be best if you also continued frequent conversations with your friends and family. Regardless of what country you now call home, there are undoubtedly chat apps that you can use to stay in touch.
Thanks to the internet and the innovation it brings, you won’t need to leave your beloved friends and family behind as you can keep in contact wherever you are. Be sure to make a point of staying in touch regularly with apps you find most convenient.
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Explore The New Place
While many would assume that the harsh impacts of a problematic adjustment may keep you feeling trapped inside your new home, the best way to overcome any anxiety you may be feeling is to explore. By exploring your new home and everything around it, you will become more comfortable with your surrounding a lot sooner.
Most of the reason adjusting can be tricky is the fact that the surroundings are unknown. Therefore, opting to explore your new region will benefit your efforts at becoming acquainted with your new life.
