Surround yourself with positive people. Do not allow negative comments and attitudes to darken your outlook. It is hard to stay positive, but when culture shock is at its worst, it is very easy to slip. Sure the other new…
Maintain a sense of humor, but most importantly be ready to laugh at yourself. When you are living abroad, there are moments when the locals are looking at you strangely. You might be thinking that they are making fun of…
In all things be flexible When relocating to a new place there are so many things to consider, so many new impressions, so much to take in, and oh so many things to learn. Even though we’re constantly told that…
Try to understand the host country’s perspective. It would be quite the task to encapsulate an entire country’s significant culture, or even try to boil it down to a few key points. The thing is when you try to define…
Do not expect the same sense of urgency or availability of conveniences In the heat of a strong and intense culture shock moment in your host country, it is very, very easy to slip a bit. Slipping up is what…
Look for ways to strengthen and maintain your enthusiasm. We all have been there before; alone in your new apartment, not wanting to go out onto the street to the nearby market, not wanting to be confronted with a bunch…
Develop tolerance for ambiguity and frustration by being flexible and open toward the new culture. Effects of Culture Shock • A sense of uprootedness• Feeling of disorientation• Not knowing what is going on• Behaviors and attitudes which were necessary for…
Do not expect to replicate your current lifestyle. Look for what is there, not for what isnʼt. “Wherever you go, there you are.” A psychologist friend of mine told me that one time, and I think it is 100% true. …
Anticipate a challenging adjustment period of at least SIX months. Do not decide if you like it until these six months have passed. How important is this time frame when you first move to a new country, from the first…
Learn as much as possible about the host country in order to have realistic expectations. How much can you learn about a host country before you arrive? Yes, thank goodness for the internet and its endless (and sometimes tiresome) list…
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