Contributed by Hasib Ahmed, 07 October, 2015
The idea of moving to a new country for work can be an exciting prospect at first. There is a whole new feeling that comes with it, a bit mysterious and a bit exhilarating. But once the veil of excitement gets lifted, there are a lot of hard surprises and shocks that might be in store for you. The most common terrifying experience in living abroad comes when you are faced with unfamiliar faces and altogether different ways of life, which is also known as 'culture shock'. Cultural shock is more than just about traditions, habits and communication patterns. You will suddenly feel that a strange feeling of loneliness is creeping upon you. You will be overwhelmed with a longing to go back to your home place.
I have once known a person who felt terribly homesick while working abroad; so he left his dream job and came back. It turned out he is as miserable as before and back to applying for the same position on job sites. So instead of slipping up on an opportunity, it is better to find a solution. And what better solution is there than making your new place feels like your second home. Naturally, it is easier said than done. But you have got the time; what is needed is a little interest and patience from your part. Then everything will become so much easier for you that you will not even feel lost and out of place.
So for those who are struggling to stop being a square peg in a round hole, here are a few tips from me:
Accept the reality
Wherever you are, face the reality that this is going to be your second home, be it for a few months or an indefinite number of years. You will be walking the same streets, which will have unfamiliar faces (and even maybe unfamiliar voices). So stop thinking that you are in a different place and accept that the faces, the voices and the streets are all part of your new life. Embrace the differences and accept the reality.
Get to know your surroundings
During the first few weeks of your stay you can go on an adventure of your surroundings. Check out the different places like park, shopping centres, cafe and gym. You can identify places where you feel you can be at home. Go to these places regularly and in time you might be able to start conversation with those people whom you meet often. You may even make new friends there.
You can even join an activity group or some neighbourhood class that will help you to get in touch with the local people. Join activities that you are good at. You can always make friends by impressing with your skills or knowledge.
Learn a local language
Learning a new language is never a wasteful thing and is never too late. Apart from adding to the proud list of languages you can speak, it will make your conversations easier. You will be able to communicate with practically anyone in the area you are staying. Even if you cannot learn the language perfectly, it does not matter. Just learn some of the frequently used phrases and it will be more than enough.
Respect the local culture
It is a good thing to know something about the local culture and traditions. This is a quick way to feel at home when you are staying abroad. You can go the local library there and read a few books on the local culture and history. You can also visit the museums and theatres showing plays related to the local culture. When you understand it, it would be so much fun the next time there are some local festivals going on. This will help you to connect yourself to the people living there.
Adapt and get acquainted with the local tastes
Never stop yourself from experimenting. Go out to a nearby restaurant and get to taste the flavours of a local cuisine. That way you might not be overwhelmed by the unfamiliar tastes whenever someone offers you something or invites you for dinner. Dinner parties are a great way to start socialising with people and you do not want to miss the opportunity just because of your palate with miserly tastes.
Do not fear to take help
If you are ever wanted any help in your house or outside, do not refrain from asking help. Since you are in a new place, you might not trust anyone. But you can still ask for information, guide and help from people you meet often like your colleague, the neighbourhood grocer or your neighbour.
In the beginning you might feel a bit awkward to do the things as mentioned here, but once you overcame the shyness and the other inhibitions that you may have, it will become easier for you to act like a native person and make new friends. It all comes down to human interactions.
Author Bio
Hasib is a knowledge junkie and a professional writer, providing delightful insights into the different career fields and helpful advices to those who are treading the path of change. When he is not involved in writing, he is contemplating his next journey to the hills or to the new restaurant he came across. Follow him @ twitter, Google+, LinkedIn