Depending on the type of traveler you are, moving to another country can be an adventure or a calamity. For us, it is an exciting experience. However, for some people it can be terrible as they suffer from culture shock.
This, without a doubt, can ruin any trip and make you feel fearful. But not anymore! We will teach you to feel full and happy when you move to another country. Finding an apartment or a place to live can be daunting. Especially when you’re not familiar with the area. Looking into apartments in Prague (or wherever you want to move to) is a great place to start when you’re planning to travel and stay for an extended period of time, or just relocate.
All you have to do is read this article. Today we prepared 10 tips to deal with culture shock. When you put them into practice, living in another country will bring you a lot of happiness and adventure.
What is culture shock and who can experience it?
Culture shock is not a terminal disease, far from it. However, all of us, at least once, have suffered from it. You know that nervous and confused feeling when moving to another country and experiencing a new culture?
Well, the diagnosis is simple: you have suffered or are suffering from culture shock. But don’t feel bad, because going through this is more normal than it seems. Think that living abroad is a 180° change.
Sure, there’s no denying that it’s fun and exciting. However, the culture shock is very strong. So feeling sad, anxious, frustrated, or wanting to go home is understandable.
But do not worry! Moving to another country is difficult at first, there’s no denying it. What we can say is that, with patience, you will adapt to your new home. In addition, we will give you some tips to help you.
What are the symptoms of culture shock?
Culture shock manifests itself in many ways. Some of us felt very sad and others very angry. However, there are some symptoms, to name a few, that indicate that you do not feel comfortable moving to another country.
- You feel isolated and you do not adapt to a culture that you consider foreign.
- The obligation to accept different rules overwhelms you.
- Everything around you seems strange and makes you feel uncomfortable.
- You resist living and sharing with people, because they are different.
- The sadness is constant.
- Regularly, anxiety does not let you do anything.
- You have trouble concentrating.
- Culture shock causes you to refer to a new culture in a negative and derogatory way.
Usually, the symptoms of culture shock are a yoyo. Over time, they go away and you feel great. However, overnight, they can come back and hit you hard.
Therefore, do not isolate yourself! Moving to the best countries to live is not easy. However, closing in on yourself will not help you deal with these feelings.
Instead, vent to a friend, your parents, or someone who makes you feel safe. Also, keep calm, observe and learn from everything that happens around you. Over time, the culture shock will pass and you will discover how to live traveling happily.
10 infallible tips to overcome culture shock
We love to travel the world. However, on more than one occasion, culture shock has tarnished that happiness. For this reason, we want you not to go through the same thing and discover the wonders of moving to another country.
How? Following these tips that we prepare for you. Don’t think it’s a bunch of psychological bullshit, it works! And if it’s not, sue us, okay? Now, take a look at them and encourage yourself to put them into practice.
1. Stay positive
Moving to another country is good if, in your head, you repeat it over and over again. Also, if you are already at your destination, you gain nothing by focusing on the bad. See the bright side of all your new home has to offer and be grateful.
Oh, and don’t judge! Culture shock can make you very intolerant and, in the long run, quite disrespectful. You do not need to practice each and every one of the customs of the country where you are. However, you have to accept them and show empathy.
2. Find out, ask and execute
Moving to another country implies practicing new customs. Also, dealing with a different way of doing things. This, at the beginning, can be complicated since you don’t know how the health system or other institutions work, for example.
However, don’t stay at home worrying about this. Ask instead! Talk to your neighbor, try to make new friends and let them help you… The important thing is that you don’t get overwhelmed by something that, in theory, is not so bad.
3. Bring something to remind you of home
Culture shock can be much smoother if you don’t feel so far from home and loved ones. Therefore, if you are going to study abroad or you are a tourist, take something that reminds you of what you left behind. Thus, nostalgia will be more bearable.
Of course, do not take the whole house in the suitcase. Remember that overweight fines are expensive and we assume that you want to know how to travel with little money. With a photo, a blanket or a symbolic and special object is enough.
4. Stay busy to avoid culture shock!
It’s no use staying at home watching Netflix series and feeling miserable about moving to another country. Get out of bed, man! And occupy the time in something productive to quiet your noisy mind.
For example, find out how to look for a job abroad and earn some money. This will keep your thoughts at bay and help you indulge. If not, go ahead and study and work abroad and get the most out of your trip.
Depending on your goals, you can take different programs. Some good and accessible options are English courses. In addition, it is a good investment, because knowing English to work abroad can propel you to success.
If not, become a qualified professional with one of their vocational courses. Just by studying in Australia, Canada, Spain, Ireland or New Zealand, you will get a technical diploma.
5. Make friends, have fun!
Traveling alone is fun, but, at some point, it’s normal to crave company. Therefore, be open to making new friends, local and foreign, so that you do not feel so isolated. That way, they can help you deal with culture shock.
In addition, the best way to get to know the culture of the country in which you are living is with the locals. With them, you can better understand this new way of seeing life. And, at the same time, learn to have fun as only they know how to do it.
6. Learn some phrases and rules, and deal with culture shock
Not knowing how to communicate when moving to another country is a tremendous culture shock. However, this is not the end of the world. If you are going to travel to a place where your language is not spoken, learn the basic words necessary to interact.
For example, if you are going to travel to Australia, study English and practice Australian phrases or expressions. So, in a moment of need, you can ask for help. And, also, better understand people and integrate.
7. Stay in touch with your loved ones
Moving to another country does not mean that you will forget about your loved ones. What’s more, you can have them “close” by talking to them via video call. So, keep in regular contact and tell them about the amazing, good, bad and horrendous things you experience during your trip.
8. Set goals in a new country
Since you decided to travel abroad, take advantage of it! Do not settle for studying and working. Instead, learn to cook local food, dance typical dances, or any activity that helps you integrate and understand this new culture.
Plus, that way, you’ll have something to show your friends and family when you get back home. And, at the same time, you will learn to appreciate the customs of your country. As you can see, you will always win.
9. Don’t push yourself so hard
Traveling to another country is a whole new adventure. Therefore, do not be afraid of making mistakes. Can’t communicate fluently? Calm.
Can’t get used to new flavors and smells? Take a deep breath. Over time, you will adjust and appreciate every aspect of moving to another country.
Also, to deal with stress, do things you normally do at home. Practice sports, paint, write, read… The idea is that you do activities that make you feel comfortable while you fully integrate.
10. Don’t let culture shock close your mind!
Traveling makes you happy, because you can learn a lot of new things. What we want to get to is that you have to open yourself up to different things. For example, dare to try exotic dishes that you never dreamed of eating.
Oh, and never turn down an invitation. If they invite you to the mountain, go! If they want to take you out, don’t think twice! This is your opportunity to discover new customs, make friends and, above all, have fun.
Now that you know how to overcome culture shock, get ready to travel the world! Don’t let fear stop you from getting to know the country you love so much. So get out of bed, find out how to get cheap flights and go for it!
