Even in the most frequently visited countries that have close relations with
the US, you are
bound to experience culture shock. Daily life is far different from that we see
on the news and in magazines. Living in a country is different than visiting and
can be both rewarding and highly frustrating, especially if you don't speak the
language. Having as few expectations as possible will allow you to see the
country as it is, unbiased by a preformed opinion of your new homeland. No
matter why you enter into the country, you are likely to experience many
different emotions. For me and my friends, living abroad has conjured up
several different reactions:
Exuberance. The first,
second and third months are generally pure excitement and enthusiasm. It's
likely that you'll feel energized and ready to conquer the world. It is in
this stage that you are most likely to take on too much and risk burn-out.
Don't let your eagerness overshadow your objective. If you've moved to
work, you should treat it as any other job. You'll be there for a long
time and will have plenty of opportunity to explore and experience the
culture.
Paranoia.After the
initial excitement wears off, a common feeling is that of isolation.
Particularly if you move to a country where you stick out like a sore
thumb, as I did in Japan,
you will begin to imagine that everyone is looking at you, talking about
you, or avoiding you. In reality, you might be an oddity to some who have
few encounters with foreigners, but if you live in a major city,
particularly in Europe, you won't be given a second
glance. It is your own self-doubt of not fitting into a new culture that
has gotten the best of you. It happens to most people, so just be aware of
it and try not to let it affect your personal interactions. It is likely
that no one cares that much about you anyway.
Frustration. Around
the six month mark, the routine starts to feel more concrete. You've
successfully found your way around a completely foreign place, possibly
causing the initial enthusiasm and wanderlust to dissipate. A job is a
job, and you'll find that similar to your home country, you will be tired
and stressed. The emotional, physical and mental consequences of being an
outsider can add an unexpected dimension to the difficulties you might
start to feel. Don't underestimate homesickness. It can manifest
differently in everyone and if this is your first foray into another
country, you could get hit hard. It might be around this time that a
getaway or visit from a loved one can pull you out of your slump.
Acceptance.This is the
most difficult stage to achieve and it happens at different times for
everyone. But rest assured, eventually you will find the peace of mind
that will enable you to relax. You will always be a foreigner, but whether
or not you are respected is up to you. A positive attitude and patience
for the seemingly impossible are the only things that can make your ex-pat
experience valuable.