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Living Abroad | Tips for Adapting to a New Culture

Personal Tips for Adapting to a New Culture

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Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure, but it can also feel like a daunting challenge. You may face some difficulties, such as language barriers, unfamiliar customs, and homesickness. However, you can also discover new opportunities like learning, meeting new people, and trying different things. How can you make the best of your life abroad and enjoy the advantages of living in a different culture? This article will provide eleven practical tips to not only help you adjust but flourish in your new cultural setting. Whether you’re preparing for a big move or already living abroad, these tips will help you make your journey more enjoyable and rewarding.

Tip 1: Learn the Language

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new culture is by learning the language. Language is not only a means of communication but also a gateway into understanding the people’s culture, values, and thoughts. Learning the language will help you communicate with locals, make friends, and understand the subtleties of the culture.

For instance, you can learn basic greetings, expressions of gratitude, asking for directions, ordering food, or make small talk. You can also enjoy the local media, such as newspapers, magazines, TV shows, movies, or music. You do not have to be perfect, but making an effort to learn some essential words and sentences, like “hello,” “thank you,” “how are you,” and “where is the bathroom,”can go a long way. You can use online tools, apps, books, or attend classes to learn the language. Alternatively, practicing with native speakers, either in person or online, can be immensely helpful.

Here are some resources that I recommend:

Tip 2: Be Open-minded and Curious

Another key to flourishing in a new culture is to approach it with an open mind and curiosity. Instead of judging or avoiding differences, try to accept and explore them. Show respect and patience towards the customs, traditions, beliefs, and actions of the new culture, even if they seem strange or unfamiliar at first. Ask questions, listen attentively, observe,, and learn from the people around you. This openness will lead you to new perspectives, knowledge, and experiences that will enrich your life and broaden your horizons.

For example, when you are living in a new country, there are various ways to immerse yourself in the culture. You can learn how to cook a local dish, play a local instrument, or participate in a local festival. Additionally, you can acquire a new skill, like yoga, martial arts, or pottery. Engaging in new experiences such as hiking, camping, or volunteering is also an option.

Here are some tips on how to be more open-minded and curious:

Tip 3: Find a Balance Between the Old and the New

Living abroad doesn’t mean that you have to lose or change your own culture. Instead, look for a balance between the old and the new by keeping some of your habits, values, and tastes, while also adopting some from the new culture. A fusion of elements from both cultures can lead to the creation of a unique style. For instance, you can celebrate both your own and the local holidays, enjoy both your own and the local food, and listen to music from both cultures. Finding a balance will make you feel more comfortable and confident in your new place, while also respecting and enjoying the diversity of cultures.

Tip 4: Make Friends with the Locals

A good strategy for adapting to a new culture is to make friends with the locals. They can assist you in navigating the new environment, educate you about the culture, and provide support when you feel lonely or homesick. Moreover, they can introduce you to new places, activities, and people that you might not stumble upon alone.. Building relationships with the locals will help you feel more welcomed and connected in your new home.

Personal Story: I have made many friends with the locals since I moved to China. The first time I visitedn China was in 2017 when I was in high school. I was amazed by the country’s diversity and beauty and wanted to learn more about it. The second time was in March 2019 when I came to study at Dalian University. During that time, I would often go to the university park or library and try to make friends with Chinese students. I understand that making the first move can be challenging as we tend to overthink what others will think of us. But for me, making friends comes naturally because I can talk to anyone.

So, how do I do it? First, I analyze the person in front of me. For instance, if I’m at the university park and see a young person, I assume that they are a student. I say hello and ask something like, “Do you know any market on campus? I’m new here.” Usually, the person ends up helping me because I’m new, and they are local. Along the way, I ask them questions about their major, or which province they are from. As I have knowledge about China’s culture, we can engage in a conversation. To give an example, I once met a girl from Sichuan and asked her if she liked spicy food. She answered yes and invited me to try some hot pot with her. We had a fantastic time, and we became good friends. It’s the same approach if I meet people outside of campus.

Let me provide another example. When I moved to Tianjin, I lived outside the campus and met many people who became like family to me. In January 2022, when the COVID-19 outbreak started near my neighborhood, I went to my community office and offered help. It was there that I met a kind-hearted sister. After a few days, she invited me to her home and introduced me to her husband and child, saying,’You are like a sister to me, and I want you to meet my family.’ Touched by her kindness, I gladly accepted the invitation. And last year, she took me to her village, where I met her entire family, including siblings, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. They welcomed me with open arms and treated me as one of their own. They showed me their farm, cooked delicious food for me, and taught me local songs and dances. Over time, we’ve grown close. I’ve learned so much about Chinese culture, language, and lifestyle from them, and they’ve had the opportunity to learn about my culture, religion, and values. Our relationship is built on mutual respect and appreciation.

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Tip 5: Keep in Touch with Your Family and Friends

Living abroad doesn’t mean that you have to cut off contact with your family and friends. You can keep in touch with them through phone calls, video chats, emails, or social media. You can share your experiences, feelings, and thoughts with them and listen to theirs. You can also send them gifts, cards, or photos to show them that you care. Keeping in touch with your family and friends will help you feel less isolated and more loved in your new country.

Personal Story: I want to emphasize this point, because I have some regrets that I wish I could avoid. I do not usually like to share my feelings, but in this case, I have no choice. This article is meant to provide tips, so I believe it is important to be honest with you. Let me start by saying that the love of my life was and is my Dad (may his soul rest in peace). He was the person I could share anything without fear. He was my first teacher in life, teaching me how to read, write, and speak. He also taught me the values of kindness, respect, and bravery. He was always there for me, supporting, encouraging, and loving me. However, when I left the country, it became difficult to communicate with him. He had WhatsApp but struggled to use it. He didn’t know how to send messages, photos, or voice notes. He only knew how to answer normal calls. So, I would call him once a month, recharging credit and calling him normally. He was always happy to hear from me, asking about my life, studies and health. While, also sharing about his own life and health. He always ended the call with “Take care of yourself.” When he passed away in July 2022, I felt the most regret. Why didn’t I try to find a way to call him every week? Why didn’t I try to teach him how to use WhatsApp better? Why didn’t I express how much I loved and missed him? To be honest, I miss him every single day. I wish I could hear his voice, see his face, and hug him once again. Since that day, I make it a point to call my mom at least twice a day and my brother once a week, knowing that he is focused on his studies and only opens social media on weekends.

My phone broke and I purchased a new one, changing my SIM card. I decided to add my friends later, as I wanted to prioritize my family. However, due to being occupied I forgot and got accustomed to only calling my family. Then in December 2023, one day as I opened my Facebook, I discovered a message informing me that one of my good friends had passed away. She was my childhood friend, and we grew up together, playing, studying, and dreaming together. She was like a sister to me, and I cared deeply for her. I was left speechless. I felt remorseful because it had been a year since we last spoke. I didn’t know what had happened to her or how she had died. I felt guilty and sad, because I had not kept in touch with her or inquired about her well-being. However, this incident has taught me the importance of taking care of the few friends I have left. They are dear to me, and I value their presence in my life. I may not be able to call them every day, due to everyone’s busy schedules, but I should make it a point to send a text at least once a week. I should ask them how they are, what they are doing, and if they need any support.

Tip 6: Explore Your New Surroundings

A good strategy to enjoy living in a new culture is to explore your new surroundings. You can visit local attractions such as museums, parks, monuments, or markets. You can also travel to nearby cities, towns, or countries and see the different landscapes, architectures, and cultures. You can also try new things such as sports, hobbies, or foods that you might not have access to in your home country. Exploring your new surroundings will help you appreciate the beauty and diversity of your new country and make your life abroad more fun and exciting.

Personal Story: I know this tip might seem hard for some people because of the language barrier or the fear of rejection. I can understand that, but you do not have to visit the whole country in one day. Some people, like me, who are “ambiverts” or “introverts,” might not feel comfortable doing this. But I can tell you that it’s worth it. When I went to Dalian City for studying, I used to go to the university park to meet new friends. I used to ask them what the interesting places in Dalian City were and then I went to visit them by myself. Was it difficult? YES, I got lost many times, haha, but it’s okay, I’m proud of myself now. After two months, I knew the map like a pro. I remember one time I wanted to go to Tiger Beach, a famous scenic spot in Dalian. I took a bus, but I got off at the wrong stop. I asked a passerby for directions using my broken Chinese, but he didn’t understand me. I felt frustrated and helpless. But then, I saw a sign that said “Tiger Beach” with an arrow. I followed the sign and walked for about 20 minutes. And then, I saw it. Tiger Beach was beautiful. It had a long sandy beach, a blue sea, and a giant rock that looked like a tiger. I felt a surge of joy and relief. I took some pictures and enjoyed the view. I also met some friendly tourists who spoke English. They invited me to join them for lunch. We had a great time, and we exchanged our contact information. They became my new friends.

When I moved to Tianjin, I found myself doing the same thing as I did in my previous city. While I can’t claim to know the entire city of Tianjin, I can confidently say that I have visited 80% of its interesting places, as well as 14 other cities across China. Based on my experiences, I would advise anyone moving to a new city to try and find a local friend first. This way, you can ask them for recommendations on good places to visit. Trust me, you’ll be amazed by what you can discover and learn through local insights. One example of a memorable visit I had was to the Ancient Culture Street in Tianjin. This street is a renowned tourist attraction, characterized by its long stretch of traditional buildings, shops, and stalls.Walking through it felt like stepping back in time. I was exposed to various unique sights such as paper-cutting, clay figurines, and shadow puppets. Additionally, I indulged in local snacks, like steamed buns, fried dough sticks, and candied fruits, all of which were delicious. During my visit, I even had the opportunity to interact with a local girl who was selling souvenirs. She was very friendly and helpful, sharing stories and legends about the street. To top it all off, she taught me some words and phrases in the Tianjin dialect. Her humor made us fast friends.

Tip 7: Take Care of Yourself

In terms of advice, I would suggest taking care of yourself when adjusting to a new culture. It’s normal to experience stress, anxiety, or depression due to the changes, challenges, or difficulties that come with living abroad. Additionally, factors such as different climates, food, or lifestyles can make you feel tired, sick, or homesick. To mitigate these effects, prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This can be achieved by maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, engaging in regular exercise, and making time for relaxation. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professionals whenever you’re in need. By prioritizing self-care, you’ll be better equipped to feel happy and maintain good health in your new country.

Personal Story:

Tip 8: Be Positive and Grateful

A great way to thrive in a new culture is by maintaining a positive and grateful mindset. It’s possible that you may face some challenges, frustrations, or disappointments due to cultural differences, misunderstandings, or conflicts while living abroad. You may also experience feelings of sadness, anger, or regret as a result of the sacrifices, losses, or mistakes associated with living abroad. However, it is important to focus on the positive aspects and be grateful for the opportunities, benefits, and joys that come with living in a new country. It is equally important to learn from negative experiences and remain optimistic about the future. By adopting a positive and grateful attitude, you will find yourself feeling more content and hopeful in your new surroundings.

Personal Story: As mentioned in tip 7, journaling is a helpful way to express emotions and manage stress. One specific type of journaling that I have found to be particularly beneficial is keeping a gratitude journal. This journal serves as a dedicated space where I write down things I am thankful for on a daily basis. You can refer to the image below to see the simple format I use for my gratitude journal. I begin by noting the date, followed by a motivational quote, and then divide the page into two sections: “Day” and “Night.” This journal is my personal treasure, through which I communicate with myself. It helps me shift my focus towards the positive aspects of my life, appreciate the small joys, and foster a sense of optimism for the future.

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Tip 9: Be Flexible and Adaptable

One of the best ways to succeed in a new culture is to be flexible and adaptable. You might face changes, surprises, or challenges due to the unpredictability, uncertainty, or complexity of living abroad. For example, you might experience culture shock, which is the feeling of confusion, anxiety, or discomfort when encountering a different culture. You might also need to adjust, compromise, or improvise due to the differences, expectations, or demands of living abroad. For instance, you might need to learn new skills, such as a new language, a job, or a hobby.Being flexible and adaptable to new situations, conditions, and opportunities is important. You should also be willing to change, learn, and grow, as a result of living abroad. For example, you might find new opportunities like as making new friends, discovering new places, or pursuing new goals. Being flexible and adaptable will help you feel more prepared and capable in your new country.

Here are some tips on how to be more flexible and adaptable:

Tip 10: Have Fun and Enjoy Yourself

A helpful tip for enjoying life in a new culture is to have fun and enjoy yourself. You might have goals, responsibilities, or obligations, due to the reasons, purposes, or expectations of living abroad. For instance, you might need to study, work, or volunteer in your new country. You might also have worries, fears, or doubts, due to the risks, difficulties, or uncertainties of living abroad. For example, you might worry about your visa, finances, or safety. However, you should not let these things stop you from having fun and enjoying yourself. Make time for yourself, do things that make you happy, and celebrate your achievements. For example, find a hobby that you like, such as painting, dancing, or gardening. Join events that interest you, such as concerts, festivals, or sports. Play games that entertain you, such as board games, video games, or puzzles. Have a sense of humor, laugh at yourself, and enjoy the funny moments. For example, make jokes about your mistakes, watch comedies, or read comics. Having fun and enjoying yourself will help you feel more relaxed and positive in your new country.

Here are some tips on how to have fun and enjoy yourself:

Tip 11: Set Limits and Boundaries

An effective technique for living in harmony with a new culture is to establish limits and boundaries. You might face some situations, temptations, or pressures, due to the differences, influences, or expectations of living abroad. You may also need to make decisions, choices, or compromises because of the opportunities, challenges, or dilemmas of living abroad. It is important to have limits and boundaries that reflect your values, beliefs, and goals. For me, as a Muslim and a student, I always communicate my limits and boundaries clearly and politely to others, while also respecting theirs. For example, I inform my friends that I do not drink alcohol, but I do not judge them if they choose to do so. I also ask them not to offer me alcohol, but I do not mind if they drink in front of me.Having limits and boundaries will help you stay true to yourself and your faith, while also respecting and appreciating the diversity of cultures.

Here are some tips on how to set limits and boundaries:

Bonus

In addition to these tips, I also asked some of my friends who have lived in different countries to share their advice on how to adapt to a new culture. They have some amazing stories and insights that I think you will find helpful and inspiring.

If you want to see more of their stories and advice, you can check out my Instagram tech_and_wisdom (don’t forget to follow me hahaha)

Then…

Living abroad can be a wonderful yet challenging experience. It can help you grow as a person, learn new skills, and discover new opportunities. By following these tips, you can adapt more easily to a new culture and fully enjoy your life abroad. Have you ever lived abroad? What tips would you add to this list? Let me know by clicking here. And if you liked this article, please share it with your friends.

Thank you!!!