How to Deal with Culture Shock when Moving to a New City or Country

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By Diane Schmidt

Whenever you move to a new city, state or overseas to another country, you'll probably feel the effects of change that when moving overseas is called culture shock. While culture shock can be difficult it doesn't need to overwhelm you to a point where you want to return home. Personally, culture shock forced me to open up in ways I never thought possible, making me seek out people, events and things outside myself that I otherwise wouldn't have. It's so easy when we live in a place that's comfortable and familiar to forget that there's a whole big world out there to explore. Well, culture shock is a bit of a wake-up call that "shocks" you into being more present and aware.

But when you're in the throws of culture shock, it can feel like you'll never be happy again. So, to help, here are some things I've done to ease the feelings that often accompany moving to an unfamiliar place.

Create a home away from home

 

The first thing you should after you've unpacked your last bag, is to settle into your new space. But don't just settle, cozify (okay, that's my made-up word for the day) your place with things that remind you of home - things that make you feel comforted. If you weren't able to bring things from home, go out into your new city and find some stuff that will make your new house (or apartment or studio or room) a home. Candles, blankets, picture frames - all are fairly inexpensive yet provide some necessary warmth. Curtains, pillows and area rugs always help warm up a room, too.

I always suggest hanging photos of home, friends and family in your space.  Not only will they remind you of all you love, but will help you feel secure when you're still trying to settle in.

If you're on a budget and don't want to spend too much, the best thing to do is to concentrate on the room where you spend most of your time. If you love to cook, make the kitchen the priority. Purchase some cookware, nice plates and glasses so you can feel good cooking in your space. If you're a reader who spends a lot of time on the couch, then concentrate on creating that cozy space in the living room. Create one main area where you feel good and that alone will help make you feel more at home.

Spend Time in Your New Neighborhood

 

Get to know your neighbourhood by finding all the local spots - where you can buy groceries, get your hair cut, do your laundry - and spend some time doing what the locals do. Whenever I move to a new place, I spend a few mornings a week exploring the cafes and breakfast spots, taking a book or notebook with me. It's a great way to ask questions about your neighborhood and area. People are usually more than willing to share some great local secrets - like where to find the best coffee or the best take-out. Let people know you've just moved and they'll be more than happy to welcome you.

If you don't speak the local language, try. Take a translation book with you. It's amazing how far you can get with just a few words. Once, while working in a small town in Tuscany, I spent an entire evening with a group of locals I'd met at a restaurant. No one spoke English and I couldn't speak a word of Italian at the time, yet we had an incredible time.

If in doubt, try.

Be a Tourist

 

Even though you're now a resident, it's a good idea to strike out on your own and do the touristy things. Go sightseeing. Stroll the streets. Find out what it is about your city that makes it so special. And while you're taking photos and absorbing the local vibe, you'll also overhear what outsiders are saying about where you now live. There's nothing more thrilling (well, almost nothing) than when you move to a new city or country and hear outsiders describe it with awe and wonder - it makes you so very grateful to be where you are - a reminder that you're lucky to have this chance to be a local.

Join Clubs

 

To keep culture shock at bay you need to meet some locals and develop new friendships. There are a myriad of ways to do this depending on your interests. Finding local clubs and organizations can provide the perfect environment to get to know people who have a similar focus.  Whether it's a particular sport, hobby or cultural affiliation, most cities have local clubs or Meet-up groups that you can join.

Take a Class

 

Taking a course, either out of interest or to learn something new like the local language is a really easy way to meet new people. Again, like clubs, classes bring people together for a common interest. Plus, you'll meet people of varying ages and from different areas. If you take a language course, you'll also meet other foreigners who may or may not share your culture which is a great way to develop an international friendship.

Volunteer

 

Volunteering is another great way to get to know new people and develop strong relationships. I always recommend this approach for people who really want to get involved and feel part of their new community.

Volunteer positions can be found fairly easily by searching for them online, checking out local ads or postings, or just by asking. Look for some neighbourhood organizations that are of interest and introduce yourself, letting them know what you can offer.

If language is a barrier, start simple. Volunteer for a mail-out or by boxing canned goods for a local food bank. Depending on your native language, you may find the local community centre or school needs a language instructor. Teaching is one of the best ways to not only share your culture and language but also to learn the native language.  Students are always the best teachers.

Join an Expat Community

 

Last one my list is to suggest you join an expat community.  While this is often the first place a foreign worker or traveller turns to when culture shock sets in, it can promote a more isolationist environment where you find yourself with people who share a common language and culture, preventing you from becoming more integrated into the local scene. Of course, everyone will find comfort in different places and it you are really having a hard time adapting, seeking out people from home is not a bad thing at all - do whatever is best to help you through this difficult transition.

Expat communities can also help you maintain your culture, in particular, if you've made a permanent move and you want to ensure ties to home are maintained.

Remember, find those things that make you feel more at home in your new country and soon, before you know it, you'll be giving tourists directions and telling other travellers the best places to find take-out and good coffee.