Culture shock is something that everyone who spends an extended period of time living overseas experiences. Unless you are prepared for it, it really has the potential to ruin the entire experience. And overseas moves may present very specific challenges that can sometimes catch you off guard.
To help ease the transition for you, we created a shortlist of the 5 main culture shocks you are likely to face upon your arrival, and as you try to settle into your new environment.
5 Culture Shocks To Be Ready For:
- Language – This is an obvious place to start if you are making the move to a non-English speaking country. It’s not just about conversations. Everything from road signs to popular media to restaurant menus is going to be in a language unfamiliar to you. If you’ve got time to learn some of the basics before you leave, do it. Tourist phrase books are essential tools, while Fodor’s offers some worthwhile language aids to download. And of course, there’s the ever-popular Rosetta Stone.
- Personal Interaction – How people interact can differ greatly between countries. For example, the English are often seen as being cold towards strangers, when in fact they’re simply exhibiting the famous “stiff upper lip.” In Japan, folding your arms while speaking to a senior colleague is about as rude as you can get. These subtle interactions are central to how a society works, so avoiding locals and clinging to fellow expats is probably the worst thing you can do. The only really way to learn is to interact – just be prepared to listen and learn.
- Social Faux Pas – Every culture has its do’s and don’ts, and you’d be surprised with what are considered faux pas in different countries – especially at work. In Canada, blood boils when people jump lines, but in many Asian countries, lines are often completely ignored. The range is quite extensive, of course, and much depends on the regions within a country, but some cultural research will give you a good chance of successfully negotiating the minefield.
- Connectivity – Different countries have different standards in Internet service, and have varying connection methods (wireless, broadband, DSL, ISDN and cable). Not only that, but costs, download speeds and service bureaucracy can all differ greatly too. It’s hard to understate the importance of an internet connection for keeping in touch with friends, family, employees and clients, but also for doing research on your new home and finding your way around.
- Check out the internet services and costs in the country you’re moving to.
- Set up an email address accessible from any computer (like Gmail).
- Don’t change your cell phone immediately after your overseas move. See if you can configure it to the local system or use international roaming until you get sorted out.
- Check the electrical voltage and outlet style in your new country, and get adaptors so you can charge your laptop or phone.
- Banking System – You will need a working bank account as soon as possible. Your new employers may help you set an account up, but when it comes to everyday services, you may find things more difficult than expected. There are lots of banks operating internationally (like Citibank, HSBC). That can help to smooth over issues like transferring funds, but opening an account with a local bank gives you local ATM and credit cards, keeping fees low.
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