{"id":2071,"date":"2023-11-01T10:02:27","date_gmt":"2023-11-01T10:02:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/?p=2071"},"modified":"2024-08-21T14:28:08","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T14:28:08","slug":"dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/","title":{"rendered":"Dealing with Culture Shock and Homesickness As An Expat"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Greetings, you brave soul! So you&#8217;ve decided to leave behind your familiar abode to explore uncharted territories, only to find yourself neck-deep in what&#8217;s known as &#8220;culture shock&#8221; with a sprinkle of homesickness? It\u2019s not the best of feelings, but the good news is that you hold the reins to tame this wild bull.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dealing with culture shock and homesickness as an expat begins with knowing which of these two types of emotional distress you\u2019re experiencing. When you know what you\u2019re up against, you can use appropriate coping mechanisms to clear your headspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rest of this post will help you figure out whether you\u2019re suffering from homesickness, culture shock, or both and arm you with the best tips and tricks for dealing with both stressors. Stick around for that and much more.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#Understanding_What_Youre_Feeling\" title=\"Understanding What You\u2019re Feeling\">Understanding What You\u2019re Feeling<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#Homesickness\" title=\"Homesickness\">Homesickness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#Culture_Shock\" title=\"Culture Shock\">Culture Shock<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#In_Short%E2%80%A6\" title=\"In Short\u2026\">In Short\u2026<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#How_to_Deal_With_Culture_Shock_As_An_Expat\" title=\"How to Deal With Culture Shock As An Expat\">How to Deal With Culture Shock As An Expat<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#Embrace_It\" title=\"Embrace It\">Embrace It<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#Dont_Be_Too_Hard_On_Yourself_If_You_Experience_Cultural_Mishaps\" title=\"Don\u2019t Be Too Hard On Yourself If You Experience Cultural Mishaps\">Don\u2019t Be Too Hard On Yourself If You Experience Cultural Mishaps<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#Immerse_Yourself_In_the_Local_Culture\" title=\"Immerse Yourself In the Local Culture\">Immerse Yourself In the Local Culture<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#How_to_Deal_With_Homesickness_As_An_Expat\" title=\"How to Deal With Homesickness As An Expat\">How to Deal With Homesickness As An Expat<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#Create_a_Home-Away-From-Home\" title=\"Create a Home-Away-From-Home\">Create a Home-Away-From-Home<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#Maintain_Healthy_Contact_With_the_People_Back_Home\" title=\"Maintain Healthy Contact With the People Back Home\">Maintain Healthy Contact With the People Back Home<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#Seek_Support_From_Other_Expats\" title=\"Seek Support From Other Expats\">Seek Support From Other Expats<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#General_Tips_for_Dealing_With_Both_Homesickness_and_Culture_Shock_as_an_Expat\" title=\"General Tips for Dealing With Both Homesickness and Culture Shock as an Expat\">General Tips for Dealing With Both Homesickness and Culture Shock as an Expat<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#Keep_Your_Hobbies_Alive\" title=\"Keep Your Hobbies Alive\">Keep Your Hobbies Alive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#Stay_Fit\" title=\"Stay Fit\">Stay Fit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#Embrace_the_Simple_Pleasures\" title=\"Embrace the Simple Pleasures\">Embrace the Simple Pleasures<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/#When_to_Seek_Professional_Help\" title=\"When to Seek Professional Help\">When to Seek Professional Help<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_What_Youre_Feeling\"><\/span>Understanding What You\u2019re Feeling<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alright, let&#8217;s kick things off with something essential: figuring out what&#8217;s going on in your head. Just because you\u2019ve chosen the self-help route doesn\u2019t mean you should skip this all-important step. Any effective healing endeavor, whether self-directed or administered by an expert, must begin with a diagnosis.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this context, \u201cdiagnosis\u201d means something slightly different from what you usually encounter at the doctor\u2019s office: figuring out whether you\u2019re dealing with culture shock or homesickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-862243a8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-862243a8\" src=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-08-21-15.26.22-A-comic-book-style-image-representing-Dealing-with-Culture-Shock-and-Homesickness-As-An-Expat.-The-image-features-an-expat-sitting-alone-on-a-bench-.webp\" alt=\"\" title=\"DALL\u00b7E 2024-08-21 15.26.22 - A comic book style image representing 'Dealing with Culture Shock and Homesickness As An Expat.' The image features an expat sitting alone on a bench\" srcset=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-08-21-15.26.22-A-comic-book-style-image-representing-Dealing-with-Culture-Shock-and-Homesickness-As-An-Expat.-The-image-features-an-expat-sitting-alone-on-a-bench-.webp 1024w, https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-08-21-15.26.22-A-comic-book-style-image-representing-Dealing-with-Culture-Shock-and-Homesickness-As-An-Expat.-The-image-features-an-expat-sitting-alone-on-a-bench--300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-08-21-15.26.22-A-comic-book-style-image-representing-Dealing-with-Culture-Shock-and-Homesickness-As-An-Expat.-The-image-features-an-expat-sitting-alone-on-a-bench--150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-08-21-15.26.22-A-comic-book-style-image-representing-Dealing-with-Culture-Shock-and-Homesickness-As-An-Expat.-The-image-features-an-expat-sitting-alone-on-a-bench--768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-08-21-15.26.22-A-comic-book-style-image-representing-Dealing-with-Culture-Shock-and-Homesickness-As-An-Expat.-The-image-features-an-expat-sitting-alone-on-a-bench--12x12.webp 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing whether you\u2019re experiencing culture shock or homesickness will help you choose the most effective interventions and coping mechanisms. These two emotional states have different underlying causes and often require tailored solutions, so knowing what you\u2019re grappling with will determine how well you can deal with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recognizing your feelings and understanding their root cause also gives you emotional clarity, something you\u2019ll need tons of to deal with homesickness and culture shock successfully. It\u2019ll help you rationalize what you&#8217;re going through and reduce the confusion that often accompanies these emotional states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you haven\u2019t picked up on it already, homesickness isn\u2019t the same as culture shock. Sure, there are overlaps between these two states of mind, but feeling like you want to hop on the next flight home isn\u2019t quite the same as being in a perpetual state of confusion about how things work in your new society.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To clear things up, let\u2019s take a closer look at what characterizes both emotional states:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Homesickness\"><\/span>Homesickness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best way to describe homesickness would be deep feelings of longing and nostalgia. It&#8217;s like having a heartache for your homeland, family, and the familiarity of your old stomping grounds. So if you&#8217;re getting misty-eyed over your childhood pet or missing mom&#8217;s homemade lasagna, your hometown friends, or anything else you used to love back home, chances are you\u2019re homesick.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Homesickness isn\u2019t a linear process; it comes in waves of varying intensity and frequency. It also affects everyone differently. Some may experience homesickness more acutely when they first arrive in a new place, while others might feel it more intensely as time goes on and the novelty of the new environment wears off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Culture_Shock\"><\/span>Culture Shock<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Feeling like a fish out of water? Confused about local customs or baffled by the way things work? That&#8217;s culture shock kicking in. It often brings frustration, anxiety, and even a bit of homesickness (this is one of those \u201coverlaps\u201d I was talking about earlier) as you navigate the new, often bewildering, culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Culture shock typically comes in Four stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Honeymoon Phase. Most expats are familiar with this one. You\u2019re buzzing about touching down in a foreign country. Everything is fascinating, and you&#8217;re feeling like an adventurous explorer. You&#8217;re hitting all the tourist spots, trying out local food, and taking a million photos.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Frustration Phase. So, after a while, reality hits: You&#8217;re not on vacation; you&#8217;re trying to live a normal life in a foreign land. You start noticing all the little annoyances and differences, from the language barrier to the strange customs. Frustration starts creeping in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Adjustment Phase. Slowly but surely, you start getting the hang of things. You figure out the transportation system, you&#8217;re able to buy groceries without feeling like an alien, and you even make a few local friends. You&#8217;re settling into your new life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Acceptance Phase. Finally, you accept that things are different, and that&#8217;s not a bad thing. You&#8217;re comfortable with the local customs, maybe even prefer them. You&#8217;ve formed deep connections, and your new home is starting to feel like, well, home.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, these stages aren&#8217;t set in stone. Some people breeze through them; for others, it&#8217;s a bit of a rollercoaster ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s also worth noting that some people experience an additional phase known as reverse culture shock. Also known as re-entry shock, this is a kind of culture shock expats experience after staying in a foreign country for a long time. It occurs as a result of growing accustomed to their host country\u2019s customs, values, and daily life so much that their own culture feels foreign when they return home.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conventional culture shock and re-entry shock are two sides of the same coin. They both bring about the same emotions, require almost identical interventions, and come in similar phases. Perhaps the only difference between the two is that most people find reverse culture shock to handle because they\u2019re returning to what was once a familiar environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_Short%E2%80%A6\"><\/span>In Short\u2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Culture shock means having trouble <a href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/understanding-local-customs-and-social-etiquette-in-a-new-country\/\">understanding local customs and social etiquette in a new country<\/a>, while homesickness means missing home and everything you like about it.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Culture shock often comes in stages, while homesickness often involves waves of emotions rather than distinct stages.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that you\u2019ve got an idea of what you\u2019re up against, let\u2019s get knee-deep into the actual interventions and coping strategies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For clarity purposes, let\u2019s tackle each state of mind separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Deal_With_Culture_Shock_As_An_Expat\"><\/span>How to Deal With Culture Shock As An Expat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The isn\u2019t a one-size-fits-all prescription for dealing with culture shock because everyone experiences and responds to it differently. What there are, however, are a couple of things you can do to manage it and fit into your new society as quickly as possible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s look at those \u201cthings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-684968ea\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-684968ea\" src=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-08-21-15.27.38-A-comic-book-style-image-representing-Dealing-with-Culture-Shock-and-Homesickness-As-An-Expat.-The-image-shows-a-person-sitting-alone-on-a-bench-ho.webp\" alt=\"\" title=\"DALL\u00b7E 2024-08-21 15.27.38 - A comic book style image representing 'Dealing with Culture Shock and Homesickness As An Expat.' The image shows a person sitting alone on a bench, ho\" srcset=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-08-21-15.27.38-A-comic-book-style-image-representing-Dealing-with-Culture-Shock-and-Homesickness-As-An-Expat.-The-image-shows-a-person-sitting-alone-on-a-bench-ho.webp 1024w, https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-08-21-15.27.38-A-comic-book-style-image-representing-Dealing-with-Culture-Shock-and-Homesickness-As-An-Expat.-The-image-shows-a-person-sitting-alone-on-a-bench-ho-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-08-21-15.27.38-A-comic-book-style-image-representing-Dealing-with-Culture-Shock-and-Homesickness-As-An-Expat.-The-image-shows-a-person-sitting-alone-on-a-bench-ho-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-08-21-15.27.38-A-comic-book-style-image-representing-Dealing-with-Culture-Shock-and-Homesickness-As-An-Expat.-The-image-shows-a-person-sitting-alone-on-a-bench-ho-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/DALL\u00b7E-2024-08-21-15.27.38-A-comic-book-style-image-representing-Dealing-with-Culture-Shock-and-Homesickness-As-An-Expat.-The-image-shows-a-person-sitting-alone-on-a-bench-ho-12x12.webp 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Embrace_It\"><\/span>Embrace It<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the absolute best things you can do to ease the uneasiness that comes with culture shock is to simply embrace the fact that it\u2019s a natural part of the expat experience. When you\u2019re caught up in worries about doing things the wrong way, offending people, or creating cringe-worthy moments, it\u2019s easy to forget that culture shock is a normal phenomenon for pretty much everyone who finds themselves in a new cultural landscape. That can add to your anxiety, which is the last thing you want.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So instead of being all uptight about it, embrace the shock.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why, you ask?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well, for starters, embracing this experience can be a catalyst for personal growth and learning. Diving headfirst into your new world of unfamiliar customs, traditions, and ways of life will broaden your perspectives and give your cultural awareness a much-needed boost. It\u2019ll also make you more adaptable, a skill you\u2019ll be thankful to have in your bag of tricks as you come to terms with how things work in your new home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Embracing culture shock also sets you up nicely to create a treasure trove of hilarious anecdotes and memorable moments. That time you accidentally bowed instead of shaking hands? Classic. The moment you ordered what you thought was chicken, but it turned out to be something far more exotic? Priceless. These stories will become your badges of honor, your &#8220;I survived culture shock&#8221; badges that you can proudly display to fellow expats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_Be_Too_Hard_On_Yourself_If_You_Experience_Cultural_Mishaps\"><\/span>Don\u2019t Be Too Hard On Yourself If You Experience Cultural Mishaps<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cultural mishaps are a natural part of the adaptation process and an opportunity for growth. Rather than obsessing over them, try to adopt a more flexible and forgiving attitude toward yourself. Remember that everyone makes cultural mistakes, and locals will almost always appreciate your efforts to learn and respect their culture, even if you stumble along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, this is easier said than done because most of us suffer from a psychological phenomenon known as <a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/10.1207\/S15327957PSPR0504_2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">negativity bias<\/a>. Without getting all nerdy about it, here\u2019s what this means: Our brains are hardwired to give more weight and attention to negative information and experiences compared to positive ones. This bias is thought to have developed as an adaptive mechanism over the course of human evolution to help us with survival and threat detection, among other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, how do you stop obsessing over past cultural mistakes when your brain doesn\u2019t want you to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My go-to move when I want to avoid ruminating over silly mistakes has always been to try to see the humorous side of things, and I strongly recommend it. There&#8217;s something liberating about having a chuckle at that one time you got things so comically wrong that it would make a sitcom writer jealous. Embracing the absurdity of life&#8217;s blunders can turn even the most cringe-worthy moments into entertaining anecdotes. After all, in the grand comedy of life, we all get to play the leading role in our own sitcom from time to time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So instead of obsessing over that one time you accidentally bowed instead of shaking hands or mistook a cultural norm for a bizarre ritual, learn to find humor in those awkward moments.&nbsp; It won\u2019t just put you at ease and allow you to learn from your mistakes; it\u2019ll also help you build emotional resilience, something you\u2019ll need heaps of when dealing with culture shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Immerse_Yourself_In_the_Local_Culture\"><\/span>Immerse Yourself In the Local Culture<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you really think about it, one of the reasons you\u2019re feeling out of place is because you\u2019re yet to get a hang of how things work in your new social settings. This is one hurdle embracing the local culture can help you get over.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting up close and personal with the local culture will help you engage more fully with your new environment. It&#8217;s a proactive and hands-on approach to dealing with culture shock that can enhance your cultural competence, beef up your adaptation skills, and enrich your overall expat experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wondering how you can immerse yourself in the local culture? Here are some suggestions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Learn the local lingo. Language is your golden ticket to culture immersion. Sure, you can get by with some basic phrases, but digging deeper into the local lingo can make all the difference. Not only does it help with everyday tasks like grocery shopping and asking for directions, but it&#8217;s also your bridge to local hearts and minds. Want to learn the local language as quickly as possible? Check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/how-to-learn-the-local-language-quickly-in-a-foreign-country\/\">guide<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Savor the local cuisine. Food is a universal language. When you dive into the local culinary scene, you&#8217;re in for a treat \u2013 literally. Trying out the local dishes isn&#8217;t just about satisfying your taste buds; it&#8217;s about understanding the culture&#8217;s history, traditions, and way of life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Celebrate like a local. From Holi in India to Carnival in Brazil, every culture has its own set of vibrant festivals. Don&#8217;t be a spectator; be a participant. Join in the festivities, dance to the local beats, and wear the traditional attire. You\u2019ll be surprised how much these little things can fast-track your way to cultural understanding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make local friends. Local friends are the ultimate cultural tour guides. They offer insights, invite you into their homes, and share the inside scoop on local customs and traditions. Building friendships is like having a cultural GPS for your new life abroad.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ditch tourist hotspots for the lesser-known gems. Go where the locals go. Wander through neighborhoods, visit local markets, and uncover the hidden treasures that don&#8217;t make it into guidebooks. This is where you&#8217;ll find the soul of a culture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Deal_With_Homesickness_As_An_Expat\"><\/span>How to Deal With Homesickness As An Expat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just like dealing with culture shock, dealing with homesickness isn&#8217;t a one-size-fits-all situation; you&#8217;ve got to mix and match different strategies to make things better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s a rundown of the most effective (and somewhat underrated) ways to kick homesickness to the curb:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Create_a_Home-Away-From-Home\"><\/span>Create a Home-Away-From-Home<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This simply means sprinkling your new pad with mementos or stuff that reminds you of your old home. Having a comforting haven amidst the unfamiliarity can help you cope with homesickness in a couple of ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It provides a sense of familiarity and comfort. Whether it&#8217;s decorating your space with items from home, cooking your favorite dishes, or following some of your home routines, these acts can be like a warm, familiar hug.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It\u2019s great for emotional support. Surrounding yourself with stuff that holds sentimental value can be a real emotional lifeline when you&#8217;re missing home like crazy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It helps you stay connected to your roots. This connection can serve as a reminder of who you are and where you come from, which can be particularly soothing when you&#8217;re feeling adrift in a foreign culture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It strikes a balance between embracing your new culture and keeping ties to your old one. As much good embracing your new cultural scene can do to your personal growth and adaptation, you still need to strike a balance between staying connected to your roots and trying to fit in. This balance is essential for your mental and emotional well-being as an expat, and creating a home-away-from-home can help you find that sweet spot.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It reduces stress. Having a place that feels like home can be a real stress buster. When you&#8217;re swamped by all the strange stuff in your new country, your cozy spot can be your go-to for chilling out and taking a breather.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Maintain_Healthy_Contact_With_the_People_Back_Home\"><\/span>Maintain Healthy Contact With the People Back Home<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The keyword here is \u201chealthy\u201d because there\u2019s a fine line to be walked. On one hand, communicating regularly with friends and family back home can come in clutch when you\u2019re feeling a tad lonely. On the other, overdoing it can make you miss home even more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, how often should you connect with the folks from the motherland?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well, it depends. Some expats thrive on a daily chat, while others find a weekly catch-up just right. My two cents? Keep it to a couple of times a week \u2013 making exceptions for special occasions, of course. It&#8217;s regular enough to keep you in the loop and maintain that emotional connection, but not so often that it feels like you never left your home country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, there&#8217;s no magic number. It&#8217;s all about what feels right for you. Trust your gut, and if you find yourself yearning for more contact or feeling a bit smothered, adjust your communication frequency accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seek_Support_From_Other_Expats\"><\/span>Seek Support From Other Expats<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Expat communities exist for several reasons, and helping fellow location rebels cope with homesickness is high on their agenda. They\u2019re an unorthodox support system you can lean on when the nostalgia and loneliness won\u2019t let off.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Expat groups are made of folks who get what it&#8217;s like to be far from home. Oftentimes, they\u2019ll have gone through the same rollercoaster of emotions you\u2019re feeling, meaning they can offer tips on how to cope with homesickness from lived experiences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you\u2019re not big on relying on other people\u2019s experiences to solve your issues, simply joining one of these groups can give you a sense of belonging (which is what most of us are actually craving when we\u2019re missing home). Plus, these communities organize events and meet-ups that can help you make friends.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finding an expat group shouldn\u2019t be too hard. You can take the digital route by joining online forums and social media groups, or use word of mouth to find local expat clubs. If it was up to me, I\u2019d be leaning more toward locally-based groups because proximity is important when you\u2019re trying to build a support system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"General_Tips_for_Dealing_With_Both_Homesickness_and_Culture_Shock_as_an_Expat\"><\/span>General Tips for Dealing With Both Homesickness and Culture Shock as an Expat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So far, we\u2019ve discussed the specific interventions for dealing with each of these two states of mind. Those work, but there\u2019s a little more you can do to speed up your progress when dealing with culture shock, homesickness, or both:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keep_Your_Hobbies_Alive\"><\/span>Keep Your Hobbies Alive<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the biggest mistakes you can make when culture shock and homesickness hits you like a truck is foregoing the little passions that made life worth living back home. I get it: when you\u2019ve got a lot going on emotionally, it\u2019s easy to think things like, &#8220;Do I even have time for hobbies?&#8221; or&nbsp; \u201cWouldn\u2019t I be better off dropping everything and facing homesick blues\/culture shock jitters head on?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But here\u2019s the truth: the last thing you want to do when you\u2019re in emotional distress is to retreat into your shell and forget about your leisure pursuits. Instead, this is when you should be actively trying to indulge in your passions and interests.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Think about it. When you engage in your hobbies, you&#8217;re in your happy place, and that&#8217;s like a mini-vacation from all the emotional rollercoasters you&#8217;re dealing with. Whether it&#8217;s painting, dancing, cooking, or collecting rare coins, hobbies offer a safe haven where you can be yourself, reconnect with your passions, and forget about those homesick blues or culture shock jitters for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plus, they can be your built-in social life. Join a local salsa class, a cooking group, or a gaming club, and you&#8217;ll find yourself bonding with people who share your interests. Making friends who share your perception of \u201cfun\u201d can be a real game-changer when it comes to adjusting to a new culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, don&#8217;t ditch your hobbies; embrace them like the lifelines they are. They&#8217;re your go-to when the going gets tough, your companions when you&#8217;re feeling a bit lost, and your ticket to sanity when homesickness and culture shock try to gang up on you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stay_Fit\"><\/span>Stay Fit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Exercise is the ultimate stress reliever. When you work out, your brain releases endorphins, which are essentially magical mood boosters that can turn a gloomy day into a sunny one. Since homesickness and culture shock are essentially forms of mental stress, why not relieve both with the added benefit of sculpting that expat bod?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Embrace_the_Simple_Pleasures\"><\/span>Embrace the Simple Pleasures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Never underestimate the power of small joys. It&#8217;s okay to savor a delicious local snack, binge-watch a cheesy TV show, or have a good laugh over a cultural faux pas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These simple pleasures are like little nuggets of gold in the expat adventure, and they&#8217;ll keep you grounded. Plus, they give your mind a much-needed break from thinking about what you miss about home and how things work in your home-away-from-home.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Seek_Professional_Help\"><\/span>When to Seek Professional Help<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let me preface this section with an important message: seeking professional help doesn&#8217;t mean you&#8217;ve failed in any way. We\u2019re all different, each with varying degrees of tolerance and ability to process emotional and physical distress. Some people may be able to fend off the stress that comes with homesickness and culture shock using self-help guides like the one you\u2019re reading right now, but others might need a bit of expert help. Either is fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deciding when to speak to a professional can be a little tricky if money is an issue. On one hand, you don\u2019t want to pay when you can DIY. On the other, you don\u2019t want to underestimate the severity of your emotional distress and end up with bigger fish to fry than homesickness\/culture shock.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, when should you throw in the towel and consider professional support? Here are some red flags to look out for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Persistent, overwhelming symptoms: If culture shock or homesickness symptoms persist and escalate into overwhelming anxiety and depression despite attempts at self-help and coping strategies, it may be time to consult a mental health professional.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Isolation and withdrawal. Are you increasingly avoiding social interactions to the point where it\u2019s causing distress or impacting your functioning? That\u2019s your mind crying out for professional help.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Physical health issues. Sometimes, the emotional toll of culture shock or homesickness can manifest in physical health problems, such as insomnia, frequent headaches, or digestive issues. When these issues are linked to your emotional struggles, you\u2019re overdue for a consultation with a healthcare professional.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thoughts of self-harm or suicide. This is a no-brainer; any thoughts of self-harm or suicide should be taken extremely seriously regardless of the underlying cause.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Impact on daily life and relationships. If your emotional struggles start getting in the way of your daily routine, making it hard to get along with the folks you love, or even messing with your job and self-care, that\u2019s your mind putting up a neon sign saying, &#8220;Time to talk to a pro!&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Greetings, you brave soul! So you&#8217;ve decided to leave behind your familiar abode to explore uncharted territories, only to find yourself neck-deep in what&#8217;s known as &#8220;culture shock&#8221; with a sprinkle of homesickness? It\u2019s not the best of feelings, but the good news is that you hold the reins to tame this wild bull. Dealing &#8230; <a title=\"Dealing with Culture Shock and Homesickness As An Expat\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/dealing-with-culture-shock-and-homesickness-as-an-expat\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Dealing with Culture Shock and Homesickness As An Expat\">Read more<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":10619,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[42],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-2071","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adjusting-to-a-new-culture","tag-reviewed","infinite-scroll-item","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2071","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2071"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2071\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10623,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2071\/revisions\/10623"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10619"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2071"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2071"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2071"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=2071"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}