Embracing Local Living: How You Can Quickly Feel at Home in a New Country
Do you also think some people feel less like an outsider in a new country? You can say that it’s their personality and they’re just cool people. If that’s not you and adjusting to a different culture seems daunting, you don’t need to worry, though. With a few strategic approaches, it’s possible to feel at home in a relatively short time. Here are some tips specifically for expats aiming to adapt and embrace their new cultural surroundings quickly.
1. Explore the Neighborhood
As an expat, step away from tourist hubs and delve into local neighborhoods. Wander through bustling markets, sip coffee at corner cafés, and interact with residents. These authentic experiences offer a glimpse into daily life and the local community.
2. Don’t Miss Cultural Events and Festivals
Attend cultural events and festivals happening in your area. These vibrant celebrations often showcase traditional music, dance, and culinary delights, providing a crash course in local customs and traditions.
3. Try the Local Cuisine
Food is a universal language. Dive into the local cuisine by exploring restaurants, street food stalls, and markets. Try local dishes not only familiar to your taste buds but also open doors to new experiences and tastes.
4. Volunteer in Your Community
Engage with the community by volunteering or participating in local projects. Contributing your time or skills not only benefits the community but also increases your sense of belonging.
5. Learn the Language to Connect with People
While becoming fluent might not happen overnight, learning basic phrases or taking crash courses in the local language helps you with everyday interactions. And it also shows respect for the culture of your new home.
6. Use Public Transportation and Local Services
To get around, embrace the public transportation system and local services in your city. This not only aids in navigation but also provides you with insights into daily routines and the lifestyles of the locals.
7. Attend Cultural Workshops and Classes
Enroll in workshops or classes focusing on local arts, crafts, cooking, or dance. These immersive experiences offer practical insights into cultural practices and skills. And they’re a lot of fun!
8. Be More Culturally Sensitive and Adaptable
Be observant of local customs, respect social norms, and stay open-minded to different perspectives and practices. While embracing local customs, you can also respectfully share aspects of your culture to find mutual understanding and appreciation.
9. Seek Local Connections and Expatriate Communities
Networking with fellow expats and locals helps in navigating the cultural landscape and offers support during the adjustment period. You can use InterNations communities and events to meet new people and create more memories in your new home.
Starting to feel at home as an expat and not as an outsider takes effort, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace differences. By actively engaging with the culture and community, you can forge a deeper connection and create a sense of belonging in your new home.
About Beste Cevik
Beste is the Corporate Communications Intern at InterNations. She moved to Germany around a year ago and currently lives in Göttingen as a master's student. She likes to travel and learn about other cultures.
Article topics
Related articles
Summer Celebrations around the World
From plentiful feasts to a dazzling display of thousands of fireworks, summer celebrations are anything but dull. Here’s some of the most remarkable events taking place worldwide in the coming months.
Expat Tips: Always Have Something to Look Forward To
How we live our lives is solely in our control, but with often months to go before the next big vacation, we fall into a rut, feeling like there is little to look forward to. It doesn’t have to be this way, though! Here are five ways to keep yourself excited about all life has to offer.
The 4 Stages of Culture Shock
Culture shock is arguably the hardest part of moving abroad. There is no concrete timeline to culture shock and everyone experiences it to different degrees. But did you know it is a process with different stages? From the honeymoon phase to acceptance, where are you at in the cycle?
Three Times I Wanted to Move Back Home
Many expats experience the inevitable culture shock and going back home seems like the only plausible solution. But when language barriers, cultural differences, and isolation put a damper on your expat life, being more social, adventurous, and open to new things can cure the homesickness.
Let’s Talk Mental Health — Get Inspired
It’s okay not to be okay, but never give up on yourself! Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change our mindset and how we think and feel about life. It may be easier said than done, but when you change the way you think, it can give you a fresh new outlook.