In a foreign country, emigrants go through a long process of adaptation, the goal of which is integration
Moving is a distressing situation. Many problems we face in another country are accompanied by greater stress than at home, because they are often compounded by other difficulties, such as poor language skills or a basic lack of knowledge of the country's cultural norms. All the individual's efforts are directed at changing value orientations, social attitudes, and role behavior, because our success in the new life depends on it.
The dynamics and speed of adaptation in a foreign country are influenced by a number of objective and subjective factors, the most important of which are the degree of difference and similarity between the native and foreign cultures, as well as their specific features, level of proficiency in the foreign language, support structures (relatives or social services), cognitive and personality traits of the emigrant, and the desire or unwillingness to adapt. Education and age are also important – young educated people adapt the fastest.
Successful adaptation is accompanied by a feeling of harmony with the surrounding world and implies not assimilation, dissolution into another culture, but integration, when, while learning about the cultural norms, values, and customs of another country, a person does not lose the richness of their own culture.
Here are some tips to help cope with adaptation difficulties. One of the main problems at the initial stage is language. Spend at least a couple of hours a day studying the language. Watch national television channels, listen to radio and music in the language of the country you have decided to link your new life to. Be sure to communicate with native speakers. For example, even an ordinary everyday situation, such as looking at a grandfather clock in a store, can be educational for you, because you can talk to the salesperson, learning not only the language but also the culture of behavior. The faster you learn the language, the sooner you will get rid of the feeling of helplessness in a foreign country. Communicate with other emigrants like yourself; this will help you understand the universality of your problems. By supporting each other, you will overcome adaptation difficulties faster together.
Try to learn more about the cultural characteristics of the country, its traditions, and rules of behavior. When communicating with locals, show respect for their culture by acting in accordance with its norms. Make a plan for the next year, do not relax, do not be lazy, and celebrate even your small victories.
Be sure to pay attention to your own development and learning – sign up for driving courses, language courses, a gym (besides the main benefit, you will also get an opportunity to communicate and make friends), look for work. Remember that you are a strong and determined person, because it is these qualities that helped you decide to take such a serious step as moving to a new country, to a new life.
If you cannot cope on your own, contact emigrant support centers, take training courses. After all, the cost of working in training groups will fully justify itself with the feeling of harmony with the environment and confidence in yourself and your own happy future in a foreign country that will settle in your soul.