Expat woman: Cultural Shock Hello this is Andrea Cairella Licensed Professional
Counselor and Expat and Cultural Adjustment Consultant on True Potential TV the place
where you can nurture your relationship, transform your life, and enhance your wellbeing.
Are you an expat woman going through culture shock?
Moving overseas can be an exciting, yet overwhelming experience. As an expat woman you may be going
through cultural shock and the loss of the familiar, while also experiencing discomfort
and uncertainty with the new. Today I have 10 tips that can help you transition to your
new home overseas. Feel free to share this with other expat women you know.
Remember Rome Wasn't Built In A Day: Cultural adjustment takes time. Be fair with yourself.
Expect that integration into a new culture can be challenging. Be patient with yourself.
You are in a process of learning. 2. Compare Notes: Chat with other expat women
you know and share your experiences with one another.
3. You Got Skills Girlfriend: List your accomplishments, internal resources and transferable skills
that you possess and apply them to your current life circumstance. If you do not possess those
skills, develop the necessary qualities, strengths and resources you need to succeed. Some examples
include mindfulness and stress reduction techniques. 4. Spread Your Wings and Fly: Research about
your new location, seek out expat clubs, business associations, sporting groups and other international
social clubs. Some include InterNations, Professional Women's Association or even research expat
women groups in your area. 5. Muster Up The Courage: As an expat woman
it is important to explore and get oriented to your new community because it will give
you a sense of control and power. 6. Be Alert Of Signs Of Mental Illness: An
expatriate assignment, like any significant life change, can worsen or even precipitate
mental illness such as depression, anxiety or a range of adjustment disorders. The expat
who experiences difficulty with culture shock or any signs of mood disturbances, or observes
the same in a family member, should seek the advice of a mental health professional.
7. Learn The Local Language: Learn the basics before you go to lower the impact of culture
shock on arrival or begin learning today. 8. Try To Leave Judgments Behind: Try your
hardest not to compare your new location with your old location...comparing will hinder
your ability to settle in...accept that different people and cultures have other ways of operating
this can help you reduce nasty culture shock and can expand your flexibility to adjust
to a new culture. 9. Smile: Despite it being hard sometimes,
set the intention to shift your mood and turn that frown upside down.
The last suggestion for today is to:
10. Refrain From Regret & Rejoice: Although you need to acknowledge the grief and loss
of your career/job and your friends and family, you can also look at this transition as an
opportunity. Celebrate that you have the freedom and time to do what you have always wanted,
explore your new surroundings, travel to new countries and meet new people, start your
own business, pursue higher education, get healthy, have new hobby, learn a new language,
give back, take personal growth opportunities, spend more quality time with your partner
and kids, learn about the stock market, take your time to relax and get balanced...the
possibilities are endless. Now I'd love to hear from you. What have been
your biggest challenges as an Expat Woman dealing with Cultural Shock? What tips have
fellow Expat Women shared with you? Share your stories, tips and suggestions. Interesting
insights and conversations always happens after the episode at TruePotentialCounseling.com
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you next Tuesday on True Potential TV.