ExpatWomen Confession:


Dear EW Girlfriend,

I am moving to my first overseas posting with my company in two months.  From what I’ve heard it can be quite difficult to settle in and that culture shock can cause some problems.  I’m relocating on my own and will be starting my job immediately.  Do you have any tips on adjusting to my new life quickly so I can hit the ground running and hopefully prevent any nasty culture shock?

CM

ExpatWomen Girlfriend:

Dear CM,

Thanks for your email and congratulations on the new job!  Hmmmm, you have heard correctly about all the ‘difficulties’ that some expatriates face when on the move and unfortunately there is no way to guarantee 100% protection against these feelings and experiences.  There are however a few things that I found to be helpful in the past when I’ve moved and have had the luxury of time on my side before the move.  In my experience you’ve hit the nail on the head with the idea of ‘hitting the ground running’.  I think it is absolutely invaluable to find out as much as you can about your new home, make contact with as many clubs and organisations as you can in your new location and even arrange to meet with some of them before you get on the plane (perhaps via email, telephone or webcam). 

Find out where your office is located, any tips on areas to live in and get a real estate agent on your case – before you’ve even left!  I sincerely believe the longer you leave it to get out and explore your new community, the more difficult it becomes and the harder it is to muster up the courage.  Actively making inroads into unfamiliar territory can give you that sense of control you suddenly feel like you’ve lost.  And there is nothing more comforting than meeting a kindred spirit in your first few weeks in a new place – most people love to be the ‘expert’ in a situation and offer advice. Use this generous willingness and ask as many questions as possible.  After all, one day you will be able to return the favour to a wide-eyed newcomer.  So you’ve been warned about the impending culture shock and all the uneasiness that goes with unfamiliar territory, but you are also about to embark on an incredible opportunity and encounter an experience of a lifetime.  With a bit of preparation and a lot of understanding, you will have a blast. 

ExpatWomen Girlfriend
March 2007 

Our ExpatWomen Girlfriend is originally from New Zealand.  She has been living abroad as an expatriate since 1996.  She has an educational background in Human Resources and Cross Cultural Psychology and has worked with expatriate support issues at the private, corporate and non-profit level.  In 2004, she saw a need and established an English speaking hotline in her expat location, offering free mental health support to the growing expatriate population. The hotline provides confidential and anonymous support and information via trained telephone volunteers and is funded through corporate sponsorship.  Our ExpatWomen Girlfriend has always been an active member in the various expatriate communities she has lived in, providing cross-cultural awareness training and informal counselling sessions with a particular focus on the 'trailing spouse' and family.

Disclaimer: This column is intended to be of general interest to ExpatWomen.com visitors.  Its suggestions and/or inferences are generalisations and do not address the needs of individuals, nor should they be relied upon in any shape or form.  Please seek professional advice/counselling/therapy If you genuinely need assistance to talk through issues in your life right now.