You’ve read up on your new country, and you know as much as you can about its culture, values, and expectations. But what about your own? Believe it or not, the people you meet in your new country will be just as interested in learning about your culture and background as you are in theirs.
Culture shock — it’s a term many past, present, and future expats are tired of hearing. Your new life in a new country will be overwhelming at first. What many people don’t realize, however, is that a greater understanding of your own culture can actually make the transition easier.
While cultural differences can be one of the hardest things to overcome when relocating to another country, they’re also a great conversation starter, as long as you know what you’re talking about.
#### You Eat What for Breakfast…?
You’ve made it through your first week of work, and it’s all going relatively well. To make things even better, some of your colleagues are heading out to dinner after work and invite you to join — a great start to your expat adventure.
After helping you translate the menu and having a laugh over your reaction to some of the unfamiliar food combinations on offer, the conversation turns to your home delicacies. The breakfast, in particular, gets an unusual reaction — why in the world did the Brits ever think fried meat and greasy bread was a good idea for breakfast?
Suddenly, you start to question your own habits and see them through everyone else’s eyes. So, you can accept that your country has weird eating habits, but it really does taste good! One promise of a traditional home-cooked meal later, and the reputation of your country’s cuisine is on the line.
#### But What Really Happened?
When it comes to history, you’re the native and considered the expert. Half an hour into a conversation about the battle for independence and multiple civil wars, however, you quickly realize that everything you learned in history class ten years ago just isn’t enough. You’ve never thought about it from an outsider’s point of view — you’ve always just accepted it as what it is, a part of your culture.
But when listening to the reasons behind all the troubles from a different viewpoint, it really does sound a bit ridiculous.
Discussing your own country’s history with people from around the world can rid you of biased opinions and encourage you to see the whole picture. Before you know it, you’ll be a history expert and informing everyone back home of your new outlook whenever you get the chance.
#### Eye Contact, Handshakes, and Awkward Encounters
Communication is often one of the biggest struggles of expat life, especially if you’re moving to a country without knowing the local language. But communication is not just about words; it’s about body language, eye contact, mannerisms, and so much more. You pick up the general mannerisms of those you’ve grown up with, and because of this, you see these small habits as normal — it’s as easy as breathing.
Still, becoming an expat means you need to learn to embrace a new version of normal.
If you move to America from an Asian country, for example, the different cultural expectations for something as simple as eye contact can cause confusion. In Asia, not making eye contact is seen as a sign of respect, whereas in America, avoiding eye contact can be seen as a sign of dishonesty — see the dilemma?
Even saying hello can be a challenge. Should you shake hands? Maybe a polite nod? Or is a brief hug and peck on the cheek better? After a couple of awkward hugs, you soon get the hang of the local greeting and start to question your own — shaking hands just seems so impersonal, why not give a friendly hug instead?
#### … But There Is an Upside
Don’t worry, there are so many positives to this learning curve. With what you’ve learned from all the questions and discussions, you can now see your own home country through a non-native’s eyes.
Maybe you’ll start to appreciate your culture a little bit more — suddenly you miss those Sundays in Germany that were family days. Or maybe you’ll realize that something that once made sense really does seem like a waste of time (you missed out on so much working those long hours every week). Either way, you’ll see your home country in a new light and appreciate the little things a lot more.
Leaving behind home comforts for a “new normal” can also make you realize how much your own culture held you back. If you’re from a country where having a good job and providing for a family is the number one priority, moving to a country where relaxation and new experiences are encouraged can open so many new doors. Maybe you’ll pick up a new hobby or spend less time making your children do homework and encourage them to pick up a new sport.
Expats are also often more aware of their home culture in that they realize their way is not necessarily the right way. They quickly learn that projecting their values onto someone else is not the way to go. Even though something is normal for you, it may not be right for others. Many people confuse their own culture with basic human nature, but expats quickly learn that “normal” can have many different definitions.
As Carl Jung once said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”
Expats are among some of the most open-minded people in the world, not just to other cultures, but also to their own. Who knows, maybe you’ll love your new country’s culture much more than your own, or maybe you’ll start to appreciate home more. Either way, moving abroad is ironically one of the best ways to learn more about the country you leave behind.
About Jerry Nelson
Jerry Nelson is a seasoned freelance writer based in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Jerry captures the essence of life in Argentina through his engaging and insightful blog posts. His journey as an expat began over a decade ago when he left the United States to embrace the rich culture and dynamic lifestyle of Buenos Aires.
Jerry’s writing reflects his deep appreciation for the city’s charming sidewalk cafes, bustling markets, and eclectic neighborhoods. His personal experiences and observations offer readers a unique perspective on what it means to live and thrive in this South American metropolis. Whether he’s discussing the nuances of Argentine politics or sharing anecdotes from his daily adventures, Jerry’s voice resonates with authenticity and warmth.
Beyond his writing, Jerry enjoys exploring the city’s hidden gems with his Argentine wife, Alejandra. Together, they savor the local cuisine, enjoy the vibrant arts scene, and immerse themselves in the diverse cultural tapestry that makes Buenos Aires so captivating. Jerry’s love for his adopted home shines through in every piece he writes, making his blog a must-read for anyone interested in the expat experience and the allure of Buenos Aires.
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- Culture Shock
- Expat Life
- Communication
- Cultural Differences
- Self-Discovery
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