Spanish sign. Photo Credit: jairojehuel from pixabay
When we first arrive in the Costa Blanca as new residents, the culture we are joining can seem relatively out of our grasp. The culture shock can feel overwhelming.
Partner a culture unlike our own with language barriers, and for many, our Spanish neighbours may only open up after years of minimal communication.
Recent studies have shown that facing culture shock and overcoming challenges makes for a more resilient expat, less likely to fall into homesickness and more able to adapt to unfamiliar work environments in their new country.
Addressing challenges proactively helps with integration
Expat Lifestyle says that “Successful integration hinges on addressing these challenges proactively, fostering understanding, and building bridges to bridge the gap between expatriates and their new cultural surroundings.”
The best way to do this is through immersion in both native and expatriate cultures. That could be taste testing traditional foods but immersion also includes social interactions and language learning as a component of successful cultural integration.
There is sometimes a misunderstanding amongst expats that to fully integrate yourself in local society means to drop any association with other expatriates in your community. That might be doing us more harm than good. Expat Network says that “It’s important to acknowledge the existence of culture shock and the potential difficulties that may arise. Seek support from fellow expats or support groups who can provide guidance and understanding.”
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