Is adapting to a new culture challenging in today's world?

Adapting to life in a new country is quite a difficult task. Expats not only have to deal with cultural differences, but also have to socialize, deal with domestic and bureaucratic issues. But in this article we will still focus on cultural adaptation, or rather how it takes place in modern realities. 

After all, on the one hand, nowadays globalization helps people from different corners of the planet to find common ground more easily, but on the other hand it can add new contradictions. Let's get to the bottom of it!

1. Understanding cultural adaptation

Moving to a new country often begins with a wave of euphoria because everything seems so different, exciting and hopeful. However, culture shock - a common phenomenon for an expatriate - can soon set in. 

Anyone who has already moved to a foreign country, or is about to, has probably heard from the theory of four stages of adaptation: the ‘honeymoon’ stage, when everything seems interesting and new: followed by the ‘disillusionment’ stage, when cultural differences start to annoy; the ‘adaptation’ stage, when you start to get used to the new reality; and finally the ‘acceptance’ stage, when you come to terms with it and feel at home.

And strangely enough, for modern expats, the adaptation process has become more difficult because of the rapid pace of change in the world, including cultural norms.

2. Difficulties of cultural adaptation in the modern world

Yes, technology makes it easier to keep in touch with loved ones, but it can sometimes get in the way of full integration. If, after moving, an expat's social circle is limited to his or her compatriots via social media or online meetings, this can slow down the immersion into the culture of the country of residence. And the abundance of information on the internet creates certain expectations and stereotypes about the country, which may not match reality and lead to disappointment.

For example, expats in Georgia may expect local customs to be as described in online forums, but the actual situations may differ. The difference between expectations and reality is sometimes a cause of frustration for expats who are newcomers. 

From personal experience, we would like to add that people's opinion about a certain country can be very subjective, so even what may seem normal to most people may feel completely different to you. Everything is individual and depends on your priorities and value system.

3. What actions can help? 

Explore the local culture: seemingly the most obvious ways to adapt, but for some reason many people consider them fun for tourists - these include, attending cultural events, taking part in cookery workshops, engaging in local traditions, and of course, traveling around the new country.

1. Build a support network: Get to know locals and other expats. At first, it will be easier to socialize with compatriots, but try to form your circle of acquaintances so that it's not just made up of them. Join clubs, take interest classes or participate in expat events so you feel supported and make new friends. 

2. Learn the language: Language is one of the key signs of a cultural code. So even basic phrases can make everyday communication easier and help you build relationships with locals. Forget about such a phrase as language barrier. It's all about practice! Sign up for language courses, use apps (including Globbi), talk to native speakers - be proactive! 

3. Set realistic expectations: you need to be prepared for ups and downs. Cultural adaptation is an unpredictable process and if you experience disappointment, there's nothing wrong with you, trust me. Realistic (sometimes even lowered) expectations and patience will make the process easier.

4. How technology can help and hinder adaptation

Technology offers useful tools for adaptation, from language learning apps to online communities that offer support and advice. But being too attached to your home culture can slow down adaptation. Try to find a balance between virtual connections and live interaction with locals or expats from other countries to make it easier to integrate into a new culture. This is the purpose of our app, meet online, meet for coffee offline. A working scheme, tested by a founder!

Conclusion

In today's world, adapting to a new culture remains a challenging period for expats. Globalization and technology can both help and complicate the process. To make the adjustment easier, it's important to learn local traditions, make new friends and be open to new experiences to help overcome culture shock and feel at home in a new country.