Expatriates – Intercultural Adaptation

If the practical and administrative aspects are often well managed during an international assignment, the psychological aspect is sometimes overlooked. Adapting to the culture of the host country can be complicated and should be prepared …

If the practical and administrative aspects are often well managed during an international assignment, the psychological aspect is sometimes overlooked. Adapting to the culture of the host country can be complicated and should be prepared.

Cross-cultural adaptation usually takes place in three stages. The first time abroad is a discovery and are enjoyed. Then comes the culture shock that the differences in behavior and perspective are felt.This step can be complicated to live and lead by states of homesickness, depression, withdrawal into oneself. After a while comes the cultural reconciliation and acculturation: the differences are accepted and integrated personal benchmarks.

To best reduce the risk of discomfort during the culture shock, cultural adaptation and preparation is essential. 

The first thing to do is to document the most about the host country, this will get a first idea on the differences in lifestyles and benchmarks. Take evidence on the experiences of expatriation in the same country to help identify the difficulties of intercultural adaptation. Learning the language is also something crucial for successful adaptation.

If you have the opportunity to follow an intercultural training course, enter it. This is sometimes offered by companies expatrient many of their employees. Training programs focus on the differences between cultures and benchmarks focus on cross-cultural conflicts and how they can be overcome.

A reconnaissance trip of the host country is also a great way to get in touch with his culture before expatriation.

Once there your openness and initiative will be put to work to live the best culture shock.Understanding and acceptance of differences and the construction of new benchmarks incorporating such differences are the key to successful adaptation.

To understand the local customs try to reach out to others to speak the language as often as possible.Choose social activities rather than individual. Try to experience the rhythm of other people to do the same things at the same times. Contact the local associations.

There are significant expatriate communities in all major cities worldwide. This will allow you to share your experience with people having the same reference as you. However, do not you shut up and stay in communalism in contact with Aboriginal people.

Enjoy your work to make contact with the local population. If you have the opportunity, take advantage of support services offered by your employer.

If your family accompanies you, live whole experience of expatriation. Often spouses or children may feel isolated, encourage them to be actors in their adaptation. Make the most of their time together to soak up local habits. Do not close yourself.

Culture shock is normal for expatriates, but this is often a step forward with pleasure to enjoy the adventure of expatriation. After a successful intercultural adaptation, we must know that the return to the country of origin may also be complicated. Habits and cultural landmarks have changed and we must re-acclimate to the environment that we had forgotten. It’s the reverse culture shock! But this will be the topic for another article.

Expatriation good!

This article would not have been possible without the help of ACS, Travel Insurance specialists and expatriates. If you are going abroad, an expatriate insurance is essential. Feel free to contact counselors ACS http://www.acs-ami.com/fr/acs/ami. They will gladly help you find the solution that suits you best.