Why Moving Abroad Can Lead to Criticism of Your New Home - The Acculturation Process Explained
Moving abroad is a significant milestone that can bring both excitement and challenges. Many individuals dream of experiencing different cultures, but the reality of living in a foreign country can sometimes lead to criticism of aspects of the new homelands. This phenomenon can be attributed to the process of acculturation, where individuals adjust to a new culture.
The Acculturation Process
The experience of moving to a foreign country often involves a series of emotional and behavioral adjustments. According to the Kubler-Ross Change curve, the process of acculturation can be broken down into distinct stages, which can help explain why many individuals end up criticizing their new homes.
Initial Honeymoon Phase
Initially, many expatriates enter what can be described as a “honeymoon phase.” This period is typically marked by excitement, novelty, and a sense of adventure. Life in a new country is filled with new experiences, and the enthusiasm is palpable. However, this phase is famously short-lived, as reality soon sets in.
The Dip Period
After the initial excitement fades, many individuals experience a period of adjustment known as the “dip.” During this phase, the challenges of living in a foreign country become more apparent. This can include adapting to new social norms, understanding local customs, and dealing with bureaucratic challenges. This period can be emotionally challenging, leading some to voice criticisms or complaints.
Why People Don't Just "Stay Home"
There are several reasons why people choose to move abroad rather than staying in their home countries:
Falling in Love with Locals
Many individuals move abroad to be with someone they love. This can create a strong emotional bond, leading to a desire to embrace the culture and lifestyle of that new country.
Expert Advancement Opportunities
Work and career opportunities can also drive people to relocate. Expatriate assignments can offer significant career advancement, making the move a strategic decision.
Adventurous Souls
For some, the thrill of new experiences is enough to make the move. Exploring different cultures and lifestyles can be incredibly appealing.
Refuge and Asylum
Certain individuals may move abroad as refugees or asylum seekers, fleeing from their home countries due to persecution, war, or other dire circumstances.
Running from Difficulties
Other people may seek to escape from their home countries due to political oppression, a lack of social and economic opportunities, or even healthcare issues like exorbitant medication prices.
Adjusting to a New Culture
Adapting to a new culture is a complex process. Each country has its own set of expectations, norms, and systems that need to be understood and accommodated. There are numerous examples of the kinds of adjustments individuals face:
Bureaucratic Challenges
Every culture and country has its own unique bureaucracy. For instance, in some countries, businesses may require letters from the government to proceed with transactions, or contracts may require specific cancellation letters. This can take time to understand and navigate.
Differences in Daily Life
Individuals often need to adjust to differences in daily life, such as the hours during which certain services are available, cultural expectations around meal times, and the population's general behavior. Each country has its own “rules,” and these can be difficult to conform to at first.
Cultural Norms and Practices
Cultural practices can vary widely between countries. For example, a person moving from a culture that has a strong focus on privacy to one that values collective well-being may initially find this challenging.
Acculturation is a long-term process that requires time, patience, and an understanding of the complexities of human behavior and societal norms. While some may criticize their new homelands, the ability to acculturate is a measure of resilience and adaptability that can lead to a deeper appreciation of the new culture.
Conclusion
Moving abroad is not just a decision based on excitement and adventure; it is a series of emotional and behavioral challenges. Acculturation, the process of adapting to a new culture, can lead to both excitement and criticism. By understanding the stages of acculturation, individuals can better navigate the challenges of living in a foreign country and find deeper meaning in the cultural experiences they encounter.