Managing culture shock as an immigrant

Arriving and living in a new country is a unique chapter in some people’s lives. It means new opportunities, new people to meet and new experiences.

During the honeymoon phase of arriving in a new country, you may feel excited and optimistic about what is ahead in your newfound home. After several weeks, however, you may experience culture shock. You miss your old city or country and feel lonely.

To cope with culture shock and the overwhelming emotions it can bring, the recommendations below may help:

Keep going

Deciding to move indefinitely to a new country is a noble pursuit. Despite the homesickness that you may feel, it may help to keep learning more about the culture. Focus on the good experiences, maintain the values that resonate with you and look forward to how you can thrive in this new chapter in your life.

Do proper self-care

Exploring a new place is fun, but it can also wear out your energy. It is essential to be mindful of your health, needs and the self-care rituals that remind you that you are safe, sheltered and at home.

Explore unpopular destinations

This may sound counterproductive in coping with culture shock, but exploring unpopular locations may help you acclimate. This will help make you feel more familiar with your surroundings and minimize the fear of getting lost in a foreign country that is now your home.

Lean on your support system

When feelings of loneliness set in, speaking to someone about it is vital. It can be a trusted loved one back home, a relative who also lives in this new city or a reliable new friend you have met. Experiencing culture shock is not a bad thing. However, it is essential to have people who can remind you that your decision to move to a new place is a courageous and adventurous endeavor.

Besides managing culture shock and starting a new chapter in North Carolina, it is also essential to remain mindful of immigration laws. This is especially important if you also plan to bring your family to the United States. An experienced immigration law attorney can help with applying for permanent residency, immigration visas, the naturalization process and many others.