3 important aspects to adapt to a new country

The process of change that living in another country entails is a situation that anyone can see as psychologically destabilizing.

There are different reasons in which people decide to move from one territory to another, emigrate (improvements in personal stability, search for opportunities, difficulties in the country of birth), and this change brings with it a set of elements that is important to take into account.

Emigrating, a demanding challenge 

Migrating without proper preparation can result in poor adaptation to the new site, feelings of guilt, feeling sad expressed in a feeling of emptiness, discouragement and frustration not understanding what is happening are some of the elements that can make the transition difficult.

This is why it is important to take into account the following three aspects to consider.

1. Self-awareness: knowing yourself to face the hard times

From the theory of emotional intelligence, self-awareness is the key point to overcome and be successful in any situation

, basically it is to recognize that you are feeling in the moment (joy, sadness, guilt) and what is the reason for this emotion, knowing oneself will facilitate social and cultural readjustment in the new context, understand and feel will allow a proper management of our emotions promoting pleasant feelings.

It is natural that in some cases there are feelings of loneliness, due to physical distancing from relatives and places of habit, sadness and nostalgia due to the desire to see loved ones or be in previously habitual places. Understanding these feelings is allowing them to remain in a shorter time, questions such as: what am I feeling and what reason do I have to feel it? What do I feel I need? What can I do to improve my mood?

2. Open up to the new human and physical environment and enjoy novel situations

In a study carried out by Pacheco A, Luca I, et al in 1984 with young Puerto Ricans, they developed the phases of the adaptation process in another country.

TO. Fusion phase between self and environment

The first of these is the phase of fusion between the self and the demands of the environment: this phase suggests the ability to be flexible and give in to the demands of the environment. demands of the environment, at this stage you can try new clothes, doing different activities or experimenting tastes and interests new, adapting it to your values ​​and personality.

B. Conflict differentiation phase

The second is the conflict differentiation phase or its isolation from the receiving environment, suggests an open criticism of the new environment considering a possible isolation from the environment and the society in which they find themselves. In this sense, changes in culture in general represent a challenge for migrants, who sometimes find it difficult to assimilate and accommodate in their own personal structure.

Identify what gives us confidence and liking the environment in which we are will promote the discovery of oneself. On the other hand, expanding experiences and learning will enrich the vision with which the world is perceived.

C. Hierarchical integration phase

The last is the phase of hierarchical differentiation and integration, after finding situations and places where it is possible to feel in confidence and comfortable, for example, a particular job, a sporting activity or something as simple as a square to which it is nice to go. Any alternative that is found will allow the integration of a new model of vision of the panorama, and as a result we will have benefits such as increased self-esteem, personal development finding new ways of thinking, feeling and living.

3. Think positively 

As previously mentioned, adaptation to another country may be perceived as destabilizing, represents the fall of a paradigm of customs and habits that were habitually maintained. This is why in the process situations will be triggered that depending on how we perceive them will affect us in lesser or greater degree (difficulties in finding a job, change of diet or diet, stress and anxiety or limitations eventual).

The positive thinking theory offers to improve and position ourselves in the success of our plans more easily. To think positively is to objectively evaluate reality, being able to find different solutions and alternatives to each challenge, thinking From this approach, it allows to be aware of the weaknesses but will direct attention to the benefits, to the teachings and learnings of each situation. Allowing the approach, motivation, the predisposition to make adequate decisions, and in general to a suitable attitude towards the new change. With this vision all obstacles will be opportunities for improvement.

In this way we can find in employment difficulties an opportunity to broaden the panorama, be an explorer of creative ideas, be an entrepreneur in what you like and find a way to be successful.

The process of migratory change represents a challenge that few people dare to take, this is why whoever ventures to live an experience such as adapting to residence in a new country must be willing to acquire the skills and abilities to succeed in the experience. If you are going through a situation of adaptation to another country, you should consider that you are an entrepreneur and that, probably, your adventure will bring you extraordinary experiences and moments.