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Hints: Adapting to Your New Environment

Practical Information for foreigners, expats and expatriates moving to Indonesia - find out about housing, schooling, transport, shopping and more to prepare you for your stay in Indonesia

 

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Major life changes - even positive ones - always involve stress. When you think of some of the stressful times in an average person’s life - moving to a new community, changing careers, separating from loved ones - moving overseas is the equivalent of facing several of these changes at once, while surrounded by an unfamiliar language and culture and lacking the support systems you relied on at home.

It is only natural for us to react to this kind of upheaval with a temporary case of what is referred to as transitional/cultural shock.

Here are some hints to help you cope with your new situation and to avoid the inevitable culture shock that a move to a foreign country leads to:.

  • Build a support network and make new friends. Spending time with other experienced expatriates can be helpful in this transition period. Join community groups where you can meet others in similar circumstances or with similar interests.
  • Be proactive in seeking information and resources. Learning about your new environment will help you feel more comfortable and confident.
  • Create a comfortable home base - your home is your safe haven. Read our Tips on Preparing your home for residence.
  • Get sufficient rest and maintain a well balanced diet.
  • Be patient with yourself and acknowledge how you feel. Keep in mind that each family member may react differently to the move. Encourage each family member to talk about their feelings and problems and to support each other. Expressing themselves in letters, e-mails or a diary can also be helpful.
  • Be culturally sensitive - become aware of cultural differences as well as the specific difference between your own culture and that of your host country.
  • View challenges as new opportunities.
  • Integrate into your community at your own level of comfort.
  • Find meaningful and enjoyable activities - engage in new hobbies, volunteer work, join local clubs or organizations or explore the sights of the city.
  • Practice stress-reducing techniques that work for you. i.e.. listening to music, yoga, exercise or meditation.
  • Join a community sports club or group for the strees relief of exercise and to build your circle of helpful and supportive friends.
  • Join a faith community for support and encouragement
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

 

Our thanks to Colliers International for their generous contribution of this article, which we have further adapted.
Housing and schooling information for expats in Indonesia expatriate website for Indonesia Indonesian language translation of article

Practical Information for foreigners, expats and expatriates moving to Indonesia - find out about housing, schooling, transport, shopping and more to prepare you for your stay in Indonesia

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