When moving to a new country, one of the best ways to be adjusted to your new home is to integrate into the culture as best you can. However, we understand that this sometimes may be more difficult than it seems. This is why we have put together a list of ten tips on how to integrate into a new country.

1. Jump in head first

First things first, when moving to a new country, you need to jump in headfirst! Have an open mind and be willing to try new things. Attempt to learn about the culture, mingle with locals, and try the country’s delicacies.

2. Learn the Language

When moving to a new place that speaks a different language from your own, the number one way to get integrated is to learn the language. By learning the language, you will be able to communicate with locals and learn nuances you otherwise would not be able to understand.

3. Listen to Local Music

Listening to local music will help you to not only learn the language but also keep up to date on trends. Music speaks to a country’s heart; it is something that brings people together. By listening to local music, you will be able to generate bonds with the locals and interact with them on another level.

4. Watch Local Movies/TV Shows

Along with listening to local music, watching local movies or TV shows will help you to learn the language, slang, and understand the culture on a deeper level.

5. Mingle with Locals

Making friends with locals enables you to truly become a part of a country. Locals can tell you more about a country or place than any amount of research can. They know the history, language, culture, and nuances of the town or city that you live in. They will be able to tell you about events coming up and make your new country feel like home.

6. Join a Club or Group

One of the best ways to meet people and make friends is by joining a group. By this, we mean any type of group doing something you enjoy or learning something new. For example, this can be a sports group, playing football or in Thailand a Muay Thai group. It is a fun way to learn a unique aspect of the culture, stay in shape while abroad, and meet people.

7. Explore the Town/City

When you first get to a new place, one of the main things you will want to do is explore the city or town. You will get acquainted with the new area, discover cool places to eat or spend time. By knowing the area, you will feel more comfortable going out and meeting others.

8. Try the Country’s Food!

Food is a great way to learn about a different country. Each country has its own specialties developed from its own unique history. For example, in Vietnam, one of the foods you will find everywhere is Banh Mi – a baguette filled with vegetables and meat. This sandwich originates from the history of French colonialism.

9. Get Involved in the Country’s Traditions

Traditions are unique to each country and by learning the country’s traditions, you will enhance your experience living abroad. By getting involved in these new traditions, your understanding of the culture and ability to integrate will be deeper than if you were merely learning about them.

10. Learn about the Religion

This is an important aspect of integrating into a culture as it allows you to be respectful to the new country’s differences. For example, in a primarily Muslim country, you would want to dress modestly to respect their religion. Not understanding their religion could lead to confrontation and an inability to integrate.

By taking these steps, you will be able to integrate into a new culture in no time! Make the most of your life abroad and create friendships that will last a lifetime.

How do you integrate into a new culture?