Cultural Connection while being an Expat
Posted by Tiny-Power-4636@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 11 comments
It's my first time living in SEA and I feel the cultural gap is a bit hard to bridge. I know that learning the language will probably help integrate better in the society but there is this feeling you'll always be a foreigner. When I lived in the past in South America I didn't feel it, probably because the experience was more "western", also in people's mentality.
- Does anyone have tips on how to cope with this or turn it around?
- Did someone felt this way in the past and managed to change the way they see those things? (or it means I have to move out lol)
Tampa-Fl@reddit
Food and local events help a ton. What's been the hardest part for you?
Diligent-Hat-4559@reddit
That feeling is common. I would focus on small local routines and repeated everyday interactions. Language helps, but fitting in takes time.
Competitive-Leg-962@reddit
Really depends on where you are, but it's generally difficult to make connections in Asia when there is a huge income inequality - be that perceived or real.
I've been living in Asia for almost 10 years now, and the few local friends I made were either drawn to me as a foreigner because I'm expected to be more understanding/accepting (LGBTQ community, despite the fact that I'm straight myself), or they are upper class and have a broad international exposure and don't quite fit in with the regular locals themselves.
Low_Stress_9180@reddit
Loads of really wealthy Malaysians / middle class. I found it very easy to make good local friends there. Singapore same.
Low_Stress_9180@reddit
Which country? Many differences
p3chapai@reddit
Learn the language and you'll understand more. You'll probably never feel fully comfortable though. I see it as you keep your operating system but install new software on top of it. You can't change the OS but the drivers and emulators make the game run smoother.
LibrarianByNight@reddit
Fun analogy!
RoundAd4247@reddit
You are a foreigner, that is just a value neutral fact. Learn the language anyway.
govnyuuk@reddit
When I was living in China, I dealt with the cultural gap by drinking heavily and constantly checking the calendar to remind myself of the my exit date.
Expensive-Worker-582@reddit
Lived in Latin America for 4 years in my life, Mainland Europe 5 years, Asia 4 years...
Asia has always been the hardest for me, the culture is very different to Europe, and not as open as Latin America is.
Spanish/Portuguese is easier to learn than Asian languages, I'm trying to learn Chinese, but it would take me many years to reach an ability for social interactions.
kulukster@reddit
You could give more insight as to why you feel you aren't connecting. Your co-workers not socializing with you after work? Are you finding it hard to break out of the foreigner bubble and have more local friends? Are you not understanding the local slang and humorous chats?
There's a lot you can do culturally. Learn more about the history, volunteer in meaningful legal organizations, study something in depth, etc.