Expats find that assimilation requires work, but rewards are worth it, says study

To enjoy life overseas, assimilation of the new culture is of high importance for most expats.

It is a message often repeated by VIVA, and generally heeded by Brits hoping to move to Spain: being a successful expat requires a fair bit of work, but the rewards are worth it…

Now, a recent study by insurance firm AXA PPP International has charted the difficulties many expats face when they move abroad, as well as highlighting the most surprising aspects of life in a new country.

According to AXA’s research, three-quarters of recent expats found the initial culture shock disconcerting, while other main struggles included a difficulty adapting to a new workplace culture, struggling to communicate with locals, and feeling the need to constantly prove oneself.

A psychologist quoted in the report, Niels Barends, said that the classic expat response to new life overseas often followed the patterns of a new relationship: after the initial honeymoon period fades, wonderment can turn to frustration at the little niggles that are often a source of friction.

“This is when you start getting annoyed because of cultural misunderstandings or things that are different from home,” he said. “A common one is moving to a culture where people are not as direct.”

Barends, who is Dutch but lives in Slovenia, gives an example of his adopted country. “In Slovenia, people will not say ‘no’ when you ask them something and they don’t want to do it. Another situation is where in the new country, people are very direct and you may feel offended. Other examples can be moving to a country where people don’t obey the rules of the road, or perhaps you can’t find certain foods in the supermarket.”

These gripes will be very familiar with the millions of Brits who have happily made a life for themselves in Spain. So while one message appears to be “prepare for discomfort and some frustrations”, the evidence shows that such grumbles are easily overcome for those intent on carving out a new life for themselves in a different country.

Spain’s wonderful climate, landscape and food certainly goes some way towards helping, however, while a little bit of research, introspection and compromise can smooth the transition, Barends added.

“It is useful to talk to locals to try to understand things. You should read as much as you can about your new country. You also need to accept the fact that it’s not them who have to change, it’s you. It is really not up to them.”

However, the research did appear to accept that expats will have good days – when they feel ready and able to assimilate – but also need space and an audience where they can vent their frustrations.

Here, Barends said, your fellow expats are key because they are far more likely to understand your frustrations, and on many occasions will usually have a few tips on how to handle them.