Moving abroad and adjusting to a new culture can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can navigate this transition smoothly. I’ve been living abroad for over 40 years and after I finished my Masters in Intercultural Psychology I realized there was a way to jumpstart our adjustment abroad. 

In this post, we’ll explore the OAR methodology—Observe, Act, Reflect, that I created —designed to help expats integrate into their new environment effectively.

Your cultural transition starts the moment you decide to move abroad, not when you physically arrive. Observation is the first step and that means you should start learning about your new destination.

• Learn the language or familiarize yourself with key phrases and communication styles. You can watch movies, series, and read books about the country. 

• Observe how people do things – how they speak, how close they are. Make it a habit to observe with a genuine curiosity about your new environment and country.

• Understand the country’s history, political system, geography, and major industries. Watch the local news to learn about the political scene, research the most common cities and what role they play in the country’s economy.

• Explore cultural norms, holidays, and traditions. Learn about the typical foods, fashion and arts. 

Observation isn’t just external. You should also observe “internally”, so make sure to pay attention to your internal reactions as well. Notice how you feel during your research—excited, anxious, or fearful? Acknowledging your emotions helps prepare you for the transition.

Additionally, while you’ll naturally compare the new culture to your own, focus on similarities rather than differences. Remember, despite cultural variations, human beings share core desires such as love, acceptance, and belonging. And when you do notice differences, make sure to limit your judgment of “good” or “bad”. Sometimes things seem bad just because we’re not used to them.

The next step is to actively engage with the new culture:

• Learn the new language and connect with native speakers and locals.

• Make friends within the new culture and with other expats. Balancing these connections helps you gain diverse perspectives and support systems.

• Maintain relationships with friends and family back home to keep your roots intact. These relationships are important when everything is new.

• Apply what you observed – put into practice the social norms and customs that you observed in step 1.

Also, prioritize physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise and seeking help from a coach or therapist if needed can make a significant difference during your transition.

Reflection solidifies your experiences and insights:

• Write down your thoughts, feelings, and observations.

• Use audio recordings, drawings, or other creative outlets to process your experiences.

Reflection helps you make sense of your journey and ensures that valuable insights aren’t lost. It’s also crucial to keep your ultimate goal in mind. Regularly revisiting why you decided to move abroad helps maintain motivation, especially during challenging times.

It’s important to know yourself and assess what you are willing to adapt and when. Adjustment is a process and sometimes starting slow can make sure you are in it for the long run.

The OAR methodology—Observe, Act, Reflect—empowers you to take control of your cultural transition. By observing the new culture, actively engaging with it, and reflecting on your experiences, you can navigate your move abroad with confidence.

If you found these tips useful, join the Expat Journey Program for more support on your relocation journey. You’ll find a step-by-step framework to make sure you are on the right path to a successful move and life abroad!