Immigrants’ Notes: What Helps us to Adjust Faster

So you have decided to move to the UK. When we travel to a different country, we only experience a fraction of what immigrants adapting to a new culture may encounter. 

Many immigrants have small children or older kids still in school that come to the UK for a better education. 

Coming across articles such as these bring in a bit of warmth and ease the feeling of uneasiness most immigrants face. For many people, the language is a huge factor that affects adjustment. 

So what can we do to soften the blow of culture shock that comes hand in hand with immigration?

1. Immerse Yourself in the New Culture

This is a good way to hasten the adjustment period. Just like learning a new language, immersing yourself in the culture of your new home will help you get over the hump. 

Finding help with a new language can be difficult, especially when you’re busy moving and settling in. You also want someone who can fit into your schedule.

How about finding an ESL tutor? Not from any old establishment, but online. 

This way, you can study from the comfort of your own home (which surely helps with the culture shock), on your own time, and take 1-1 classes without fear of being judged (this is something lots of ESL learners face).

Online learning is the new and improved method to mastering a new language and adapting to a new country. Don’t be afraid and speak up, online tutors are professionals that are there to help you.

2. Maintain an Open-Minded View

Change is a huge! And we as humans have the tendency (and bad habit) to view change as a bad thing.

It’s okay to be a little bit scared, or should we say excited? Immigration adaptation and acculturation requires effort, and it won’t be easy.

However, there are a few tricks and tips we can provide to make it easier on you. Other than always trying to keep an open mind, you can also:

• Catch yourself when you feel your mind is focusing on the negative. Try to turn it around.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help and reach out.
• Avoid buying into the “what ifs”.
• Remember, it’s not so bad.
• Making new friends always helps.

There are lots of tips out there to help you through tough times.

3. Get Involved! Find Your Passion and Likeminded People

Humans are social creatures, some may even argue we are pack animals, hence the concept of family. Moving to a new country is scary, but it you isolate yourself, you’ll feel even lonelier.

Get up, get out, and make new friends! Find someone who shares your passions, connecting to someone is a great way to find kinship and help you overcome this big change.

Maybe even lending a hand to help the locals can give you a sense of purpose and help you fit in better. Plus it’s a great way to meet new friends and they will love helping immigrants adjust to life in the UK.

Making new friends with locals is easy, as many British people are extremely kind and helpful. In a country as diverse as this, we’re sure you will come across at least one other person from your native country.

Having a friend that has gone through the same process is definitely helpful.

4. Acceptance: Accept That This is Your New Life, but Your Old Life Didn’t End

Many people view moving and adapting to a new country as some sort of extreme permanence. Although that may be true to some extent, your old life didn’t just cease to exist!

Accepting that there are things, people and lifestyle habits that you will leave behind only leaves more room in your heart for new ones. We understand that it’s difficult to let go, but just remember that all those people and things you left behind are still there.

Keep in touch with your family and friends from back “home” as often as you can. You can still visit them, they aren’t gone!

5. Be Humble in Your New Surroundings

Don’t judge, compare or criticize the people and the way things are done and in another country. Who’s to say what’s right, and which way is better? 

Your values are your own and theirs belong to them. Show nothing but kindness when adapting to a new country, and that’s exactly what you’ll get in return. 

Conclusion

Immigration takes a huge toll on your mental and physical state. But hopefully keeping a positive mindset, forcing yourself to get out there and do new things will cheer you up. Being humble, meeting new people with kindness, all the while remembering your old life still exists can help all immigrants adapting to a new culture.