How to survive being an Expat

by Morgan

Have you moved to live in another country? Soothe your troubled expat soul. You've gained a new country and culture, not lost your old one.

An expatriate (or expat) is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country and culture other than that of the person's upbringing or legal residence.

When I was 9 my parents and I moved from England to Spain. We didn't move to the coast as my parents wanted the 'real' Spanish lifestyle. We moved into a rural house out in the countryside where the villages are small, everyone knows each other's business, tradition and religion reign above all things and an alternative Mookychick such as myself sticks out like a sore thumb.

We didn't know anyone and we didn't speak the language.

Being an expat in any country has its difficulties - but there's nothing you can't overcome when properly prepared, and the rewards of belonging to more than one country and culture are great.

1. Learn the lingo

This is usually a big issue as communication is important.

Don't be afraid to look silly. You're going to pronounce words incorrectly. You're going to have to repeat yourself. You're going to end up making cow noises when trying to buy beef at the meat counter in the supermarket. But, eventually, you're going to get it right.

I highly recommend what I've come to call "The Parrot Method". Imitate people. Any expression or word you hear is yours to use. When someone spills something on themselves and goes "Ay!", make it your business to say "Ay!" when you do the same. Your vocabulary will grow a lot faster.

Also, I was banned from watching TV in any language other than Spanish. Thanks to this, I was fluent after 7 months. Now I don't have to watch poorly dubbed films.

2. You Are Not An Extra-terrestrial Pet

Unfortunately, some people confuse the inability to speak their language with a lack of intelligence. You might find yourself being spoken for or being bossed around, pulled and paraded around like a little alien pet from another planet.

It's your job to prove you have a mind of your, own even if you can't express yourself verbally. Hold your ground. If you don't want to do something, let people know. Don't worry if you can't find the words; body language is universal.

After all, you are a parrot, NOT a sheep.

3. Brand new eyes

You're in a new country. The culture is different. The food is strange and the music is somewhat bizarre.

Be a sponge. Try everything. Take everything in.

Oh yes.

That music? The newest thing on your Ipod.

That food? On your fork.

Maybe you've never imagined yourself eating octopus, frogs or monkey brains, but you should try it.

Keep an open mind; you could be thoroughly surprised.

4. Embracing doesn't mean erasing

Though you're taking on all these new ways of life it doesn't mean you have to forget where you came from or stop enjoying the things you used to do in your country.

I myself take pleasure in substituting paella for fish and chips every once in a while.

I also make a point of only watching The Big Bang Theory in English because, personally, I feel that Sheldon loses his humour in Spanish.

5. Say hello to 21st century technology

Thanks to phone cards, Skype and the miracle of MSN, distance isn't an issue between you and anyone you've left back home anymore. You can talk to them at more or less anytime.

If you're not computer savvy then there's always a good old fashion letter-writing session in store for you.

Failing that, make friends with Ryanair.

More: Feminism, Activism, Politics & LGBTQ on Mookychick