If you’re an expat and a frequent traveler, you might be familiar with the term ‘Culture Shock’.
Culture Shock can be quite overwhelming for most people. It doesn’t matter how well-travelled you are – being in a new place is always a new experience and you may find yourself confused by the new culture that you’re currently in.
This is a totally normal reaction because you are still adjusting yourself to something that’s outside of your everyday norm.
It’s an anxiety-inducing experience, but there’s a way to get yourself comfortable with it.
In this episode, Aneakaleigh Neils, Founder of The Carribean Millennial, talks about how we can embrace ‘Culture Shock’ and shares how we can adapt ourselves to new places by finding the right community and connecting with the right people.
She also gives some valuable lessons about building friendships, vulnerability, and how to deal with self-quarantine abroad during the COVID-19 crisis.
Aneakaleigh Neils is the Founder of The Carribean Millennial, and is also a Self-Reinvention Guide & Mindset Coach. She is an expat from Trinidad and is currently working at the Escuelas Católicas de Madrid in Spain. Aneakaleigh is also the Founder and Host of the Bacchanal Abroad Podcast where she shares different kinds of travel stories and talks about the lessons she’s learned as a Carribean expat.
How to deal with ‘Culture Shock’ (in Spain) [04:06]
Anika’s unforgettable cultural experience [07:36]
What to expect when living in a different country: communication, culture, etc. [09:55]
Joining an expat community, building friendships, and where to find people with similar values and interests [10:46]
Building Connections: Is it possible to develop deep relationships with the people you meet, and how do you do it? [14:40]
Has language ever been a barrier to building friendships and being vulnerable with others? [21:32]
Learning to let go of friendships [24:48]
Dealing with homesickness [30:30]
Dealing with the COVID-19 quarantine abroad: how to maintain friendships, keeping in touch with people, etc. [33:19]
Key most important value in a friend [36:54]
“It's one thing to have people who come from where you come from, and it's a completely other thing to have people who share your ideals and who share your values.” (Aneakaleigh)
“If you don't understand who you're looking for, what values you want, and the type of people you want in your life, you're always gonna be like running around in circles.” (Anya)
“I feel like a lot of the times when you move abroad, we get caught up in being lonely. And you just want people around, but then you have to know what kind of people you want around.” (Aneakaleigh)
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Find transcripts here--> https://www.navigatingculture.co/the-homesickness-cure-podcast-how-to-embrace-culture-shock
