Expats Find it Tough, But Worthwhile, To Integrate

Expats Find it Tough, But Worthwhile To Integrate

Everyone generally agrees that fully integrating in to Spain is tough for expats but the rewards for doing so are worth it. A recent study done by the insurance firm AXA PPP International has revealed the difficulties that expats are most likely to face, as well as some of the more surprising things an expat will experience in their new country.                                              

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The research shows that three quarters of expats said one of the hardest things to deal with was the culture shock, along with struggling to adapt to the new culture in their workplace, or starting a business and struggling with communication, and feeling constant pressure to prove they belong there.

Niels Barends is a psychologist who was quoted in the report as saying that living in a new country is similar to getting in to a new relationship. There is an initial honeymoon period that passes quickly and is replaced by annoyance at the small things that quickly become frustrating.

Expats commonly become frustrated at the things that are different from their home country. Cultural misunderstandings and other cultural problems, such as moving to a culture where the people are not as direct, is a common issue.

Barends is a Dutch man living in Slovenia who provided an example of how life in Slovenia is different. The people in Slovenia will not say “no” if they are asked to do something they don’t want to. The opposite is also a common problem; moving to a country where people are actually more direct and they leave you feeling offended. Other common problems are moving to a country where people aren’t such careful drivers and having less choice at the supermarket.

These are the most common gripes that millions of British expats have come across. While you may offer the advice of being prepared to deal with discomfort and frustrations, the evidence shows that you can move past these problems if you’re really committed to living a new life in a new country especially buying properties in inland Spain where English isn't spoken to widely, making you having to integrate faster than being on the coastal areas. 

Spain has a great climate and fantastic food that does help people assimilate faster. Just doing a little research and being prepared to compromise can help too.

You should talk to the locals to better understand the country and read up on your new country before going there. You also need to accept that you are the one who needs to change. They will not change for you, you need to change for them.

The research does show that expats will still have good days when they feel like they could assimilate any day. They will also still need their space though. It also helps to have people you can vent your frustrations to. 

It really helps to talk to fellow expats. They’ve been through the same things that you have and will be able to help you through them. They might even have some tips and tricks for getting through the rough times.

Living in areas where there are larger expat communities such as the Costa del Sol you will find plenty of Spanish language schools to help.