Stage

Signs

Strategies

• new experiences are exciting

• you feel fortunate for having the opportunity of moving overseas.

• people are friendly and you smile a lot, you're in control

• your own sense of culture is not threatened

• be a tourist

• send postcards home while you're feeling so positive 

• make contacts through clubs and associations, sign up for some activities

• join a language course

• daily frustrations can build into disillusionment

• the good things of home loom large

• discussions with other expats reinforce the difficulties of the new culture

• self-doubt and depression may set in

• look after yourself, treat yourself to a massage, exercise, avoid alcohol and over-eating

• keep a journal

• get out and be with people

• continue language practice

• keep busy

• set daily goals and make the effort to achieve them.

• list the goals you had for you time overseas and get started

• a sense of standing up to the things and people that are frustrating you

• racial generalisations and a rejection of host culture

• determination to work things out and get things done

• build your network of friends 

• continue language study

• spend time with people who enjoy being there

• keep corresponding to people back home

• feeling in control and positive again about being where you are

• self-understanding and more tolerance of others

• a sense of comfort operating in the host culture

• you're helping others get through their adjustments

• try new things and explore the culture

• practice the language

• buy some local home furnishings

• do the things you intended to do while in this country before it's time to leave

• you are generally successful in communications with locals

• enjoying being where you are

• adept at finding things

• no longer stereotyping

• understanding local customs

• either prepare for moving or review your lifestyle for areas that need improving

• if leaving, tie up any loose ends and farewell people properly

• maintain key relationships