Expat Diaries: Nextflix & Nutella , Culture Shock is REAL
Netfix and Nutella is the easiest way to describe my first 3 months in Colombia. I never thought I would go through culture shock, not me. For all of my life, in some capacity I’ve been away from my immediate family (there are 12 of us) and I am a frequent traveler. I didn’t think this would be much different.
Before I moved abroad and told people about my plans, they would say things like “Whoa that’s too scary, I would freak out” or “I would miss my family too much”. I would always respond with something like “it’s not that big of a deal, I will be fine, and they are only a plane ride away”. Boy, was I wrong.
The things I never considered were: the normal frustrations of moving and trying to get settled while navigating in a new country, in another language… ALONE. From finding an apartment, buying furniture, learning the city AND working full-time it was A LOT! So once I finally settled, when I wasn’t working, Netflix, Nutella and I spend a lot of quality time together.
Though it took some time, I made it to the other side!
These are the top 3 things that helped me navigate culture shock.
1) Prayer & Journaling – Releasing the emotions of each day is therapeutic.
Nothing beats talking to the Creator.
2) A support system- Making it a priority to talk/text with my loved ones.
Feeling connected to something familiar is invaluable.
3) Self Care- The sauna is my happy place. Besides a dance room, this is the place that I feel like a new person when I leave.
Finding your happy place in a new environment is key.
I’ve learned so much from this experience and it has helped me grow tremendously as a global citizen. If you are thinking about moving abroad- DO IT! If I can do it, so can you. My biggest advice is to find what makes you happy and to make sure it’s a part of your daily/weekly routine to balance out the stress.
I hope this helps someone!