How To CONNECT With Your New Country

In this episode, Clare talks about the six pillars you need to connect deeply with your new country: food, language, traditions, relationships, history and values. Fortunately, provided you are willing to take the time, you will find connecting using these pillars very enjoyable. Clare shares her approach to learning all about a new country. A simple, yet effective approach that will work for anyone regardless of where they relocate to.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Connect with the heart of your new country – don’t just experience life on the periphery.
• Food is a gateway to culture. Everyone eats, most people love it, and many are passionate about their nation’s cuisine – so you connect deeply through food.
• When people invite you to dinner, accept the offer – it’s a great entry point.
• Eating with local people opens the chance to build multiple pillars at once.
• Learning even a few words of your new country’s language makes a big difference.
• Using your new language helps you pick up on cultural differences and nuances.
• Learning and respecting traditions is important.
• You can still respect traditions you don’t fully agree with – without undermining your own values and beliefs.
• Foster relationships.
• Learning the history and enjoying experiences locals love shows respect – your new friends and neighbours will appreciate it.
• Understanding the values of your new country is the best way to fit in faster.
• Be mindful and respectful of others’ values – but don’t lose sight of your own.

BEST MOMENTS

“Food is the gateway to a culture.”

“There are many things that can create interesting and stimulating conversation that start with food.”

“In learning a language, you also end up learning nuances and cultural preferences.”

“There are some wonderful experiences of tradition that can be challenging or engaging. Either way, it's really worth it when we persevere and get to know them.”

“Showing an interest in the history of a place is a great way to get some context for why things are the way they are.”

ABOUT THE HOST

Clare Kay is a seasoned global mover – with an international career in sales, customer service, personal development, and as a flight attendant. She has sold books and TV programs globally, taught English as a foreign language, and supported non-native speakers through proofreading. Her own global moves – from the UK to Zambia, China, Taiwan, Nigeria, and the USA – bring direct experience, and her global outlook has given her the growth and connections to support others in creating a life abroad. Through her podcast Moving Countries 101, Clare inspires listeners with the confidence and courage to make their own move – and continues the cultural conversation in her Facebook Group.

Join the conversation by clicking this link - Moving Countries 101 with Clare Kay

It’s a space for global movers – people choosing to build lives abroad – to prepare emotionally, culturally, and practically, and to turn cultural differences into connections.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/movingcountries101withclarekay/

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www.linkedin.com/in/clarekay

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