Embracing Local Living: How You Can Quickly Feel at Home in a New Country

By Beste Cevik

Do you also think some people feel less like an outsider in a new country? You can say that it’s their personality and they’re just cool people. If that’s not you and adjusting to a different culture seems daunting, you don’t need to worry, though. With a few strategic approaches, it’s possible to feel at home in a relatively short time. Here are some tips specifically for expats aiming to adapt and embrace their new cultural surroundings quickly.

1. Explore the Neighborhood

As an expat, step away from tourist hubs and delve into local neighborhoods. Wander through bustling markets, sip coffee at corner cafés, and interact with residents. These authentic experiences offer a glimpse into daily life and the local community.

2. Don’t Miss Cultural Events and Festivals

Attend cultural events and festivals happening in your area. These vibrant celebrations often showcase traditional music, dance, and culinary delights, providing a crash course in local customs and traditions.

3. Try the Local Cuisine

Food is a universal language. Dive into the local cuisine by exploring restaurants, street food stalls, and markets. Try local dishes not only familiar to your taste buds but also open doors to new experiences and tastes.

4. Volunteer in Your Community

Engage with the community by volunteering or participating in local projects. Contributing your time or skills not only benefits the community but also increases your sense of belonging.

5. Learn the Language to Connect with People

While becoming fluent might not happen overnight, learning basic phrases or taking crash courses in the local language helps you with everyday interactions. And it also shows respect for the culture of your new home.

6. Use Public Transportation and Local Services

To get around, embrace the public transportation system and local services in your city. This not only aids in navigation but also provides you with insights into daily routines and the lifestyles of the locals.

7. Attend Cultural Workshops and Classes

Enroll in workshops or classes focusing on local arts, crafts, cooking, or dance. These immersive experiences offer practical insights into cultural practices and skills. And they’re a lot of fun!

8. Be More Culturally Sensitive and Adaptable

Be observant of local customs, respect social norms, and stay open-minded to different perspectives and practices. While embracing local customs, you can also respectfully share aspects of your culture to find mutual understanding and appreciation.

9. Seek Local Connections and Expatriate Communities

Networking with fellow expats and locals helps in navigating the cultural landscape and offers support during the adjustment period. You can use InterNations communities and events to meet new people and create more memories in your new home.

Starting to feel at home as an expat and not as an outsider takes effort, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace differences. By actively engaging with the culture and community, you can forge a deeper connection and create a sense of belonging in your new home.

About Beste Cevik

Beste is the Corporate Communications Intern at InterNations. She moved to Germany around a year ago and currently lives in Göttingen as a master's student. She likes to travel and learn about other cultures.

Article Topics

Culture & Traditions

Settling In

Top 11 Countries for a Career Boost

Moving abroad for work can open up a world of opportunities. For many, it’s a chance to experience a new culture, improve their quality of life — and also advance their career. Here’s a look at 11 countries and territories where expats have found improved job prospects, along with the top sectors in each destination.
The 7 Friendliest Countries for Expats

When it comes to moving abroad, finding a country that's welcoming can make all the difference. Discover the 7 friendliest countries for expats based on our annual Expat Insider survey results.
Moving with children? Take time to choose the right school!

Finding a new school can be one of the more stressful aspects of moving abroad. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of school, and options may be rather limited in some countries. InterNations member Chris has some tips to make things a little easier.
Top Digital Tools for Expats

Challenges are there to be overcome! But that doesn’t mean you can’t look for ways to make your adventure abroad a little easier — whether you’re traveling or moving to a new place far from home. Let’s delve into this topic to find out the digital tools that have you covered.
Discover the Top 5 Countries for Adventurous Expats

A job. Love. Finances. Or the search for a better quality of life. There are many reasons why you might have moved (or be interested in moving) abroad — including a personal challenge. But where should you go? Check out our top 5 countries for the adventurous soul!