Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but let’s be honest—it can also feel like stepping into another universe. Everything is different. The food, the people, the rules, even how people say hello. You might land with big dreams, but soon, reality hits hard. Suddenly, simple things like ordering food or making friends feel impossible. That overwhelming feeling? That’s culture shock. The good news? You can crush it like a pro. Here’s how to overcome culture shock while abroad.
Step One: Stop Fighting the Shock—Embrace It
Culture shock is not just a buzzword. It’s real, and it sneaks up on you when you least expect it. You might start by feeling excited, but soon, frustration kicks in. The way people communicate may confuse you. The food may taste weird. You may struggle to understand social norms. It happens to everyone, but the sooner you accept it, the faster you’ll adjust.
Instead of resisting, take a step back and observe. Pay attention to how locals interact. If something feels odd, ask questions instead of making assumptions. If people greet each other differently, try doing the same. If the food tastes unfamiliar, give yourself time to acquire the taste. You don’t have to love everything immediately, but an open mind will help. The more you engage, the more things start making sense.
Step Two: Build Your New Circle—Don’t Be a Lone Wolf
Loneliness is culture shock’s best friend. If you isolate yourself, you’ll feel worse. Making connections is the fastest way to feel at home. However, approaching strangers in a new country can be intimidating. It’s easy to overthink it and assume people won’t accept you. So, how do you go about building your new circle?
Start small. Attend local meetups, join community groups, or engage in hobbies that bring people together. If you’re in school, get involved in clubs or study groups. If you’re working, take the first step and introduce yourself to colleagues. People appreciate effort, and most will welcome you if you show interest.
If you’re Kenyan, don’t limit yourself to socializing with just Kenyans. Connecting with people from different backgrounds will help you adapt faster. If language is a barrier, use translation apps, watch local shows, or take language classes. The more you interact, the easier it becomes. Soon, you’ll have a network that makes you feel at home.
Step Three: Learn the Local “Unwritten Rules”
Every country has rules you won’t find in any guidebook. These unwritten rules dictate how people behave, and breaking them can make things awkward. In some places, being late is disrespectful. In others, it’s normal. Some cultures expect small talk before getting to business, while others prefer straight-to-the-point conversations.
Observe how people handle daily interactions. How do they greet each other? What topics are okay in casual conversations? What habits do they avoid? Understanding these small details will save you from unnecessary embarrassment. If unsure, ask a local friend or coworker for advice. People will appreciate your effort to fit in.
Step Four: Keep Pieces of Home, But Don’t Get Stuck in a Bubble
Feeling homesick? That’s normal. Keeping pieces of home will help you stay connected. Cook your favorite Kenyan meals, listen to familiar music, and stay in touch with family and friends. These little things provide comfort, especially on tough days.
But be careful not to create a bubble that stops you from experiencing new things. If you only hang out with other Kenyans, eat Kenyan food, and stick to familiar routines, you’ll struggle to adjust. Balance is key. Enjoy your culture, but also embrace the new one. Try the local dishes. Attend cultural festivals. Explore your new surroundings. The more you step out of your comfort zone, the easier it gets.
Step Five: Be Patient—Adjusting Takes Time
Adjusting to a new country is not a one-week mission. Some days will be amazing, others will be frustrating. You might feel like you don’t belong, but that feeling fades with time. Remind yourself why you moved. Whether it’s work, school, or a better future, focus on that goal.
Give yourself permission to struggle. No one adjusts overnight. Celebrate small wins—whether it’s making a local friend, navigating public transport without getting lost, or ordering food in the local language. Each step counts. With time, what once felt strange will become second nature.
How Decedat Can Help You Start Your Journey
Before you even land in your new country, the visa process can be a nightmare. That’s where Decedat comes in. If you need a solid visa invitation letter, we provide the best invitation letter services for Kenyans to make your application process smooth.
Many visa applications fail because of weak or missing documents. With our invitation letter services, we ensure your letter meets embassy requirements, increasing your approval chances. Whether you’re applying for a work, business, or student visa, we handle the details so you don’t have to stress.
With us, you get a professional, well-structured invitation letter that aligns with your travel purpose. No more worrying about embassy rejections due to incomplete paperwork.
Start your journey right. Get your invitation letter today and move forward with confidence. Contact us for the best invitation letter services for Kenyans and make your visa process hassle-free.