Be yourself: adapting across cultures

The topic of adapting to a new environment is gaining popularity in the modern world. Due to ecological crises, war and conflict, or simply buying new accommodation, young people around the globe are forced to leave their hometowns, completely changing their lives. While this brings many opportunities for self-growth and new connections, it can be both stressful and overwhelming. Growing up, we get used to certain traditions and values, and even going to the neighbouring city can feel different from what we call “home”. However, it’s not a reason to be discouraged, as there are practical tips, which can help you to cope with everything. Our team of YEAs is excited to share their experiences with you, so cheer up and keep scrolling to read the blog

Opportunities:

First of all, as we move abroad we learn how to become resilient. We face a range of issues such as being a black sheep, not fitting into society, which can cause stress. But when overcoming all these problems, we basically gain skill to control our stress level, becoming more confident and independent in ourselves. Secondly, by experiencing different cultures and lifestyles, we broaden our mind and learn how to see things from new perspectives. Adaptation also improves our communication skills, as we find ways to connect with people from different backgrounds. Sometimes moving abroad encourages us to learn new languages. However, most importantly, adapting makes us more flexible and better prepared for adult life.

Challenges and tips: 

Moving to a new country is both thrilling and daunting. Whether you’re an immigrant or a refugee, starting over in unfamiliar surroundings brings many challenges. Cultural shock, homesickness, language barriers, and identity crisis are typical struggles you may face during the adaptation process.

Eventually, the initial excitement fades. The coffee in Vienna might not taste as good as the one from your favourite café at home, and the city lake you once took for granted now seems more appealing than the famous sites around you.

When this longing sets in, remember that homesickness is normal and temporary. Don’t rush to leave – give yourself time to adapt. Focus on balance: stay connected to home, but also invest in your new life. Build a local support system where you’ll feel like you belong and, most importantly, learn and embrace the local culture; adaptation is key to overcoming homesickness. Don’t strip yourself of a chance to belong in a new place. Don’t let the identity crisis come knocking on your door, remember that your worries are yours to tame, there are lots of locals who would love to get to know you, you are the one imposing prejudices on everyone around you. Maybe you had a bad experience in the past, it’s ok. But just as five bad minutes don’t make a bad life, one unpleasant person doesn’t make a bad nation.

Another struggle is identity crisis. From the side of our home, we are pushed to stay true to ourselves and our customs; from the side of our new country, we are pushed to assimilate as much as possible, but the best solution is balance: integrate without erasing your roots. Develop a bicultural identity – celebrate both your heritage and your new culture. Respect your host country, but never feel ashamed of who you are.

Lastly, learning a language is a solution to many problems during adaptation, but what do we do when the language barrier prevents us from being fluent and confident?  When I was scared to speak Polish in front of natives, my friend told me, “Why are you ashamed of your accent? It shows that you speak more than one language, if anything, I think it’s admirable”,  and I believe it really is. Our faces and bodies tell the stories of who we are whenever we go, and so does our accent. Don’t be ashamed of it; the way you sound is part of who you are, it is your story, don’t ever apologise for writing it.

Above all, remember you are more than your nationality or immigrant status. You are an interesting, well-rounded person. Before everything, you are yourself; nationality is just a part of you, so don’t let your worries prevent you from living the best life you can.   

Real examples: 

Adapting to new cultures becomes more meaningful when you look back at your own experience. When I first moved to Belgium for my exchange in February, I arrived during a season when the sky seemed almost constantly grey. Belgium is known for its rainy weather, with around 200 rainy days a year, and this climate influenced my first impressions. But soon, things started to change. I was constantly involved in social activities, from student events to casual get-togethers. Very quickly, these meetings became the highlight of my exchange, helping me to build friendships and feel part of a community from the very beginning. Another aspect that helped a lot was communication: in Belgium, it’s easy to find people who speak English, whether at university, in shops, or even on the street. That fact made everyday life smoother and helped me to feel more confident in my new environment.

Later, during my Master’s in Spain, the experience felt entirely different. The sun seemed brighter, the streets livelier, and the rhythm of life more spontaneous. From the very beginning, I quickly connected with people through classes, student events, and international networks. Beyond that, the Spanish way of life itself, with open squares, late dinners, and a culture that values ​​socialising, made it natural to meet new people and form close friendships. Of course, one challenge was the language: unlike Belgium, English was not always an option in daily situations such as administration, doctor’s visits, or even casual conversations outside the international student circle. But learning and practicing Spanish definitely makes daily life easier.

Looking back, both experiences taught me that no matter where you go, the key to adapting is finding a community. Whether it’s the ESN network (even if you’re not an Erasmus student), or a local community you discover through events and apps, surrounding yourself with people who share similar experiences makes all the difference. When you feel supported, even the rainiest days or the toughest language barriers seem easier to overcome.

A journey of growth:

Adapting across cultures is a journey full of growth, challenges, and discovery. Each experience teaches us something new about the world, about others, and about ourselves. Moving to a new country may feel overwhelming at times, but it also builds resilience, creativity, and confidence. It helps us to develop empathy, improve communication skills, and form deep connections that cross borders.

No matter where life takes you, remember that the process of adapting is also a process of self-discovery. Embrace it, learn from it, and let it shape you into a confident, culturally aware individual ready to positively impact any community you join.

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