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Re-Entry: Cultural Adjustment

 


What are common cultural adjustments global workers may experience that having a community can be beneficial?

Re-entry often comes with a set of cultural adjustments. These adjustments can vary depending on the duration of the stay abroad, the cultural differences between the host and passport countries, and individual experiences.

After becoming accustomed to a different culture, global workers may find it challenging to readjust to the norms, behaviors, and expectations of their passport country. Everyday activities may seem unfamiliar, and individuals may experience a sense of disorientation.

Communication styles can differ significantly between cultures which can impact both personal and professional interactions. An example is pointing with your lips not your fingers. Shaking your head side-to-side means ‘yes’ not ‘no’ and shaking your head up and down means ‘no’ not ‘yes’.

Social norms and customs vary across cultures, and global workers may need to reacquaint themselves with the unwritten rules of behavior in their passport country. This includes understanding societal expectations, manners, and etiquette that may differ from those in the host country. And adjusting to changes in work dynamics, office protocols, and expectations can be challenging. 

Consumer culture and lifestyle choices can vary widely between countries. Adapting to new trends, products, and services that emerged while abroad that can extend to shopping habits, food choices, and entertainment preferences. Many global workers can find the cereal aisle to be overwhelming by all the many kinds of cereal instead of only a handful to choose from. Brain overload that can be paralyzing at first.

Developing cultural sensitivity towards one's own culture can be a nuanced adjustment. Global workers may need to navigate potential assumptions or stereotypes about their experiences abroad and find ways to share their global perspectives with others who may not fully understand the nuances of their international journey.

These are some of the common cultural adjustments during re-entry that are complex and multifaceted and require global workers to navigate the nuances of change, both in themselves and in the cultural landscape of their passport country. Having a supportive community will help aid the global worker in adapting to the evolving dynamics of the familiar.

Looking for a community that can understand you as you navigate these cultural adjustments? Join 'Are We There Yet? Navigating Re-Entry' Facebook group.


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