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

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

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 traveller and professional with a rich background in international sales, customer service, and personal development. From selling books and television programs internationally to teaching English as a foreign language and proofreading for non-native speakers, Clare’s career has always been globally focused. Her extensive travels for business have given her first-hand experience with numerous cultures. Having moved countries multiple times—from the UK to Zambia, China, Taiwan, Nigeria, and the USA—Clare brings a wealth of direct experience. Her podcast ‘Moving Countries 101’ is an extension of her lifelong commitment to international engagement and cultural understanding.

CONTACT METHOD

www.kayproofreading.com 

www.linkedin.com/in/clarekay  

https://www.facebook.com/KayProofreading