Three resolutions to really get to know your host nation in 2019

Happy New Year and let’s make it happy!!! New Year’s resolutions seem to come in fairly set, pre-packaged options - work out more, drink less, quit smoking etc. - you choose from but just as everything else that is made “one size fit all”, it’s not tailored to you. And so as quickly as we pick it up, it’s forgotten.

So why not make something of your resolutions this year and focus on improving the life you lead in host nation.

Below three goals to get you a deeper insight into your current residence and enjoy your time there. Have fun!

Explore

When planning a vacation in a new place, we go through travel guides, search the internet and check with friends what sights to see and which local eatery not to miss.

However, when moving as an expat, our priorities change. The questions that need to be answered first are things like which neighbourhood is the best to live in and what school for the kid(s), where do I get groceries and how do I get from A to B?

And once settled, oftentimes we (want to) feel like locals and getting in line at the local museum, church or temple is for tourists. But that means missing out on discovering you new home, tourist attractions and all.

Resolution #1: visit one sight or new place/neighbourhood each week

1. Go through guide books, check out TripAdvisor, search online for bloggers and Instagrammer in the city/region you are in.

2. Make a list of everything that you should visit (major tourist attraction) or want to visit (related to your interests). Keep the list handy (e.g. in your phone) so that you can add to it when- and wherever you hear of something new.

3. Start scheduling: in the beginning of every week choose one location from your list and schedule a visit for this week. Putting an actual appointment in your calendar makes it less likely to just ignore it.

4. Keep track: post pictures on your Facebook or Instagram account, send a note about your experience to family and friends, or write about it in your journal. And, most important, tick it off your list to give you that extra kick of accomplishment.

Learn

Getting to know your locality is one thing. Something else that makes a society is its language. As tourist we might pick up some basic phrase: hello and good bye, thank you, how do I get to the museum? Given that you will be living with that language for the foreseeable future and will have ample opportunity to practise, what stops us from acquiring some bits of it while making life easier for us in the process?

Resolution #2: Learn and use basic phrases of the local language.

1. Make a list of phrases that you use everyday in public. What was a situation you encountered that would have been easier resolved had you known some simple words/sentences? ‘Hi’, ‘bye’ and ‘thank you’ are a good start, but also think of ‘excuse me’, ‘do you speak English’ as well as some numbers and directions.

2. No need for an expensive 6-months course. Look at guide books (they usually have some phrases right there), check YouTube or your app store. Some languages are being offered by local apps, sometimes even for free. Or, plain and simple, start with Google.

3. Go out and practise! Give yourself a mental hi-five whenever you use a phrase or even just a word, especially so when you were actually understood.

Read

Now, you might not be a bookworm like I am but you probably read something! If not books, then the newspaper, online articles, the football scores…

In the absence of a local to explain the small details of traditions, habits and customs, a book (or whatever you may end up reading) is a great way to learn what makes the locals “tick”. And once you do get in contact with some of them you actually have something to discuss beyond “It’s nice to meet you…”.

Resolution #3: Read a local newspaper (for a week minimum) or a book.

1. Go with your interest. You love books, research the current local bestseller and their authors. Prefer newspaper? Then find a local English language newspaper or online page. If you are mainly reading online on a certain topic (e.g. business, sports, baking) find out more about local businesses/economy, what sports they are playing and their teams, or what bakes in the homes of the local families.

2. Read it!

3. Go for it!!! You may not have anybody to “use” your newly obtained insight on. But that may change now. You love books? Try to find a local English speaking book club you can join. Newspapers? Get yourself a subscription. Sports? Go to a game and cheer your local team on! And you will see, in no time you connect to people.

Any other ideas? What worked for you in previous years? And let me know how your resolutions are going!

To a happy and insightful 2019!