Living in a Foreign Country

June on the TEFL Times has been set aside for a series of articles from Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa, the creator and writer for TEFL Tips.

Being a tourist is one thing, but making the move to a foreign country can be daunting. Here are some tips to help make the move easier.

Dos

● Try to learn a bit about the country’s history, culture, people and language before you go.
● Make the most of your experience. Try different foods, go dancing and visit other cities.
● Interact with the locals and try to make friends.
● Go to festivals and local events.
● Compliment the food and culture.
● Take photos to remember your experience.
● Visit some of the local tourist attractions.
● Try to pick up a bit of the local language. People appreciate it when you make an effort to learn about their culture.
● Keep an open mind about differences between your culture and theirs.
● Visit local markets and artisan shops. Try out your bargaining skills in the local language. Both you and they will enjoy it.
● Try to blend in clothing-wise. If everyone else wears pants in the summer, there’s no reason why you should wear shorts.
● Be respectful to the culture. If you have to cover your shoulders in order to enter a church, do so. If alcohol is forbidden during a specific time, you shouldn’t be drinking.
● Learn to use the local transport system. Taking taxis is usually more dangerous than local transport, plus it’s a lot cheap.
● Learn the value of local goods in the local currency. You shouldn’t have to keep converting from the local currency to yours in order to figure out if something is cheap or expensive.

Don’ts

● Bring your stereotypes with you. Asians are necessarily short, some Latin Americans are blonde haired with blue eyes. And many people DO understand English, so don’t make negative comments.
● Think that your culture is superior. Cultures are different. One isn’t better than the other.
● Be an ugly tourist. Everyone’s seen tourists in their area and how badly they stick out with their shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, hats, sunglasses, guide books, and cameras. Don’t make the same mistake they do.
● Carry valuables when you go out. Take only the money you need and don’t flaunt your wealth.
● Comment on how cheap or expensive things are compared to your country. You’re in their country now, so you have to think about their prices, not yours.
● Speak English loudly and overuse gestures. Lots of people around the world understand English, you just may have to simplify your vocabulary a bit, but don’t talk to them as if they were stupid.

About the author

Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa is the creator and writer for TEFL Tips, The LA Job List, and The Ultimate Peru List. She enjoys answering people’s questions about TEFLing and Peru.