Moving to another country half way around the world isn't the easiest thing to do. It is a hassle, not to mention tear jerking when it is time to say goodbye. I've been so comfortable with Singapore, found buddies, loved the inexpensive variety of food, and have adapted to the comfort of a stable climate, natural-disaster free, low crime, politically stable country i've called home since the day I was born. What a blessing, don't you think? I'm not moving to a "better" place, but a different place. That being New York. And I would have to learn to integrate myself if I really want to learn something from being there. I will be actively finding a place to stay in NY or NJ next week, but my official move will only be next year.
Here are some of my ideas of how one can integrate, and feel comfortable:
1. Location of Your Home
Look at the mix of people of the place you're moving to, crime rate, health index, etc. The safer the place, the more you'd be comfortable interacting with neighbours, exploring the vicinity and taking public transport. Best Places helped me with looking at different locales, and comments from people who live in these places are helpful too. Having friends you might know who live there would be helpful too (especially if they don't live too far away).
2. Pick up the Lingo
I might be wrong, but I think picking up some Spanish an Hip Hop Lingo would be helpful. Language helps us to connect to people better. I don't want to be one of those who loses our Singlish abilities just because i've moved to another country of course... (Yes, Singlish to me is like a superpower language! Long sentences can shortened easily and meaningfully. "Is it?" <- There you go, "is it" is not an English sentence). But ya, to turn "peeps" into "homies", Lingo fluency helps. I've known foreign friends and colleagues who were perplexed (some even disgusted) with Singlish who have become fluent in Singlish now. Cool. 3. Community Activity/ Service
Some regular involvement with a particular group of people will probably help alot. I don't make friends immediately when I go to work or school... ... It is gradual. It takes time to know people. Going to school or office will already expose you to a group of people you can socialise with regularly. And these people can sometimes turn into your "family" while in a foreign country. But what if you're not attending school/ work there? I guess going to church and joining a group there would be a good alternative for me. Joining a serving ministry is good too. I've heard alot about Redeemer Presbytarian for the quality of its sermons, as well as it's community service/outreach to the local people. I am looking forward to visit. :-)
4. Share a Universal Love
Going to school/work/church/community service is one gradual way to bond - you may not know what to talk about when you're with them sometimes. But if you have a hobby like reading, hiking... ... finding a group of people who share your love is another great way, AND you'd have a great common topic to talk about. I personally would like to try to do something with music. :-D Jam session anyone? Hahaha *blush*
With Singapore being small (geographically...perhaps economically too?), it has definately become more common for Singaporeans to move to another country, for education/work/better opportunities of sorts - foreigners move to Singapore for the same reasons. We have relatives and friends (possibly even you?) - who have moved to another country with a culture different for a few years. Back home, we can tell easily who the foreigners are. And now, I'M THE FOREIGNER. Yikes.
Reflection:
Please state which country you have moved to, or where you imagine you'd like to go. Did any of the above work for you? What do you think are the best ways to integrate comfortably into another country/ culture?
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