Story time:
When I was 6 years old, my family and I moved from Michigan back to Norway. I knew no Norwegian whatsoever, and was placed with 18 other first graders, all a year older than me (which is a big deal for a six year old!) and had no way to speak with them on my own. To make matters worse, I wasn't born at the same hospital as the rest of them (seriously, all 18 were born at the same hospital!), I was American. Three strikes, you're out!
What does a six year old do when the cards are stacked against her? Well, she tries to knock them down. By Christmas break, I was speaking Norwegian. Full language immersion really helped that problem. There was nothing I could do about the hospital thing, so I ignored it as much as a six year old can. Now, how does one become just as Norwegian as you are American? Well, I learned how to ski, how to skate (winter sports are a big deal in Norway), my family participated in the weekly Sunday walks/hikes that every other Norwegian does, regardless of the weather. We did everything we could as a family to fit in, yet be ourselves. That is what is key. To be yourself. That is what eventually worked. It wasn't an overnight thing, it took several years for me to feel like I was part of the culture, part of the group.
Fitting in doesn't happen over night. It takes hard work and a willingness to understand and learn from others. The balance in it is to remain true to yourself. You'll get much more joy and pleasure out of living abroad by following this simple thought process.
What have you found to be helpful in feeling like you fit in? What lessons have you learned as an expat? Leave a comment below. I'd love to hear your story! Leave a comment below or feel free to reach out to me in a direct message.
Photo of myself when I was 7 years old, celebrating the Norwegian Independence Day, celebrated on May 17th every year.
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Director of Brand Partnerships @ iHeartMedia | MBA, Ecommerce
1moLooks like you had an amazing time. 🧤