Living Abroad: Adjusting to Cultural Differences in a Work Environment

(Estimated reading time: 5 minutes)

Culture is a significant part of our lives. Our culture influences almost everything we do, from our clothes to the songs we listen to every day. And while culture can be appreciated from the safety of our home, living in another country can reveal just how different things can be, especially in a foreign work environment. 

Working abroad is challenging. Its because you have to learn to work and live in a new environment with people who have different customs and habits. However, it can be a fantastic experience for those willing to adjust. In addition, it gives you insight into other cultures that you might not ever get from reading or watching movies featuring them.

Adjusting to cultural differences in a work environment may take some time. However, these following tips will help you transition smoothly and make the most out of this new experience.

Research Their Culture Beforehand

Cross-cultural work dynamics can wreak havoc on even the most experienced employees. For example, a co-worker might use their hands instead of words to communicate, or someone may ask you about your personal life before inquiring about your task for the day. So how do you cope with these differences in a new country?

Before you leave on your trip, it’s essential to research the culture of your new workplace. This will help you understand what’s considered normal in their society and what isn’t. For example, it’s common to greet with a bow or a curtsy in most Asian cultures. While in North American culture, shaking hands is the way to greet one another. 

You might have a co-worker wondering why you aren’t bowing to them, or you might be confused about why they aren’t shaking your hand. Understanding the basics of their culture beforehand will help you avoid confusion. It also helps prevent offending anyone and allows you to fit in with your co-workers more smoothly.

Learn the Basics of Their Language

Whether you’re transitioning into an international job as part of your career path or taking a temporary position abroad, adjusting to cultural differences in your foreign work environment may pose some challenges at first. However, there are ways to ease the transition, including learning their language basics.

If your new workplace uses a language that isn’t your native language, it’s best to learn some basics. The ability to say “hello,” “please,” “thank you,” and “goodbye” will go a long way in getting you accepted into the group. 

Knowing a few other words and phrases can also help you get things done when nobody understands you. For example, if you need to get to work, or get back home, or trying to find a nearby restaurant, knowing how to ask for these things can make your life a lot easier. 

While some people may be annoyed at you for not knowing their language, most will appreciate your effort to communicate with them.

Seek Commonality Between Your Cultures

Working in a different country can be a challenge, especially when fitting into the office culture. However, learning to survive in an international work environment is not about your skills or CV. It’s about how you react to the challenges. 

Even if your cultures are very different, there’s a good chance that you have some similar traits. Think about sports you both play or foods you both eat. There’s a good chance that you have some things in common. 

Finding these things and talking about them can help you fit in with your co-workers and become part of the group more easily. For example, if you’re from the United States and find out that your co-workers from Germany love watching soccer, you can use that as a conversation starter and become part of a group of people who love the same sport you do.

Embrace Positive Indifference

Working in a foreign work environment will force you to adjust to different cultural norms. In addition, it also means leaving home comforts behind and navigating a new set of rules, habits, and customs. This means making adjustments in your habits and working practices daily. 

Even if you’ve done everything you can to learn about your new culture and make friends with your co-workers, sometimes it isn’t possible to be wholly immersed in their culture. Sometimes, there are just some things about the culture that you’re not willing to do. That’s okay. 

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to be wholly immersed in the culture. You can still love your job even if you’re not completely immersed in the culture. The key is to embrace positive indifference. Be positive about your job and workplace, and don’t feel guilty about not doing things that aren’t your thing.

The Bottom Line

Moving to another country for work can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether it’s your first time living outside of your home country or you’ve done it once before, adjusting to a new way of life can take some time. Moving abroad for work is an excellent opportunity to expand your resume, meet new people, and learn about different cultures.

However, working in another country comes with its unique challenges. For example, depending on the distance between your home country and the new one you’re moving to, you may face drastically different work ethics and timekeeping standards. 

Nevertheless, adjusting to cultural differences in a work environment requires a certain amount of adjustment. The tips in this article can help you make the most out of this experience and enjoy your time abroad. So, if you need assistance with your international exam application, IPASS Processing is here for you.  

Disclaimer: IPASS Processing is not a recruitment agency. We do not hire or deploy medical professionals abroad. IPASS Processing is a processing agency that provides license exam application assistance in the United States, the Middle East, and Australia.