Every expat has probably been surprised or even shocked by some aspects of the way of life in their host country. Food, work relations, culture are some of the small everyday particularities that one needs to learn to live with. But sometimes, some things won't pass... others are incompatible with our values. What should you do when you're not able to downsides of your expat country's culture?
When the food of your expat country doesn't fit your taste buds
Rice that looks nothing like the one you are used to eating, cheese that is only cheese in name, bread that has a paper-like appearance... Expat life comes with its share of culinary experiences; however, some are more joyful than others. There can also be moments when you will miss your country's food. You will look for them in vain in the host country, and sometimes you might find them, but they just don't have anything to do with what you're used to. Worst of all, you can't make your own comfort food as many of the ingredients used are not available locally. Is this a valid reason to pack up? Fortunately, no!
The number of expatriates disappointed by the profusion of fast-food restaurants in the United States has grown legion. But they didn't leave the country for that. America is no giant burger, and fresh vegetables also come in abundance. Others are traumatized by the taste of Thai, Mexican, Indian, or Korean spicy dishes. And here again, the culture shock does not push them to leave the country. On the other hand, for people who are ill, suffer from food intolerances, or need to follow strict diets, it might be just more complicated. Hence knowing beforehand about the food practices of the host country is essential. Expat life is about discovery and adaptation. You need to make efforts to adapt if you're just not ready to follow the crowd.
Working abroad: Some shocking practices
The Anglo-Saxon mentality is based on flexibility. In Canada, the doors of the labor market are always wide open, because they can close just as quickly. Foreigners who are not used to the system are sometimes shocked by this harshness. The UK and the US have the same principle. In the United States, even the so-called "American dream" has suffered serious setbacks, with foreigners feeling left on their own. The country is known for its lack of social protection. The most negligible health expense can be a drain on the budget of anyone who doesn't have proper health insurance.
In Japan and Cambodia, work conditions are quite frustrating for the most ambitious expats. There is no need to think of shining by taking the initiative. In fact, it is frowned upon, just like speaking in a loud tone or being too demonstrative. So if you're an extrovert, you'd better keep this in mind. However, this is not a solid reason for leaving the country. On the contrary, you have everything to gain by understanding the culture of your new country in order to integrate better.
When your host country does not respect human rights
Non-respect of the rights of foreign workers, and suspicions of enslavement have made a buzz in Qatar well before the FIFA World Cup 2022. Amnesty International has been constantly alerting other international organizations. Moving to Qatar may raise questions. There are concerns about the artificial nature of the country, the exaggerated luxury and the differences in treatment between "white collar" expatriates and others who are called " migrants ", who have also come to work in the country. This form of discrimination can be upsetting. The same questions arise for China, whose policy tends to control individual freedom.
In fact, economics does not justify everything. It is difficult to work serenely in a country that openly practices discrimination. Others will say that inequalities exist everywhere and that one must live well. However, there is a difference between a democratic regime and an authoritarian regime. Many foreigners have left China over the past years because of its practices. Many have also left Hong Kong well before the pandemic and regret the peaceful city they used to know.
Should I leave, or should I stay?
It depends on the impact of the discomfort on your daily life. Is it something you can deal with? Do you actually deal with it daily? Are you disturbed by what you are witnessing?
If life in your host country becomes unbearable (Chinese and Russian politics come to mind), then you might be wondering whether you should stay or not.
Usually, foreigners make an effort to learn and understand their host country's culture, food, ways of doing things, habits, taste in clothing, etc. In short, everything needs to be rediscovered. Instead of rejecting everything, the expatriate should bear in mind that they, themselves comes from an unfamiliar place from the local perspective. Definitely, they will not like everything, and that was never the point when they decided to move to some foreign land. Some practices may remain a mystery, but despite the shock, you are expected to keep an open mind and try to adjust as much as possible.
