Living abroad has become an increasingly common experience for those looking for new opportunities, adventures, or personal growth. However, as expats immerse themselves in a different culture and navigate life in a foreign land, their identities also undergo a profound transformation. This raises the question: What is the impact of living abroad on one's identity, particularly in terms of national identity? To put this in simpler terms: does living in Thailand for ten years make you less British or American? And if so, is there a way to preserve your national identity while living abroad?
What is national identity?
Identity refers to who a person is and how they see themselves. It is shaped by different things.
Firstly, personal traits like personality and abilities contribute to identity.
Secondly, interactions with others, such as family and friends, shape how people view themselves.
Then, there is cultural identity that includes customs and language.
Lastly, national identity, based on citizenship and shared values, influences how individuals identify with their country.
How living abroad affects national identity
It's safe to assume that most expats would nod in a definite "yes" when asked if moving abroad has affected their identity. But there are also quite a few studies that back this up.
Research conducted by the University of South Carolina indicates that the experience of studying abroad has a profound influence on students' social identity, enabling them to perceive themselves as active participants in both national and global contexts. It significantly affects them across social, national, global, and personal dimensions.
A survey by Aetna also revealed some interesting results. In the survey, over 500 expats were asked whether their sense of identity has changed since moving abroad. 35% of expats admitted to feeling that their sense of identity has changed, while 40% said that the move abroad has led to a shift in their priorities. It's quite interesting that the survey showed that expats from Britain and Poland seemed to be the least affected when it came to their sense of self while living abroad, while expats from the USA were impacted the most compared to other nations. When it comes to destinations, Thailand and Singapore were the two countries that had the biggest positive effect on expats' well-being and re-evaluation of priorities.
Living abroad: Challenges for national identity
Different people may run into different questions regarding their national identity when living abroad. However, there are still several “standard” challenges that most foreigners will run into:
Cultural adaptation: Adjusting to a different culture can sometimes lead to a sense of disconnection from one's national identity. You may find yourself adopting new customs, traditions, and ways of life. While definitely interesting and exciting, this adaptation process may raise questions about your cultural heritage and the extent to which you identify with your home country.
Language barrier: Language plays a crucial role in shaping national identity. When living abroad, expats may face language barriers that get in the way of their ability to express themselves fully. Communication difficulties can create a sense of detachment from their native language, which is intricately tied to their national identity.
Values clash: Cultural differences between the home country and the host country can also be a challenge to your national identity. Certain values, beliefs, and societal norms may be vastly different, leading to a clash of perspectives. This can create a sense of tension and make individuals question their own cultural values and where they truly belong.
Stereotypes and misconceptions: Being a representative of your home country in a foreign country, you may run into stereotypes or misconceptions held by others about your national identity. These stereotypes can be inaccurate or limited in understanding, and you may feel compelled to defend or redefine your national identity in the face of such generalizations.
Dual loyalties: Living abroad can also lead to the development of dual loyalties, where you may start to feel a sense of attachment to both your home country and your host country. Balancing these loyalties and reconciling the complexities of multiple identities can be challenging, as it requires navigating conflicting emotions and allegiances.
Does living abroad make you less “Yourself”? Expat experiences
Richard came to Hong Kong back in 1980 from Canada. By now, he's been living in the city for over 40 years. According to Richard, he never knows how to answer the “where are you from” question. “I can't say that I have an identity crisis. I am a Canadian living in Hong Kong. But I am not “just Canadian” anymore — nor am I a “typical Hongkoner.” Being a Canadian and having lived for so long in Hong Kong have both affected my personality, life experience, and choices. It's not easy to explain this when someone simply asks you “where are you from?”.
Ferwa and Ali consider themselves nomads. They spent 8 years in China, two in Canada, and have recently moved to Dubai. The couple is originally from Beirut (Lebanon), and both come from families that strongly value tradition. “It's very difficult to keep up family connections and be part of the tradition when you are never home. We've experienced so many different cultures and our life, the holidays we celebrate, the meals we eat — everything is different now. Whenever we come to Beirut, I feel like we are just visiting another city. Home is everywhere now”,— Ferwa explains.
For some expats, the worries of national identity expand beyond themselves. Alina moved to Turkey with her husband. They have two children, who are half Turkish and half Belarusian, who attend an international school in Istanbul. While Alina has tried to introduce her children to their Belarusian heritage, she worries that this will not be enough for them to feel a connection with the country. “I do worry that my children may not feel a connection to my country. But I worry the most that they may have trouble with their identity, being exposed to so many different cultures at such a young age”.
It's easy to assume that a lot of expats who spend a substantial amount of time abroad observe changes in their self-perception and identity. These changes are natural and can often be seen as something that enriches one's life rather than complicates it. However, in some cases, living “in-between” identities can be a real challenge.
How to cope with identity crisis when living abroad
Coping with an identity crisis while living abroad can be a challenging and transformative journey. Here are some strategies to help you navigate and cope with the experience:
- Accept that your identity might evolve and change over time, and that's okay. Be open to embracing new aspects of your identity that align with your experiences abroad.
- Connect with other expats or individuals from your home country who are also living abroad. Share your experiences, challenges, and feelings with them. They can offer empathy, understanding, and practical advice.
- Immerse yourself in the local culture and embrace new experiences. Learn about the customs, traditions, and history of your host country.
- Engaging with the host culture can provide valuable insights and foster a sense of belonging while also allowing you to appreciate and respect your own cultural heritage.
- Maintain connections with your home country to nurture your sense of identity. Stay in touch with family and friends, participate in cultural events or celebrations, and explore opportunities to share your cultural background with others. This can help you maintain a connection to your roots and reinforce your sense of identity.
- Embrace the opportunity to develop a multicultural identity. Recognize that living abroad allows you to integrate different cultural influences into your sense of self. Embrace the aspects of your identity that are a fusion of your home country and the host country. Celebrate the richness that comes from having multiple cultural perspectives.
Dealing with an identity crisis can be emotionally challenging. Take care of your well-being by engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Practice self-care techniques such as exercise, mindfulness, journaling, or pursuing hobbies. Taking care of your mental and physical health will help you navigate the identity crisis with resilience.
Remember that going through an identity crisis is a natural part of the living abroad experience. It provides an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and a more inclusive understanding of yourself and the world. Embrace the journey, be patient with yourself, and seek support when needed.
