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Living Abroad – Understanding the Expat Lifestyle
The expat lifestyle is much different to the lifestyle that you may be accustomed to. When you move to another country, you’re not just dealing with a new, unfamiliar location. You’re also dealing with unique people, exotic food and an entire set of customs that may be completely new to you.
If you know that you’re moving to a faraway land, it’s important to conduct some research to ensure there are no surprises. The last thing you want to do is move to a country where you’re unable to adapt. The following article aims to inform you about differing cultures and the expat lifestyle in India, Brazil and the USA.
The Expat Lifestyle in India
India is a country that values religion and family. As a travelling expat, it’s important to recognize and respect the customs and beliefs of Hinduism, as it accounts for 80% of the population.
The traditional way to greet another individual in India is with Namaskar. This is a salutation where you place your palms together and lower them below your face as a form of greeting.
Another thing to be aware of in India is the cuisine. Traditional Indian dishes are quite spicy and often contain fish, vegetables, rice and coconut. If you want to blend in with the locals, you should make sure to keep an open mind and try the local cuisine.
Interesting fact – Did you know that Indian cuisine is so popular across the world that London is believed to have more Indian restaurants than Delhi?
The Expat Lifestyle in Brazil
As an expat travelling to Brazil, you may find that you experience culture shock. The main religion here is Roman Catholic, the national sport is futebol (soccer) and the culinary influences stem from Amerindian and Portuguese foods.
Nearly 100 percent of the population in Brazil speaks Portuguese. Although many Brazilians also know English, it’s courteous to learn a bit of the language before you go so you can communicate with the locals.
Brazilians commonly greet one another with a handshake, but good friends often embrace. It’s also not uncommon for women to kiss each other on both cheeks when greeting and saying goodbye.
Interesting fact – In metropolitan areas, Brazilians often dine late. If you move to one of these areas, you’ll find that it’s not unusual for locals to sit down for dinner after 10 PM!
The Expat Lifestyle in the USA
The USA is a very culturally unique country. The majority of the population is Christian, individualism is a common value and the national sport is American football.
As an expat travelling to the US, you may need to adjust yourself to the traditional cuisine. Common ingredients include white-tailed deer venison, turkey, potatoes, squash, corn and maple syrup.
Greeting one another in the US is quite casual and usually involves a handshake, a smile or simply a ‘hello’. When addressing people you know, make sure that you use their first name.
Interesting fact – Did you know that in the US, its common courtesy to maintain eye contact during the greeting?