Understanding Culture When Living Abroad
Culture hides in the smallest details of our daily lives. It is present in our gestures, in the way we communicate, in how we interpret what happens around us, and in the expectations we have of others.
Most of the time, it goes unnoticed because it is the framework through which we understand the world. It is so deeply embedded in our everyday life that we stop seeing it. Only when we interact with people from other cultures do we begin to notice these differences.
When we engage with people from different countries or cultural backgrounds, it is natural for assumptions and expectations to arise. We may interpret certain behaviors as “strange,” “incorrect,” or “rude” simply because they differ from what we consider normal.
However, what we call normal is simply the result of our own cultural experience.
I remember a conversation with a German man whom I asked to describe his culture. His response was:
“I don’t know, we don’t have one.”
Of course, he didn’t mean that Germany had no culture. What he meant was that, having grown up within it his entire life, it had become invisible to him.
This is a very common phenomenon: culture only becomes visible when we come into contact with other cultures.
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The Cultural Impact of Moving to Another Country
Moving to another country —even when it is an exciting decision— is one of the most significant changes we can experience in life.
Leaving what we once called “home” means adapting to new social norms, new ways of communicating, and new ways of understanding the world.
From my personal experience, having lived my entire life in Honduras, studied in the United States, and spent an academic year in Europe, I can say that culture deeply influences who we are.
Every cultural experience has the potential to transform us.
During this process, I went through different stages:
- From feeling confident and certain in high school
- To experiencing uncertainty and questioning many of my beliefs during college
- To stepping completely out of my comfort zone while studying abroad
Much of this learning came from daily interactions with people from cultural backgrounds very different from my own.
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Cultural Differences in Everyday Life
Living in a different cultural environment pushes us to question many of the assumptions we take for granted.
We learn to observe more, listen more, and understand that behaviors can have completely different meanings depending on the cultural context.
For example, something that an 80-year-old Spanish man might consider rude could be seen as completely normal behavior for a 14-year-old American girl.
These situations can feel surprising —even disorienting.
But they also offer an opportunity to develop:
- cultural empathy
- open-mindedness
- new ways of understanding others
At the same time, living in another country can be deeply enriching… but also confusing.
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The Emotional Challenges of Living as an Expat
The experience of cultural adaptation is not limited to students studying abroad.
Many people living as expats go through similar processes when building a life in a new country.
Some of the most common challenges include:
Identity Confusion
Questioning our own habits, values, or beliefs.
Loneliness
Feeling homesick or struggling to connect with people in the new environment.
Constant Uncertainty
Moving abroad involves facing unfamiliar situations and a high level of ambiguity.
Difficulty Developing Cultural Empathy
Truly understanding other ways of thinking and living can take time.
Searching for a Sense of Belonging
Feeling that we truly belong in a new place requires adaptation and vulnerability.
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Finding Balance in a New Cultural Environment
A new environment can bring up unexpected emotions. Some may feel positive, while others can be more difficult to manage.
What’s important to remember is that you don’t have to go through this process alone.
Having support during cultural adaptation can make a meaningful difference. Creating space to reflect on your experience, understand your reactions, and learn tools to adapt can help you rebuild a sense of balance and belonging.
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A Space for Expats Looking to Feel at Home and Connected
For those going through this process, psychologist Cristina Montoro has created the Workshop for Expats: Sense of Belonging.
This workshop is designed to help people living outside their home country to:
- better understand their cultural experience
- manage the emotions that arise when living abroad
- develop tools to adapt with greater confidence
- rebuild a sense of belonging in their new life
Living in another country can be a profound challenge, but also a powerful opportunity for personal growth.
With the right support, it is possible to transform this experience into a stage of discovery, connection, and personal development.
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Isabella Arguello
Psychologist and collaborator in Cristina Montoro’s therapeutic space.
