Acclimating to a new culture is never easy. As an Expat living abroad, there are many things that you have to adjust to and take into account. You may find yourself being judged for your accent or the way you dress. You may feel like an outsider everywhere you go. It can be difficult to make friends with locals who don’t speak your language or understand your culture, but it’s not impossible. In this post, we chat about what it’s like to live as a Black Expat in Ghana and the challenges of adjusting to life in a foreign land.
The first few weeks as an expat can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. You are transitioning from one culture to another and it may take some time for you to find your feet, but it's important that you give yourself time to adjust and make friends.
Acclimating to a new environment can be tough, especially when you're the only person of color in your new country. But there are ways to prepare yourself for the challenges that come with being an Expat - like making sure you understand what things are like in Ghana before you move there, as well as researching the culture so you know how best to interact within their customs. This can help make the transition smoother on both ends.
Being an expat is a life-changing experience; one that not everyone is ready for. If this sounds like something that interests you, we encourage you to research more about life abroad (and Ghana specifically) before making any decisions.
One of the biggest adjustments for many Expats is the language barrier. You may be speaking a different language than most people around you, so communicating with locals will be difficult. This can make it feel like an uphill battle when you’re trying to get a lot done in a limited amount of time. In Ghana, the two most popular languages are English and Twi, but there are dialects as well such as Akan, Ewe, Ga and Mfantse. Learning these can be daunting and difficult at first, but it’s important to take some time to learn them as best you can.
Making friends with locals can be difficult. If you are from a different country, you may not speak the same language or understand the culture.
However, there are many ways to make friends and get to know locals. One way is by volunteering your time at a local organization or charity. This will help you meet people and make connections in your community. You could also explore popular events happening around town that may attract people with shared interests as well. You will also have opportunities to make new friends at these events, which can be a great way to learn about the culture of your new home.
When you move to a new country, there are many adjustments that you have to make. You may find that the food or culture is different from your home country and not what you’re used to. You may struggle to understand what people are saying because they speak a different language. It can be difficult for locals to understand your culture, so it can feel like an outsider everywhere you go.
Adjusting is challenging for everyone, but there are many tips and tricks for making the transition smoother. With some patience and time, you’ll find yourself adjusting in no time at all. One of the most important things is keeping in touch with friends and family back home through Skype or social media. This way, you have a support system back home that understands what it’s like to live as a Black Expat in Ghana. It also shows your friends and family back home how much you're enjoying life abroad!
It takes time to adjust to living in a new country, but it’s worth it. Adjusting to a new culture, making new friends, and learning a new language can be difficult at first. But making the effort to get out from your comfort zone will help you grow and enrich your life.
