Many global nomads think that the real challenge of living abroad is exploring the new country. They can hardly imagine that there is a little foreigner inside each of us, waiting to be discovered as soon as we step off the airport.
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Moving abroad is yesterday´s news. People travel thousands of km every day to go places for pleasure, study, work, or family matters.
You just arrived in Argentina. So why is it important to develop cross-cultural awareness?
All of us perceive reality from one place: ours. Since we were born, we were taught how to perceive the world: what is a male or a female, the meaning of family, what is beautiful (and not so beautiful), and everything else in between you can imagine.
No need to say, most of this is given for granted. Like a fish in water, we never ask ourselves what the water smells like. It is there all the time. It is an invisible part of our daily experience.
Have you ever wondered how you perceive reality? Not yet? Let us help you.
-If you are angry or sad, would you allow yourself to cry in public?
-Do you consider multitasking is the correct way of getting things done at work, or your attention should be caught by one thing at a time?
-When looking for a job, is it more important WHAT you know or WHO you know?
There are as many answers to these questions as cultures on earth. In other words... Our perceptions shape our actions. We can only act based on the portion of reality we perceive. If you want to explore the invisible lines that shape you reality, it is a good start to ask yourself how YOU behave in every aspect of your life.
We know what you´re thinking... each person is different and we need to respect each human being´s uniqueness, right? Good point. However, research shows that beyond individual traits, we (yes, you too!) are greatly determined by the social and cultural conditions that surround us - like water shapes fish reality.
Our cultural background determines to a large extent our perceptions and behaviors. It prepares us to defend certain “universal” values and attitudes and get rid of others. It shows us how to be a good parent, an efficient employee or a loving partner. It even tell us whether and how to express our emotions and feelings. How essential is that?
The Newborn adventure
So what happens when you meet a foreigner? Or even more, when you move abroad to...let´s say...Buenos Aires, the beautiful capital city of Argentina?
Crash boom bang. Culture clash. And last, but not least… culture shock.
From the moment you step off Ezeiza Airport, you realize that something is missing. You become totally aware of the water that used to sustain you… simply because it is no longer there.
The smell of the new place, the humid weather, the loud noises of the crazy traffic, the impossible-to-figure out gestures that Argentinians use to communicate with each other, the kissing among men and men, men and women, children and men.. like a newborn exploring a whole new world, you are able to detect even the smallest differences. Buenos Aires embraces you with a mixture of surprise, excitement and fascination.
The days go by. Now you need to find a flat. Get a new job. Or if you already have one, you are expected to communicate effectively with your boss and colleagues ASAP. You were hired to deliver results. Sooner or later, the initial excitement goes away. Small differences that used to fascinate you can be disruptive now. You just don´t understand why all Argentinians are so rude, insensitive, narrow-minded. Your big question is: “Why can´t Argentines be just normal?”
Now, what is the meaning of normal or ab-normal? Judging Argentinians (or people from any other culture) as abnormal, rude or narrow-minded is risky: it leads to stereotyping. Prejudgements speak more about the judger´s perspective, rather than of the true characteristics of the person who is blamed by the judger.
Many expats get to this point and don´t know how to move forward. Nostalgia invades them. They start hating everything about the host country. So you hear comments like “The streets of BsAs are extremely dirty.” Or “Unlike my good old friends back home, Argentinians don´t know how to have fun” Or “I miss Europe! The Weather is too hot here”.
This leads many expats to lock themselves in and isolate from the unbearable foreignness outside. They prefer to stay home surfing Internet or chatting with good old friends (the only normal ones) rather than engaging in real life activities. This leaves them unsatisfied, clueless and with no chances of nurturing genuine relationships with others.
So what is the real challenge of being a global nomad ?
The real challenge is meeting yourself. Only when you explore your own cultural background and where you come from, you can perceive the dimensions of other people´s cultural realities. And last but not least, accept cultural differences. Forgive yourself and others. Embrace diversity.
When you become conscious of the role that culture plays in your own life, you´ll discover that Argentinian culture is not better or worse than yours.
Suddenly, you realize that right or wrong is just a matter of where you are standing. And you can start embracing Argentinian culture and its people, because now you can recognize yourself as a foreigner too.
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In Nómadas Globales Argentina, we help expats identify the color of glasses they wear to perceive reality. We understand that moving to a new country is not just getting another stamp on the passport.
Intercultural training with us will take your living abroad experience to a new level.
Join our Intercultural Coffee Meetings for expats in Buenos Aires (for individuals and small groups) to learn more about ins and outs of Argentinian culture and how to make your experience abroad a once-in a lifetime experience.
As of January 13th 2010, we will hold presentations and group discussions every week in different locations of Bs As dowtnown. Check this blog for upcoming events!
Contact us for more details: nomadasglobales@gmail.com
