How to Overcome Culture Shock After Moving to Mexico

Culture shock is common when moving to an unfamiliar country. For many people, this will mean they experience a feeling of disorientation post-move, due to the new way of life they will be subjected to. Despite only being across the border, moving to Mexico from the US can be a big enough change that individuals might face culture shock.

These feelings will begin to effect everyday life if left unchecked. It can lead to social isolation, depression, and anxiety; all of which could hinder the joy you might experience after moving. To overcome culture shock, there are several things you can do, and four of these ways have been listed in this post.

Research Before You Move

The very first task to do to overcome culture shock is more of a prevention method. Learning about Mexico before you set off can help you anticipate some of the culture and traditions you’ll see when you arrive. Your research might even extend to the history, language, religion, and so on, so you have a more rounded insight.

At times, a lack of knowledge can cause individuals to become isolated; this is usually to avoid being seen as ill-informed or ignorant. With your research, you can begin to understand what language barriers you might experience, which topics are considered taboo, etc. For example, according to Cultural Atlas, people should avoid criticizing the Virgin of Guadalupe when in Mexico.

By researching this type of information, you will be well-prepare ahead of time to avoid feeling negatively about the move. 

Immerse Yourself in the Community

After moving to Mexico, you should try to reduce the culture shock you experience by immersing yourself in the community. This is an excellent way to enhance experience and create meaningful connections with new people, and both of these will help you engage more with the culture and people.

As previously mentioned, there might be language barriers to overcome, and learning the local language can smooth any encounters with the locals. In Mexico, the primary language that is spoken in Spanish, although some indigenous languages are also spoken. If you learn Spanish, you will have an easier time forming friendships with those in your neighborhood, and you might find more opportunities are offered your way.

Another enjoyable way to engage with the community is by visiting landmarks in Mexico, such as the Tulum Ruins and the Great Pyramid of Cholula. You can gain a better understanding of the country’s history this way, which could lead you to being more considerate of attitudes and social norms.

Set Personal Goals for Yourself

With culture shock, you might experience anxiety and depression. These feelings can make it tougher to get yourself ready and go outside, but this is exactly what you need to do. To make this easier, you can set yourself goals to achieve. This doesn’t have to focus on your profession; you can consider goals that will enrich your new life in Mexico, such as walking outdoors for 30 minutes a day, trying a new restaurant monthly, or participating in a new culture group.

These small goals might seem silly to some people, but they are easy ways to feel like you have accomplished something. It has been reported that goal-setting can have positive psychological effects; it has been linked to higher autonomy, motivation, self-confidence, and self-esteem.

Reach Out to Others

Culture shock can be isolating. People will often suffer in silence and hide their symptoms, and this can lead to them hiding at home. This social isolation can have a detrimental effect on your well-being, so it is important to reach out to people you trust and keep them updated on how you’re feeling after the move. 

Most expats will voice their issues with family and friends back home, although this will need to be over the phone or online. They will offer an outsider’s perspective to help you rationalize the problems you are experiencing and seek solutions. You can rant to your friends and family members without fear of judgement, and they might make plans to visit you in Mexico sooner if they know you are struggling.

But you should also build a support network in Mexico. There is only so much talking to family and friends can accomplish, especially when they are miles and miles away, so you should make friends with people nearby. This might be through work or socializing in your free time. Although it will be tough to commit yourself to this task, it is essential to ensure you find joy after your move.

Moving to a new country can be a difficult transition, no matter the distance from home. There are several differences between the United States and Mexico that can cause you to experience culture shock, and this feeling can put a dampener on any joy you might find post-move. Thankfully, there are multiple ways to adjust and ease culture shock, as outlined in this post.