Marbella is a hub of cultural diversity and expatriation brings a wealth of opportunities and challenges to its new arrivals.\u00a0Did you know there are 210 nationalities living in Marbella today? Among these, British German, Italian, French, Swedish, Uzbekistan and Malawi and so on\u2026some are easier to find on a world map than others.<\/p>\n
Although communication may become lost in translation, the frustrations of our differences turn potentially smooth operations into rather more challenging affairs, living in a diverse and culturally rich climate however brings a wealth of\u00a0opportunities\u00a0and\u00a0experiences to all who make the move.<\/p>\n
Many\u00a0expatriates find themselves on a journey of self-discovery, questioning their personal goals, values and purpose,\u00a0transcending\u00a0patterns from old-ways of living and being, to inspire new\u00a0possibilities, opportunities and dreams.<\/p>\n
MOVING & LIVING THE DREAM<\/strong><\/p>\n There are several stages of cultural adjustment, some positive, some negative. In a psychological sense this is how they are broken down:<\/p>\n Honeymoon: \u00a0<\/strong>This is when the host country is idealised.\u00a0\u00a0Marbella is a ray of light, a beautiful gem of golden beaches, lush green golf courses adorned with lakes and foundations, restaurants to suit all taste buds, and glamorous parties running day and night.<\/p>\n Rejection:\u00a0<\/strong>This happens when the\u00a0facade\u00a0makes way for daily life, and the stresses of communication, administration and organisation sets in.\u00a0\u00a0Good friends are few and the party season has fizzled out, bringing feelings of loneliness to some, anxiety and fear to others.<\/p>\n Regression:\u00a0<\/strong>People think of home, and of the ideals of what was.\u00a0\u00a0At this point, some return, or get stuck in comparing all that was known to what is now, refusing to give up the old and make way for the new. \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n Cultural Adjustment:\u00a0<\/strong>the sensation of having arrived in acceptance,\u00a0happy in this new environment, with a perception of acceptance, appreciation and interest in cultural differences is achieved.\u00a0 Getting to adapt to the new way is a personal journey, it can take time, but with acceptance of our differences, the process can be smooth.<\/p>\n Wherever you are in your process, adjustment is a state of mind that is chosen, when you are ready, and then the belle that is Marbella will open to you and reveal the beauty of this diverse culture and environment.<\/p>\n This is what expatriates living and working in Marbella have to say about their experience of adjusting to life in their new home, and to living in a culturally diverse community. For those that are well and truly \u201csettled\u201d this may have been you in the past and those that are new to Marbella – hopefully these stories will encourage you to enjoy the diversity Marbella has to offer.<\/p>\n A period of adjustment is a natural stage, and for some the process is faster than others. From seeking the positive in the experience, looking for similarities, pursuing meaning, purpose and passion on a new stage, or standing at the school gate and saying \u2018Hello\u2019 to another person, there are many ways to adjust. The key is the courage and confidence to just try. The beauty of such a diverse culture is that we live among fellow souls who are also trying to adjust; you are not alone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n HELP GETTING ADJUSTED<\/strong><\/p>\n Choose Happiness<\/strong>– when adjusting to a new culture, at any age or time in your life, is to love, like and accept yourself, to have a sense of meaning, purpose and direction to fuel your days, and pursue activities that you enjoy. Happiness, after all, is the most important thing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Keep in Touch with Friends and Family at Home \u2013 <\/strong>This sense of connection helps to settle anxiety around change.<\/p>\n Exercise – <\/strong>This\u00a0<\/strong>contributes to improved mood and better sleep.<\/p>\n Cultivate Acquaintances\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 it takes time to make close friends and cultivate a sense of connection, belonging and community. Many people have busy lives, children to care for, and businesses to run, jobs to do and chores to attend to. Making time for acquaintances is the best investment in making good friends.<\/p>\n Help Your Child Adjust – <\/strong>Children\u2019s worries are age dependent; a three year old may be worried about their toys, a teenager will be more concerned about leaving their friends and being accepted in a new environment. Involving your children in the process from the start is an effective way to build their confidence to see change as positive and exciting. By including them in packing boxes, enrolling in new schools, learning about the new location, clubs they can join and new hobbies they can try, the unknown becomes less daunting, and by having an idea of what to expect and being excited about new opportunities, adjustment can be smoother.<\/p>\n After the adjustment, there is growth. The growth that comes from within, from connecting with what matters to you, with what you want, and going in pursuit of this.<\/p>\n By connecting with new culture, learning about people and places, the new reflections that will come into your world will show you more about who you are and who you can be, and how your life can be enriched through the wonderment and beauty of a diverse cultural experience.<\/p>\n BOXOUT:<\/p>\n Adjustment Support<\/strong><\/p>\n For support on finding meaning, purpose and new direction contact Antonia Behan: www.antoniabehan.com<\/a><\/p>\n For supporting your children to adjust, or for adult therapy contact Barbara Orefici: www.marbellatherapists.com<\/a><\/p>\n Make new friends:<\/strong><\/p>\n Marbella Buddies: www. marbellabuddies.com<\/p>\n Costa Women: www.costawomen.com<\/a><\/p>\n Internations: www.internations.org\/marbella-expats<\/p>\n