The process of change involved in living in another country is a situation that anyone can appreciate as psychologically destabilising.

There are different reasons why people decide to move from one territory to another, to emigrate (improvements in personal stability, search for opportunities, difficulties in the country of birth), and this change brings with it a set of elements that are important to take into account.

Emigration, a demanding challenge

Migrating without adequate preparation can result in poor adaptation to the new place, feelings of guilt, feelings of sadness expressed in a sense of emptiness, discouragement and frustration at not understanding what is happening are some of the elements that can make the transition difficult.

This is why it is important to take into account the following three aspects to be considered.

1. Self-awareness: knowing yourself to face the hard times

From the theory of emotional intelligence, self-awareness is the key point to overcome and be successful in any situation , basically it is to recognize that we are feeling in the moment (joy, sadness, guilt) and what is the reason for this emotion, knowing oneself will facilitate the social and cultural readjustment in the new context, understanding and feeling will allow an adequate management of our emotions promoting pleasant feelings.

It is natural that in some cases there are feelings of loneliness , due to the physical distance from relatives and places of habit, sadness and nostalgia for the desire to see loved ones or to be in places that were previously habitual. To understand these feelings is to allow them to be maintained in a shorter time, questions such as: what am I feeling and what reason do I have to feel it? What do I feel is missing? What can I do to improve my mood?

2. Open up to the new human and physical environment and enjoy new situations

In a study carried out by Pacheco A, Luca I, et al. in 1984 with young Puerto Ricans, they developed the phases of the adaptation process in another country.

A. Phase of fusion between self and environment

The first of these is the phase of fusion between the self and the demands of the environment: this phase suggests the ability to be flexible and yield to the demands of the environment, at this stage you can try out new clothes, doing different activities or experiencing new tastes and interests, adapting it to your values and personality .

B. Conflict differentiation phase

The second is the phase of conflict differentiation or its isolation from the receiving environment, suggests an open criticism of the new environment considering a possible isolation from the environment and society in which they are located . In this sense, the changes in culture in general represent a challenge for the immigrants that sometimes make it difficult for them to assimilate and accommodate in their own personal structure.

Identifying what makes us feel confident and pleased with the environment in which we are will encourage the discovery of oneself . On the other hand, broadening the experiences and learning will enrich the vision with which the world is perceived.

C. Hierarchical integration phase

The last one is the phase of differentiation and hierarchical integration, after finding situations and places where it is possible to feel confident and comfortable, for example, some particular job, some sport activity or something as simple as a square where it is nice to go. Any alternative that is found will allow the integration of a new model of vision of the panorama , and as a result we will have benefits like the increase of self-esteem, personal development finding new ways of thinking, feeling and living.

3. Thinking positively

As commented before, the adaptation to another country can be perceived as destabilizing , it represents the fall of a paradigm of customs and habits that were habitually maintained. That is why in the process situations will be triggered that depending on how we perceive them will affect us to a lesser or greater degree (difficulties in getting a job, change of diet or food, stress and anxiety or eventual limitations).

The theory of positive thinking offers the possibility to improve and place ourselves in the success of our plans more easily. To think positively is to objectively evaluate reality being able to find solutions and different alternatives to each challenge. Thinking from this approach allows us to be aware of the weaknesses but will direct the attention to the benefits, the teachings and learning of each situation. It allows the approach of motivation, the predisposition to make adequate decisions , and in general to a convenient attitude before the new change. With this vision all the obstacles will be opportunities to improve.

In this way we can find in the difficulties of employment an opportunity to widen the panorama, to be an explorer of creative ideas, to be an entrepreneur in what you like and to find the way to be successful.

The process of migratory change represents a challenge that few people dare to take on , which is why anyone who ventures to live an experience such as adaptation to residence in a new country must be willing to acquire the skills and abilities to succeed in the experience. If you are going through a situation of adaptation to another country you should consider that you are an enterprising person and that your adventure will probably bring you extraordinary experiences and moments.