Expat Life: Feeling Like A Stranger

I have been living here for more than two years now, but I still feel I am a complete stranger. I do speak few of their words and understands few of them, but things are just so awkward and strange. Being different is what makes me feel a stranger. I do not look like them. I do not have a blonde hair or blue eyes. I am not that tall as they are. I am me, a foreigner in this country. But you know what, even though I feel I am different from them, the truth is that I am happy being here. People are warm and nice. I never heard of bad things they said about me. And I always feel welcome. They treat people equally here, something I am so happy about. 
 
I am lucky that I have someone who is always there for me. To explain things I do not understand. Thanks to my hubby who talk to the nurse every time our daughter has a check up, who explain things the doctor says about my health or my daughter’s health, to ask the sales lady if I need to try another shoes or clothes, or if they have my size, etc. Thanks to hubby who talk to his kids and explain to them what I am trying to say. Thanks for him who always there and help me. He is my translator :).
 
Being new to a certain place is quite sad sometimes. But it is just in my own thoughts because nobody thinks I am a  stranger here anyway. Nobody wants to be called a stranger, aren’t we? I am a legal residence. I am married and I have a family here. Why would I call myself a stranger? Hubby always told me to try make new friends and start living my life because my life is here. Maybe I am just stubborn and very shy. And things are just so different. 
 
Here are few things I should do in order to be confident and do not feel a stranger anymore!
  1. Just be yourself. Do not think you are different. Just be real.
  2. Do not hesitate to ask if you do not understand anything they said.
  3. Be friendly by making new friends. Get involve in the community.
  4. Get use to the fact that you are living here and you belong here.
  5. Try to learn their language and starts communicating.

LEAVE A COMMENT

  1. I’m sure learning Finnish (is that right?) must be difficult! Have you taken a language class? If you are going to be there any length of time I do recommend it. Are there any other expat types of things you can join or attend? I would be lost I think. I admire that you left your home country to make it in “a new world” essentially. Your daughter will be bi-lingual and that’s awesome and great for her too.

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