Ever feel like everyone’s in on a joke you don’t get? As an expat, missing cultural context is like hearing people talk about a movie you’ve never seen. This article uncovers why symbols, references, and shorthand matter—and how cracking the code of cultural fluency can turn confusion into connection.
Tag Archives: Cultural values
Frame of Mind: Your Perspective Matters More Than Your Problems
Discover how reframing challenges can change your expat experience. This article explores the power of perspective shifts to reduce stress, boost adaptability, and build meaningful connections in a foreign culture. A mindset shift could change everything!
Throwback: Cultural Taxonomies: A Key to Decoding Cultures
Explore how cultural taxonomies can help you decode cultural differences, reduce frustration, and have more meaningful relationships for a richer expat life.
Culture Connection: Learning What Everyone Knows
It’s not enough to have language fluency, you must also learn what everyone knows in your host culture. Discover how with suggestions for every language learning level.
How Not to Be Raging Mad at Your Host Culture, Part 3
Feeling frustrated with your host culture? Discover how to navigate cultural challenges without succumbing to Raging Expat Syndrome in Part 3 of this series. Learn how to manage your judgments and reactions to thrive as an expat.
The Humble Expat: How Humility Transforms Expat Life
Discover the underestimated power of humility! This quiet virtue is not only necessary, but transformative to your expat life. Dive into the insights and stories that will change the way you see yourself and the world.
Cultural Taxonomies, Part 2: A Deep Dive
Dive deeper than the intro into the fascinating world of cultural taxonomies. Be equipped to deeply understand and enter into your host culture in the latest from The Prepared Expat.
Cultural Taxonomies: A Key to Decoding Cultures, Part 1
Explore how cultural taxonomies can help you decode cultural differences, reduce frustration, and have more meaningful relationships for a richer expat life.
Discovering the Past: How History Shapes Cultural Understanding
If you don’t understand a people’s history, you won’t understand their culture. Learn why this is so + tips for understanding your host’s history from The Prepared Expat.
How Not to Be Raging Mad at Your Host Culture, Part 2
You’ve encountered cultural differences that frustrate or enrage you. The Prepared Expat shares a 4-step process to help you respond with understanding and humility, no matter what that difference is.