For those who live in a foreign countrty.?

I lived in a foreign country for several years. At first I was excited, thrilled about experiencing a different culture, and carry that same thrill with me today. But no matter where you go, there is always a degree of culture shock associated with a change like that. I moved from the US to Canada, and remember breaking down into tears because everytime I picked up something, the label was in French. Mind you, all I had to do was turn the box over to see the English, but for some reason at that moment, I was overwhelmed by the changes in my life. I have a friend who moved to Canada from Europe who got angry at the plugs in the walls because they were so different. These insignificant things are a sort of larger manifestation over a slow sense of not belonging that can build up over time.

My Culture shock coming home was almost immediate, and I stayed inside for a couple of weeks to let it pass. I spent a lot of time watching American Television when I came home, getting used to things again before I ventured back out into American Society.

I had moments of home sickness too. But on the whole I found it to be an excellent and enriching experience and am happy with the changes it brought about in me. Living in another country is a hardcore reminder that we live in a world, not just a tiny community, and the differences in our cultures are things to be respected and admired..not insulted or disparaged.

I have lived in Morocco, Portugal, the USA, England, France, Italy and the Middle East countries (Iraq, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia).

Always for work; between a few months to a full year.

The only thing I missed was my family, my wife and sons, which I tried to visit as often as possible.

Other than that, I didn't miss anything, for I was always trying to follow the saying "When in Rome do as the Romans do".

Do not expect people from other countries to react, live or behave as you are used to in your own place. If you do, they will find you an odd bird and they will not accept you.

It is up to the visitor to adapt to the customs of the visited country, not the other way round.

Curious98

Lived in the Philippines for almost 6 months...missed NFL...though the Super Bowl comes on like 8 in the morning...missed some of the native foods and pastimes, but after coming back here I found myself missing the food and friends there not to mention really missed the women

I don't know what country you're in so I am not sure if I am in a country foreign to you. Honestly I would guess you are American because Americans in general think every place else is foreign and they aren't. Like the word foreign by definition is, "not american".

Anyhow I am an American expat myself and I miss very little from America besides my family.

Forign for who?

Italy is foreign for me but not Italians

food!! seems silly but yeah...however casual you are regardin ur eatin habbits itz the home made food dat u miss d most when u move out!!