Adapting to a new place is a challenge, especially when you have to do it several times. If you have moved a lot, you know how hard it is to leave behind everything you’re used to and your comfort zone.
Someone I know that kept moving throughout his life is my dad. He has first-hand experience with adaptation to new cultures and a new country. He left his hometown in Turkey at a young age and has been moving around ever since. I knew that he could provide a good insight into the whole process of adapting and advice for anyone who wants to or has to move somewhere new for whatever reason.
Her Campus (HC): How many countries have you lived in?
Kerem Toksoz (KT): I lived in five countries in total—Turkey, Germany, Romania, the United States and the United Kingdom.
HC: How old were you when you first moved to a different country?
KT: I was 11 years old when I moved to Germany from Turkey. My dad took a job offer there and my family moved along with him. I started middle school there.
HC: What was the hardest part about moving so often?
KT: Probably leaving my life behind. Every place I moved into, it took me a while to call it home and just when I was able to call it home, I would move somewhere new. I left behind friends and loved ones as well as the culture that I grew to love. Another hard factor was the language barrier. I experienced a language barrier especially when I moved to Germany. It was hard to make friends when I barely knew German. However, going to school and taking courses eventually helped me overcome that. Living in the U.S. and the U.K. was easier, since I already knew English.
HC: What are some tips and tricks you developed to feel at home in a completely new country?
KT: My first tip would be to try your best to make the place you live in home. Even though you might feel far from home initially, you can create a familiar environment by surrounding yourself with things you love. For me, I would have my favorite books and some of my favorite snacks in my room. Even little things can make you feel at home and help you adjust better. A second tip would be to embrace the culture around you. Even if it’s hard initially, trying to get into different social environments and acquiring friends from that culture can make you feel so much less alone and help you adjust better.
HC: How did you deal with culture shock?
KT: I acknowledged the fact that there are many things to appreciate about every culture as every culture has its unique sides. I embraced the culture around me by watching TV, listening to their local music and getting to know the country’s local people. These helped me respect the differences and appreciate living in that culture.
HC: How did moving so much and experiencing new cultures help you grow as a person?
KT: I think that living in different places made me more open-minded. It helped me communicate with people easier, be more open towards approaching people and understand different values. I was also able to adapt to change fast. I became much more patient and understanding.
HC: Looking back, do you regret that you moved around so much?
KT: No, I’m happy that I spent a good amount of my life getting to know different cultures. I grew to love being out of my comfort zone, rather than looking for a stable routine. I also became stronger in overcoming challenges that come with moving around.
HC: What would you say to someone who’s struggling with moving somewhere new?
KT: Give yourself time and be patient with yourself. Nothing is going to feel comfortable or stable in the first few months. Try to experience the new culture you’re around; it can really help you grow as a person.
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