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| By Ianpassion Photo was taken at NaMi Farm |
I have been in Thailand for some years now. A milestone on the journey of my life to feel at home in a new home which is a thousand miles away from my home country.
I had gone through the ups and downs of life as part of the process to adjust to a new place. Thai culture and language are fascinating. I have learned humility, teachability, and flexibility in order to be connected.
Staying abroad is both fun and daunting. As I am immersed in a Thai village for some years now, I have found three fundamental principles that are important to aware of ourselves and enjoy our stay away from our comfort zone.
1. Trust relationship
When we are in a foreign country, we can't keep away from being lonely. It is a dilemma. Unavoidable! But if we have the right people around, it is going to be easy. Trust is the basis of all lasting relationships. However, having someone whom we can really trust is not easy except for our family. Thus, It is essential that we are in a safe environment, which we are accepted and above all respected for whoever and whatever we are.
If we are single, living alone is somewhat good although not always. There are times we need companionship (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). That is why it is necessary to find a friend with whom we can share our hearts. However, finding someone whom we can really trust is at our own risk. We are going to partly expose our vulnerability to be considered a good friend. But, sooner or later, we will come across on the same path with the right person. Then going out together can be an unwinding moment. What is most important, we can be who we are, and there is no need to fake ourselves. When we found someone "a friend" with whom we can exchange our counsel and guidance, then it helps us a lot to overcome our emotional heaviness.
2. Cultural adjustment
The most common problem when we are in another culture is to assume that they are like us. However, after several days of staying with our host country, we eventually find out gaps between us and them. Examples of the cultures that our host country might be different from us are hierarchy vs. equality, community vs. individualism, direct vs. indirect, reality vs. superstition, career vs. relationship, punctuality vs. diplomacy, and religion vs. philosophy, and more.
Therefore, it is essential to have some knowledge of the cultural background of a host country so that we may know how to behave, relate with its people, and avoid unnecessary conflict. Study how they resolve disputes, how they respect the elders and parents, know how they make a relationship, and what are the taboos. Most of the misunderstanding happens not because we are bad or them racial, but it is because of cultural differences. Therefore, if we want to live harmoniously with the locals; cultural adjustment is essential. We have to be like an empty bottle to learn. Not in the sense of giving up our identity, but being flexible, tolerant, and sensitive to cultural differences.
Therefore, it is essential to have some knowledge of the cultural background of a host country so that we may know how to behave, relate with its people, and avoid unnecessary conflict. Study how they resolve disputes, how they respect the elders and parents, know how they make a relationship, and what are the taboos. Most of the misunderstanding happens not because we are bad or them racial, but it is because of cultural differences. Therefore, if we want to live harmoniously with the locals; cultural adjustment is essential. We have to be like an empty bottle to learn. Not in the sense of giving up our identity, but being flexible, tolerant, and sensitive to cultural differences.
3. Learning the language
It is challenging if our host country does not use much English. I remembered that Nelson Mandela once said, "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. But If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart." Yes, I think that it is true! If we continue to always speak English in the community, I think our impact is superficial. We can't touch their heart. However, if we try to speak the native language used in the community, then I think we start connecting.
For places that English is not an official language, English is somewhat misunderstood as the language of the most educated. So using it in the village may sound like we are showy. In some ways, they think we are higher than them. However, if we want to stay connected, bridging bridge instead of walls in our relationship building, thus learning the native language is not optional. We have to study! We should be scared of making mistakes to learn and improve our language skills. It is normal since it is not our mother tounges. And when the locals found us interested in them, then in return they will be interested in us.
For places that English is not an official language, English is somewhat misunderstood as the language of the most educated. So using it in the village may sound like we are showy. In some ways, they think we are higher than them. However, if we want to stay connected, bridging bridge instead of walls in our relationship building, thus learning the native language is not optional. We have to study! We should be scared of making mistakes to learn and improve our language skills. It is normal since it is not our mother tounges. And when the locals found us interested in them, then in return they will be interested in us.
To know more about Thai culture and tradition, click here.
