Relocation Archives - Page 2 of 5

Interview with Audrey | An Expat from the Netherlands

Every month, Fluency Corp reaches out to clients, friends or even family, who have relocated to another country for a job, in order to ask them why they moved, how they got there and the way in which they made a new home for themselves in their new country. We are fascinated by their resilience and we want to support others who will be moving in the future. In these interviews, you will find authenticity, humility and also tips for how to make your relocation smoother. This month we spoke with Audrey Mezas, an expat from the Netherlands. Thanks for joining our Expat Chat!

Meet Audrey: An Expat from the Netherlands

Where are you from? Where have you moved to? And how long did you spend in each country?
I’m Dutch and was born in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. I have moved to 17 locations on 4 continents (sometimes several moves within one country). I have lived in The Netherlands, Tahiti, Australia, Saudi Arabia and the United States. I spent anywhere between 1 to 7 years in each country.

Where did you become an adult?
In the United States and in the Netherlands.

What do you do now?
I am the owner of a niche Relocation company called Expat in Amsterdam® and I live in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Challenges of Being an Expat from the Netherlands

What were the specific challenges you faced after moving to The United States from Australia?
I often find that locals put you in the nationality box of the country you last lived in. When I moved from Australia to The United States, I was considered an Australian, when I moved from The United States to the Netherlands, I was considered an American.

When moving to the USA, I wasn’t used to the ‘everything’s possible’ mentality. Everything really was possible! Everything was available. You could take your car through the drive-thru of the bank, and could grocery shop until 10pm at night. There were 100 different cereals. And the weird thing was that you needed your car to go everywhere. I lived in Florida and never took public transportation there, since everyone has a car and it wasn’t considered safe.

We came to Florida where I started high school. My parents were thinking about Miami, but said that the security system would cost about as much as the house. We ended up moving to Clearwater, FL, near Tampa. I went to a small Greek school in Tarpon Springs which was an amazing but fun culture shock! My dad was a banker and when he was transferred, we would move to wherever his new assignment would take us.

So, to start at the beginning, we started in Tahiti, an amazing tropical island in the Pacific Ocean, where I went to a French school and had to learn the language. Then we moved to Australia, where I went to a private international school and later to a private boarding school. Then we moved to Saudi Arabia, where girls at that time were not allowed to go to the international school. I had the choice of going to a boarding school – by myself – or moving to England and living with friends of my family. What did I choose? I decided to stay and go to the boarding school in Australia and would visit my parents and younger brother in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

A few years later we met up again in Florida. Before arriving, I thought the USA was like Mork and Mindy. I felt like I was in one of those (High School Musical) movies. I don’t know why we chose Tarpon Springs but I ended up loving it. Very interesting to have a high school with a strong Greek Orthodox history. European culture in Florida? Anything is possible.

In high school, all of a sudden there were these groups – during lunchtime they would sit together – the Greek kids, the cheerleader/football group, the African American group and the LGB(TQ were not yet acknowledged) group. There was even a group of intelligent kids, which people then called the nerdy kids. Note: I found this to be a very strange word! They would sit with ‘their own group’, but they would also stay with their own group outside of the school. It was the first time that I experienced segregation of different types of people and backgrounds.

I have family and friends from all over the world with all types of racial backgrounds, from light to dark skin. I have always been raised to be comfortable and accepting with everyone.

In terms of being an expat anywhere, especially as a kid, what I notice is that when you don’t live in your own house, you’re often not allowed to hang anything on the walls or move any furniture and are therefore limited. People often see the glamour of the expat life, but not the other side of it. For example, not knowing how long you’ll be staying in the country or suddenly moving to another country, which is difficult and not glamorous at all. There’s a whole other side to this life of constantly having to leave your loved ones.

How did you prepare for your move? Any tips for others?
Call a Relocation expert or talk to locals (if you know any) in the country that you will be moving to. Always get expert advice.

What did you expect when moving to The United States that didn’t turn out to be so?
I didn’t expect people to be so open in the US. People in the check-out line would chat with you and you could even get a dinner invitation so easily and quickly! But once invited, would the friendship grow? That wasn’t so sure.

Whereas in the Netherlands, it may take a while to get the dinner invitation, but once you do, you can expect to be invited for a lifetime.

Also, I didn’t expect the news to have such a big impact on my life in the US. Seeing bad news stories being repeated over and over again on the TV or in the newspapers. The bad news has such a big impact in the US. And every channel represents a political power – and each one has a different point of view.

What did you NOT expect that did happen during one of your big moves?
I did not expect a bucket of red/white/blue paint to be poured over my head in the shower once arriving at boarding school in Australia. I was told that this way everyone knew where I came from (i.e. the Dutch flag is red/white & blue).

Once you moved to Amsterdam later in your life, what was most challenging personally and most challenging as a family?
When I arrived in Amsterdam (quite some years ago) strangers who would hear my heavy (then American) accent would actually tell me “go back to the US.” That was quite a shock, seeing I was actually a local Dutch native.

The most challenging part was making new friends, finding a job, a home and finding out what the rules and regulations were within the Netherlands.

Looking Back

Do you have a funny expat story? Or another funny language story where something was misunderstood?
These days we actually buy/sell/rent homes to and for our clients. But the first year I would walk around in the homes during viewings and realtors would think I was one of the American clients trying to buy a home – no one knew I spoke Dutch. This came in quite handy when it came time to bid on behalf of my clients, as I always knew what the competition was thinking!

That first year in the USA, from 1 to 10, what would you score it?
A six.

By the time you left, what score would you give it?
A nine.

Being a Successful, Long-Term Expat

What are the three top characteristics needed to be a successful, long-term expat?

Mingle with locals asap.
Learn the language.
Find out what the locals appreciate and what they stand for…

What role did language play in the success of your moves?
A big part.

In Tahiti I had to speak and learn French as a child. In Australia and the US I had to learn English but two different types of English. British – English and American – English (both countries have their own words).

Fluency Corp is passionate about expats having the very best experience in their new country. More than anything, we believe that language is the key component to ANY and ALL successful relocations internationally, both in business and personally. If you or your team are interested in ensuring highly effective collaborations and communication in your second language, or are interested in improved communication training for your multilingual teams, reach out to us here.

Interview with Seth | An Expat in France

Every month, Fluency Corp reaches out to clients, friends or even family, who have relocated to another country for a job, in order to ask them why they moved, how they moved and how they made a new home for themselves in their new country. We are fascinated by their resilience and we want to support others who will be moving in the future. In these interviews, you will find authenticity, humility and also tips for how to make your relocation smoother. This month we spoke with Seth.

Meet Seth: A France & England Expat

Where are you from? Where have you moved to? And how long did you spend in each country?
I’m from Northern California, born and raised. Now I’m in La londe Les Maures, a small town in the South of France. I’ve been here 3 months. Before this, I spent 7 years in London.

Why did you move to London?
By default if I am being honest. My wife and I were in Texas, big home, good jobs, white picket fence, the whole American dream. However I was in my late 20s and felt a bit claustrophobic being in the middle of Texas in the middle of the US. We decided to travel for about 9 months going through South America, SE Asia and India and landing in France with the idea of permanently staying there. After trying to find a job and it being unsuccessful (mostly because I did not speak French) we packed up and flew to London.

What job did you do in London?
I had been in retail banking for 10 years, so I didn’t want to do that. I started looking in hospitality. I had always had a thing for it. I thought I could do it well, and I liked the human interaction. So I started with Oakwood who at the time was the global leader in the temporary serviced apartment industry. I was with them for 9 months in reservations and then supply chain for the next 5 years. It was an amazing experience. Then through connections, I got a promotion at Synergy Global Housing as the Supply Chain Manager and led the EMEA supply chain for a year and a half, and then 3 months ago we moved to France. That had always been the goal long term and believe it or not COVID was the instigator to make the jump.

Working in the U.S., UK, and France

What do you do now?
Through a series of personal situations and personal decisions, we moved to France and now I work at Situ who is silently leading the pack in the industry with regards to technology, innovation and company culture. I manage the global supplier network alongside some very talented people.

Tell me your thoughts on the differences working in the US, UK and France.
US and UK differences: it felt more relaxed and laid back in the UK, but i think it was because I changed industries.
UK and France: I work from home 5 days a week now, so it’s hard to compare. I’m not going to a French office on a daily basis. But I can say that the commute in London, the pace at which people move, the lack of human interaction, is different than what I’ve seen here in my small community here in France. It’s friendlier. It’s about 20,000 people now and I can see in offices and shops how happy people appear.

Any differences socially?
I don’t feel that foreign to be honest. I feel like I fit into the French culture. Maybe not the strikers, haha. But at the end of the day you go to the port and you sit and look at the sea. You go to your neighbor’s house and have an aperitif. It is difficult though because my French is still so weak. I can do only one on one conversations. Groups are hard because I can’t follow the multiple conversations.

What you say reminds me of Northern California. Do you think you like your current life because of that?
Maybe. The terrain is the same. The pace of life is even slower here though. It’s hard in the states – living with the lack of medical benefits, the lack of holiday with your career, and the hardcore focus on your career. Don’t get me wrong, I work hard and I work a lot of hours. But it doesn’t define me like it does for a lot of my friends back home I feel.

Challenges of Being an Expat in the UK and France

What were the specific challenges you’ve faced as an expat?
A lot with the language. However, it hasn’t been too bad because my wife has been here to help me with all the admin stuff like getting visas, getting into the social system, buying a car, a few other pending things. And then the typical French things like not getting back to me quickly. The admin side of things, they take their time, haha. The office of foreign immigration… it’s been 3 months and they haven’t responded to me to confirm I’ve gotten my social status. I should have taken French classes, taken medical exam by now, etc, but it hasn’t happened.

How did you prepare for your move? Any tips for other expats?
Cost of living was huge for us. I’ve done it in Northern Cali, Austin, London and now I know what I’m comfortable with. To come here, I definitely did a cost comparison: homes, groceries, etc. We moved for a way of life, so we wanted to identify places where we wanted to live. We made a list. We’re between Nice and Marseilles at the moment and want to stay in the South. We had 10 towns on a spreadsheet and scored them 1 to 3 and found an average. Things like; Is it near an airport? Near mountains? Cost of rent? Near water? Close to family? How close? Then ultimately came out with the top few locations we want to settle in.

What about social life?
It’s mostly my wife’s friends so far and the neighbors. I might be in limbo because I am concentrating on my new job and in a way waiting until we move somewhere to join a CrossFit gym – that will be the quickest way to meet people. However I did build a petanque field in an area just near us and as I work on it or play in it now with family, neighbors stop by and we have a chat…very French. One set of neighbors even bought a set of their owns balls to start playing with us!

What did you expect when moving to France that didn’t turn out to be so?
It’s taken me awhile to find my marks. When I moved to London I felt comfortable almost immediately. Here, I didn’t have a car at first, so that restricted me quite a bit. I didn’t have that driving freedom at first. Finding my comfort zone in getting around took awhile. In this town no one speaks English, but that wasn’t a surprise to me. I was expecting that. Of course, maybe a few people do, but it’s not common. In Cannes or Nice, at least most people have a basic knowledge of English, so it’s nice to be able to talk at least on a basic level with people. People are so understanding of my bad French. So when I say tu instead of vous (the familiar family word instead of the stranger, formal ‘you’) people are easy on me and don’t get upset about my mistakes.

Looking Back

Do you have a funny expat story? Or another funny language story where something was misunderstood?
I was walking my dog with my mother-in-law and we split up for a moment, then I asked her ‘did your dog already go to the bathroom?’ she responded quickly, but I didn’t catch it. So I thought she asked me, ‘yes, and did you?” but that’s obviously not what she asked, as I was not using the bathroom on the walk. It was a big laugh between us.

That first year in London, from 1 to 10, what would you score it? 7
Second year? 5
Your last year, which was your 7th year there? 2
Before I totally alienate all my friends and work families in London with my scoring, it is just a reflection of my personal preference, being from a small town and living in a city of 9 million put me out of my comfort zone. I did it for 7 years because there was so much to do and offer in the city but by the end I was craving that smaller town way of life.

Your first three months in France?
9.5 — a breath of fresh air!

What are the three top characteristics needed to be a successful, long-term expat?
Culturally sensitive. Open-minded. Patient. It’s not just patient with your job or people, but patient with yourself, let yourself adapt, give yourself time. You’ll be okay.

What role did language play in the success of your moves?
Because of my wife, it hasn’t played as big of a role because I can lean on her language skills. But moving to France, language is super important. I was in a store, and I couldn’t ask properly if there were other kinds of sugar. It‘s REALLY frustrating not being able to speak French. So it plays a really big role if you are on your own.

Interview with Yolanda | An Expat from the Netherlands

Interview with Expat Yolanda | From the Netherlands to the UK

Meet Yolanda: A Netherlands Expat

Where are you from? Where have you moved to? And how long did you spend in each country?
I was born in Harlingen in Friesland. I’m half Dutch, half Swedish. Lived 17 years in England. 5 years in France, 1 year in Germany and now I am in Holland again.

So you said you moved around a lot as a child, so your natural state is moving, not staying? Is that correct?
Yes, I see myself as a gypsy without the caravan. I’ve moved 28 times in 36 years.

Why did you move so much?
My father did his degree in naval architecture, and because of that, we moved a lot but always by the sea which I loved hence I ended up in Enkhuizen!

What would you call your home country then?
Home is where the heart is! The Netherlands.

Becoming an Expat

Where did you become an adult?
For 18 – 26, the United Kingdom first, which is why I sound so British. I was there from age 15 – 32. London, Portsmouth, Southampton, Guildford. I actually thought I was going to be in the UK for the rest of my life but then Brexit happened and I decided to go back home. It was not an easy decision as I was leaving behind a great job, all my friends and my brother who lives in Portsmouth.

I ended up going to London, no job, no nothing, just taking a risk. This time is what really shaped me. This is how I got in the serviced apartment industry (relocation).

I wasn’t particularly focused on being in the serviced apartment industry per se, I didn’t even know what it was at the time, but it has been the best thing for me. I have an incredible job now and have been in it for 10 years.

During this time I was Corporate Sales Director for Short Stay Group and I was traveling every couple of weeks or so, having an amazing time, leisure time, getting my name out there in the industry and building up my reputation. In London, I worked for Oakwood – the biggest serviced apartment provider in the world which gave me a great foundation to help me to where I am now.

Then, an opportunity came along to go to Cologne, Germany. I was Head of Enterprise EMEA for a start-up company. It was a bit of a shock to the system as the German culture is so different, professional and personal. I spent a year there but decided to come back to the Netherlands as I felt I wasn’t integrating as well as I did in the other countries. I didn’t speak the language which made it hard to integrate into the German way of life, both professionally and personally but attended events such as Mundo Lingo to make new friends. You put sticky flags on you to states where you are from and what languages you speak. It was fun!

Working as an Expat

What do you do now?
I’m still in the serviced apartment sector. I just love it so much, I can’t see myself in any other sector. It’s like a big family, everybody knows everybody! You move from being a client to a supplier and back to a client. I was very honoured to have won ‘Rising Star of the Year’ in 2018 at the Serviced Apartment Awards in London. I felt immensely proud of this achievement. Somehow I received 2000 votes, I didn’t even know 2000 people so I felt very blessed. (There was an intense party of celebrating the win until the early hours of the morning…) (She laughs.)nnWhere do you work?
I’m now Country Manager Benelux for SITU serviced apartments – their HQ is in Exeter – UK. I’ve known Phil, the owner, for years and I had actually always wanted to work for them because of their family-like values. There are 45 employees, but nothing is ever too much for any of the SITU’ers, everyone wants you to succeed and will give you all the support and tools needed. One of the things I love is that nobody has their job title in their signature, I love that everyone is seen as equal in the company, everyone has a voice! When I worked in Germany, it was very much about hierarchy, you were the boss and that was that. I’m very easy-going and fair and like to portray that to my staff back then. With SITU they encourage new ideas/brainstorm sessions. SITU’s owner is very involved himself – if someone is snowed under he’ll jump in and help out. Every year, the company raises money for charity rather than receiving Christmas gifts. I can’t wait for my debut this Christmas haha! Check out the hysterical video!nnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlhng7grV3Ynn

Even though you were doing similar jobs in Germany and UK, what feels different now, both personally and professionally?
I’m such a happy go lucky person, meeting people all the time (virtual during the corona crisis but it is still personal in my opinion! You get a feel for their character just by seeing their working from home space), I think it’s important to find a connection with that person as it is an ice-breaker and I am genuinely interested in people’s backgrounds. I would say it’s the opposite in Germany, it’s rather regimented and in my opinion a slight lack in empathy (or I just tell bad jokes!) I find that in general they are quite behind on technology, which was quite surprising. The culture as well. I noticed in Germany – and I’m sure it wasn’t done intentionally – but they forget to consider people that don’t speak the local language. Everyone expects you to speak German, if you don’t, you don’t necessarily fit in. Yes, it was a great way to learn the language, but it was a little bit uncomfortable too.

The one thing I loved about German, though, were the traditions. Traditional restaurants with the really long tables and benches, traditional but simple dish of potato salad with sausage, and marking a cardboard coaster for the number of beers you had. Beautiful scenery, the Dom, Lindt Chocolate factory, boat trips and not to forget Oktoberfest (I bought a traditional Dirndl) and Carnival celebrations, I loved it!

Germany is really understated in regard to its beauty: nature, monuments, history. It really is a stunning country! So there were so many plus points living there as well.

Just overall integrating into society, making friends, meeting like-minded people…. that was hard.

Bearing in mind, I’ve moved 28 times and easily integrate into a new culture, I struggled this time, one of the reasons due to not having the language skills.

Challenges of Being an Expat

Do you think your reaction to Germany is because of where you’re coming from? So we need to be more careful or prepare more for our relocations depending on where we come from?
Absolutely. It definitely depends on where you come from. But everyone will feel a big change most anywhere they go, but different backgrounds, cultures will feel it differently. So even though Germany and the Netherlands are neighbours, it was still tough. Holidaying and working there are 2 very different things.

What were the specific challenges you faced after moving to Germany?
As an expat, I remember trying to open a bank account. Unless you speak German, you cannot sign the contract. I ended up with N-26, which is an bank for expats that need a bank account and don’t speak German.

Registering with doctors was hard. I couldn’t find anyone that spoke English. So my colleague had to help me find an English-speaking doctor. When I went to the appointment, she actually couldn’t understand me. So I had to use Google translate to explain my symptoms. The medication she gave me worked so she must have understood me.

How did you prepare for your move? Any tips for others?
Build up a support network when you get there. I also joined expat groups on Facebook. Use social media! It was an absolute lifesaver. You will be surprised how many people are in the same boat.

And second – do your research on the country you are moving to, try to speak to someone who has lived there before. I wish I had taken a bit more time to learn about living in Germany, because it was hard hence I joined Mundo Lingo – it’s across the world and helps you meet others.

What did you expect when moving to Germany that didn’t turn out to be so?
I think the language barrier was bigger than I expected with doctors and bank accounts.

What did you NOT expect that did happen?
I wasn’t expecting the hidden beauty of Germany.

Once you got here, what was a personal challenge?
Within my personal life, it was very interesting. I’m all about ‘when you move to the country, you abide by their rules. You learn how they do it. Integrate as much as possible’. I found it hard to make friends in Germany. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve made a couple of really good friends there, but most were English, only 2 German friends. I was trying my best to speak German, but they were acting if it wasn’t clear what I was saying. Hence I felt as if I never fit in even though I was making an effort.

Do you have a funny expat story? Or another funny language story where something was misunderstood?
Also, a colleague played a joke on me. We were in a local pub and he told me to order a beer and gave me the name. I went up and ordered it, and the bartender scowled at me. He had actually given me the name of a local beer in the competing nearby town. In Cologne you drink Kolsch (Cologne) but he had told me to order altbier (Dusseldorf). Like Amsterdam and Rotterdam competing. The look on the barman’s face, I’ll never forget that.

That first year, from 1 to 10, what would you score it?
7

What are the three top characteristics needed to be a successful, long-term expat?
Speak the language, integration, and socialising.

What role did language play in the success of your moves?
It’s quite funny. I’ve obviously lived in different countries where I’ve learned the language quite quickly. In Germany I struggled. They weren’t as open. The language is super important, you need to go to language classes. I wanted to go to a language school, but never got round to it because I was working so many hours. Maybe if I had known German more, I would have stayed longer. But I underestimated it. The biggest misconception is that people think the Netherlands and Germany are almost the same but that is not true at all!

Know an expat that would like to tell us their story? Please email getfluent@fluencycorp.com. Here at Fluency Corp we love supporting companies and their employees as they move abroad. If you have a need for corporate language training, reach out to us. We will increase your company’s communication.

Interview with Expat Alvaro Gómez-Muro | From Spain to America

Every month, Fluency Corp reaches out to clients, friends, or even family, who have relocated to another country for a job, in order to ask them why they moved, how they moved and how they made a new home for themselves in their new country. We are fascinated by their resilience and we want to support others who will be moving in the future. In these interviews, you will find authenticity, humility and also tips for how to make your relocation smoother. This month we interviewed an expat from Spain: Alvaro Gómez-Muro.

Alvaro Gómez-Muro: A Spain Expat

Where are you from? Where have you moved to? And how long did you spend in each country?
I’m from Spain, from Madrid. I thought I was going to spend all of my life in Spain. But in 2010 I was given the opportunity to move to the US – to Dallas. Now I live in Atlanta. In Spain, I lived in various cities.

What did you do in your home country? What do you do now? Is it the same?
Yes and no. I’m a civil engineer. I’m passionate about that. Design and construction in Spain – mid-sized projects – rail and highways. In the US, it was a big change. The size of the projects were significantly bigger – billions of dollars on each project.

Where do you work now?
In the last 6 months, I’ve changed jobs. I’m working for an American company now called DBI. This was a good idea for me, because I think the future of transportation will require far less construction. At DBI there’s an opportunity to be a part of future transportation. We’re the leader in the market for private asset management of infrastructure. I’ll be overseeing Florida.
I’ve always worked for big companies, so this will be a smaller company, and I wanted to get a feel for that.

Even though you were doing similar jobs in Dallas as in Spain, what feels different now, both personally and professionally?
The biggest change was small projects in Spain, more dealing with the client, whereas the focus in the US, for me, was for the project, with some of the largest projects in the nation. And in Atlanta, I’ve returned to a more traditional approach to construction.

So, the biggest challenge in this change was the difference in the clients – in Spain the government is much bigger and the relationship with the customer is different. The customer represents a big force, long term plans, committed to long term vision of transportation. Not at all business driven. Budgets are focused on other things. Not as efficient-driven.

In the US, the clients are more business-driven, and the management style is different.
In Spain, no engineer that works for the government will likely work for the private sector. In the US, you can jump from one to the other. The approach is different.

Also, the size of the projects in Spain are smaller, of course, because it’s a smaller country. There’s never going to be a 2.4 billion-dollar project in Spain. Size and mindset are the biggest changes.

Expat Challenges: Moving from Spain to the US

What were the specific challenges you faced after moving to the U.S.?
In my personal life, nothing major. I came when I was younger as an exchange student – spent three summers near Chicago with an amazingly kind and caring American family. So I was well-versed in the American culture before coming to live and work.

My wife, though, had not been to the US, although she had family in Dallas. The biggest challenge by far was my daughter. She came at 3 years old, and she couldn’t speak any English. It was painful for me to see a bright girl in Spain, doing phenomenally well, have to move and start from zero. She wanted to be social, but she couldn’t. Fortunately, she proved to be very good at languages and we did well. After about 4 – 6 months she could have a conversation just as any other American kid. Today, she can speak four languages: English, Spanish, French and German.

For my employees that came from Spain, it was challenging for me to have a very demanding position at work and also find ways to help our employees and their families come to the country and get used to the culture. Most of them had never been to the US before, like I had, to help with that adjustment.

The credit score was probably the most confusing or new thing to understand – trying to create an identity here for the first time, and social security. Luckily we had BBVA and other banks working with us. But they were concerned about that at the beginning.

When I came in the 80s, it was absolutely hard to buy food that I knew – it was hard to buy olive oil, it was super expensive. And some people didn’t really know where Spain was or who we were. That has changed now.

How did you prepare for your move? Any tips for others?
First, try to find someone already here in the country so you have a point of contact. That makes a big difference, especially if they are geographically close. You will learn a lot of details at the beginning, and you’ll soak that up pretty quickly. But a point of contact is critical.

If you can’t find someone, ask the embassy or the consulate. They want to help you get connected.

First, don’t look at what house you like the most. First, you start with finding the right school for your child, and then make sure you find a house in that school district. It’ll pay off to spend time researching the best schools first.

What did you expect in the U.S. that didn’t turn out to be so?
When I came in the 80s, the cultural distance was the most shocking. You grow up watching movies, and you think you understand a culture. But you don’t. You start talking to them (Americans) and you realize you don’t know the rules of communication, what they care about and more. You can learn a little in your own country, but you can’t really know until you start talking to people and facing real problems there.

Even if you get the language, which is a big deal, getting to understand how people think, that’s completely different.

Small things too – like driving in the US – it feels very different than in Europe. The way you interact with other drivers, the way cities are designed, the way roads are designed, it is very different.

What was harder than you thought it would be?
Probably dealing with the government was harder. Maybe because I grew up there and knew what to expect in Spain, it seemed like it was easier, because I knew it. But the IRS, dealing with the city, and things just like homestead exemption – it’s a ton of money – but if you don’t know about it, you can go for years without that deduction. There are a lot of loopholes and hard things to keep up with in regards to the government.

That first year, from 1 to 10, what would you score it?
10. We had a lot of fun; we were so excited. Everyone in the company was in the same situation at work. The group that came over from Spain and developed a community in Dallas, it was unbelievable. It was hard to keep up with all the activities and the kids running around. It was a very happy time.

What score would you give living abroad now?
I’ve started to be more homesick. That newness in Dallas was incredible and fun. It’s never going to be replicated. I love Atlanta – our home, the neighborhood, the weather. So an 8. I think I might go back to Spain when I retire though.

Being a Long-Term Expat

What are the three top characteristics needed to be a successful, long-term expat?
Open-mindedness. If you think you can have the same life as in your country, you’ll be very frustrated. Those people that seem to be unsuccessful expats, they’ll say they’re not engaging with the culture, and trying to live the same life as before. It will be very frustrating if you do this.

Also, you have to have a certain level of wanting to have a cultural connection. For me, I loved American music, and so I got to see all the bands I wanted to see. I’ve been to all the concerts.

Last is the language. If you aren’t going to try to develop your language skills to a certain level, you will not make it. I’ve seen people stay for 10 years and never develop a strong level, and their lives are not as full.

What role did language play in the success of your moves?
It was key – when I came in 2010, my English level was fairly good, but not where I left it in the 80s. It was challenging by moving to Texas, which was a different accent than I was used to, but I got used to it. Except for those from West Texas. To this day, I do not know what they are saying. Haha.

The language goes also with the culture, so you can make bridges with the locals.

Moving to Mexico: 6 Things to Know about Assimilating

Has your company decided to set up shop in the country to our south? Or maybe your company already has an office in Mexico and they’ve decided to send you there for a few years to improve collaboration and productivity between the two offices. Either way, you’re heading towards warm beaches, cool mountains, amazing food, and exciting historical sites. But what you probably aren’t expecting is how you’ll have to adapt when moving to Mexico.

Time is Different in Mexico

First off, you’ll need to adjust to the time difference. No, Mexico is not in the Japanese Time Zone, but time is seen very differently there. When arriving at dinners or even parties, you may want to be a little more than fashionably late. Or, sit outside the party and watch what time people generally start arriving. You don’t want to be the first to arrive and surprise the host while he or she is still cooking the meal.

The same goes for office meetings as well, but not quite so dramatically. Depending on the type of meeting it is, it might not start right on the hour like your meetings in the US. The start time and the meeting outline might be a little blurred, and there will probably be some small talk and chit chat to get the meeting going.

Everything has a Little Spice in Mexico

Get ready for a little bit of spice in everything, even the candy. We all know that Mexican food is known for its addition of chiles. There are 64 chiles grown in Mexico, the most known being poblano, habanero, jalapeno, serrano and ancho. Although many Americans think they’re eating Mexican food when they’re eating Cali-Mex or TexMex, there are few similarities in the flavors and the dishes. Typical dishes in Mexico vary greatly by region. For example, the north produces the famous queso fresco that is lightly crumbled over dishes. On the Pacific coast, they make pozole and menudo. The central region called Bajio produces the yummy bunuelos, and the south pacific region boasts 7 types of mole (the chocolatey-chili peppery sauce). The one thing most of these dishes have in common is some element of some kind of chile. Even the candy, eaten by children starting at a young age, has quite the kick to it. I was surprised to twatch the children lick the sucker, freak out from the spice, then go back for more. I guess this is how they build up their abilities!

Indirectness in Mexico

They’re not avoiding the question, they’re just being polite. If you want a direct answer, don’t hold your breath. Generally, Mexicans are not big on confrontation, even if you’re just asking a question or requesting something directly at work. Don’t be surprised if you don’t get a straight ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Many find it awkward to disappoint or go against what you want, so you may even get a mild ‘yes’ or ‘ok’, but then it never happens or materializes. If you didn’t get a direct ‘no’, but you definitely didn’t get a ‘yes’, then you might want to ask more questions in order to figure out why. Expat tip: Engage in more small talk than you might be used to. Asking about your colleagues’ weekends, family or even talking about the weather is an expected pleasantry before getting down to business.

Formality in Mexico

Along with avoiding confrontation comes a level of formality. In families, you might still hear the use of Usted when the younger generation is speaking to their elders. This third person form of ‘you’ shows respect for the older generation. You will likely hear this if you’re a client, and you should use it with your clients. Even at a convenience store, or bumping into a stranger in the street, you will often hear this used, since you are not familiar with each other. Also, you might hear the words ‘Don’ or ‘Doña’ as a generic honorific name for mature peoples, as in Don Miguel or Doña Silvia. My brother calls his wife’s mother ‘Doña Stella’. She is over 60 and he wants to respect her.

Catholicism in Mexico

Yes, of course we have Catholicism in The United States, but Mexico is much more saturated in the religion and so you’ll see most of the country participating in or observing Catholic holidays. It’s the second largest Catholic population in the world after Brazil, with a whopping 91% of the country identifying as Catholic (compared with 23% in the US – for some perspective). While in the US we might believe that everyone makes their own fate, in Mexico you could hear ‘if God wills it’ ideology. I wouldn’t suggest getting into any theological debates with the older generation about faith or big questions like, ‘Is there a God?’. Accept it and enjoy the optimism and faith.

Sensitivity in Mexico

In the US, we might be told bluntly that our idea wasn’t good or that we need to start from scratch. In Mexico, I do not believe this would go over as well. We should probably put an extra layer of diplomacy on our words and be sensitive to the way negative messages are relayed. While in the US, this sensitivity could be seen as a weakness, this is not so in Mexican culture. I’m not saying that people will start crying at work if you criticize them, but this will not likely be the way to run a team if you want them to be successful. Guiding them through the way that it could be better and applauding the good parts will get you to the goal faster (and with more followers). You can catch more flies with honey, right?

Micah Bellieu is CEO and Founder of Fluency Corp, a corporate language class provider, servicing expats, employees and their families, all over the globe. Our private lessons are about so much more than language. She worked in Mexico for a year and a half, teaching English to kids and adults. After that, she moved to Dallas to start Fluency Corp. If interested in learning more, contact us here.

4 Characteristics Required to be a Good Language Learner

HBR (Harvard Business Review) always makes for a good Saturday evening read. Yes, I know, I’m a big nerd, but while flipping through the articles something I usually resonates with me and inevitably makes me say out loud, “Yes! Exactly!” And it’s done it once again.

In Erika Andersen’s article “Learning to Learn,” she discussed how the ability to constantly be learning is a key competitive advantage. Because of the field I’m in and my own personal passion for languages, I’m perpetually learning a new language or striving to improve on those I already have some baseline skill in. It never fails that when I tell people I’m learning a new language, 99.9% of them ask me what language training school or college I’m going to. I always shock them when I say I just chat with someone in the native language online for four hours a week. No classroom. No notebook. No quizzes. Nada.

Many people believe that learning is still something that must be done in a classroom. But I 100% disagree, and Andersen does, too. She points out that companies will have a killer competitive upper hand if they make learning a daily experience while resisting the urge to keep doing the same thing, sticking to what they know, and doing things the way they’ve always done them.

She reiterates what I say a lot and that is that it’s freaking gutsy to learn something new (like a language) and perhaps look and feel like an idiot 99% of the time while doing so! It’s one of the reasons kids are so good at picking up languages — they don’t have the self-consciousness that we usually develop as adults.

Andersen and her colleagues, who have been doing executive coaching for decades, have identified some key attributes that make someone a successful ongoing learner who is unphased if they mess up: aspiration (they want it!), self-awareness (they aren’t in denial about themselves and who they are), curiosity (they know it doesn’t kill the cat), and vulnerability (open to looking dumb or not like a cool kid).

Learning a New Language:“I Wanna!” Versus “I Don’t Wanna!”

Obviously, a lot of the internal drive to learn a new skill can be attributed to personality, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow these attributes, Andersen says. As a language teacher, we say that motivation in an adult is half the battle. It’s really hard to make someone learn Spanish if they don’t want to, but if they come to each class and do the activities, they will still get fluent. But of course, the person who goes and finds Spanish speakers outside of class, and tries to speak another couple of hours each week, will most definitely get fluent in Spanish more quickly. Aspiration is there! Andersen suggests taking a positive view of any new learning opportunities that come up. So before you say, “Why are we changing accounting software again!” think to yourself, “Cool. I get to write a new software on my resume, and if I ever change jobs, another company will find me even more of an asset. Sweet!”

Know Thyself

Sometimes our perception of ourselves is quite different from how others see us. I have this happen with my friends and family all the time. When my sister told me I was “scary,” I was shocked! I think of myself as a loving sister that would do anything for her. But I guess she sees me differently. Instead of running away from these comments, I dig in deeper. If my sister thinks this, then there must be foundation for it, so I need to learn more about why people think I’m scary or intimidating when I think I’m a teddy bear. I asked my assistant and some other friends if they thought I was scary, and most of them agreed, that yes, sometimes I am downright scary and they would never want me mad at them. This gave me pause, and now I check my actions, words or tone before reacting. Self-knowledge can be hard to face, but it can lead to huge changes in your life, and your work life, as well.

I Swear Curiosity Doesn’t Kill all the Cats – I’m Alive, Aren’t I?

When I was a child, my mom gave me a book called, “The Book with All the Answers.” I guess I had a lot of questions, and she was tired of saying, “I’m just not sure, Micah.” And this was the 1990s … no Google back then in the old days. I’ve always been a curious person, but I know that not everyone is. I suggest looking back into the days when you were a kid or think about your first great passion. What was it? Was it music? Nintendo? Drawing? The Count of Monte Cristo? An insect? Whatever it was, channel that intrigue and desire to learn more about it. The next time your boss or your company says that they’re going to relocate you to a new country (again!) or that they’re going to restructure the entire department (what?!), dig into that childlike mindset and ask yourself, “I wonder what that will be like? Will I like the new weather there? What do they eat for breakfast there?” or “I haven’t ever worked with so-and-so before. I am curious what it will be like to work with her. I know she was at X company before, so I think I could learn a lot!” Stay curious about the change, and it’ll take you far. Not to mention you won’t want to stick your head in the sand during the changes.

When Learning a Language You WILL Make Mistakes

Vulnerability is a big buzz word lately. I know you’re probably sick of people telling you to ‘lean in’ and that vulnerability is actually strength. But doggonit, it’s true. It’s absolutely harder to be open and share than it is to walk away and keep it in. I remember when I first moved to Mexico and had to try out my Spanish for the first time in a realistic environment where no one could save me with English. Honestly, the first month there I felt like a mime. I could get out some words, but most of it was acted out, and people would tell me how to say what I was acting out. I was okay with looking like a doof, but when it came to talking, I hated people thinking I was stupid – especially after getting a degree in writing and literature. I mean, it was my JOB to choose the right words, for goodness sake! So I turned into a mute pantomime lady for the first six months, until a fellow American (and fluent Spanish speaker), said to me, “You know you’re never going to be fluent if you refuse to speak until it’s perfect.”

She had me. It was true. I was not progressing at all because I was too afraid to make a mistake. That was my downfall. I had been in Spanish classes for over 8 years, but still wasn’t really being vulnerable. Soon after that, I decided to make as many mistakes as humanly possible each day – and guess what? I got fluent.

Vulnerability will get us closer to the goals we have, because no one is perfect at doing something new. And if we don’t try new things, then we stay just as we are. And our companies will not grow if the people that make them up do not grow.

Fluency Corp can help you feel as stupid as possible by starting your language lessons. Just kidding… kind of. But you have to make mistakes in order to learn. We can also help your employees and their families assimilate to their country, city and neighborhood through private English lessons (or other languages) in home, in office or online. We transform communication with employees and their families so the success of international relocations are greatly increased. For a free consultation, contact us at getfluent@fluencycorp.com or (800) 401-3159. Read success stories at fluencycorp.com/testimonials/.

Most Difficult Cultural Differences Americans Experience in Japan

If you’re American and your company has asked you to relocate to Japan for your job, you’ll likely want to try to prepare yourself for the culture shock. If you already work with Japanese in your current office in the US, then maybe living in Japan won’t be as much as a shock. But if most of your exposure to the Japanese has been mainly on conference calls, then you’ll want to learn a bit about the culture before going to live there.

In this article we will be discussing some of the more startling, and challenging, differences between the 2 cultures. We hope to prepare you for your new life in Japan by discussing some of the more difficult aspects of the culture (for an American).

Finding it Hard to Connect with Japanese

One woman we learned about went to Japan to serve on a religious mission. According to her, the most difficult thing was making connections with the other members of the church. As Americans, we are generally quite expressive, and it can be offputting not to see emotion from people. She knew that it was a form of respect, and that the culture was more private, but she wasn’t quite prepared for how dramatic the difference would be. Although it took her some time to make deeper connections, when she looks back on her time there, she says that the people were her favorite part. She also admits that not knowing the language made it incredibly hard to connect to others, as no one there knew English in the town where she was living.

As I always say, just because people express themselves differently than you do, does not mean they do not feel it. Take the time to get to know the different nuances in expression. Americans’ range might be from -2 up to 12 on a scale of 0 to 10. The French might be from -2 up to 6. The Japanese might be from 3 up to 4; they are not expressing extreme happiness or extreme displeasure to you (in the way that you express it! For example, jumping up and down, screaming, etc). It doesn’t mean the French do not feel great excitement since they do not go up to a 12, but they might not show it the exact same way you do, if you are from the USA. And of course, there are many variations of people and personalities in the USA as well. We can never completely generalize.

Being Illiterate in Japan

This doesn’t have to do with culture, but everyone I spoke to felt completely illiterate in Japan. No one anticipates just how little English is used in Japan, especially for getting around, street signs, maps, stores, and menus. To go from being able to read everything, to being in a sea of confusion, can really get you down. And it’s not as if you can quickly learn the 2000 most common kanji very quickly.

What we can suggest, if you’re going to be there for a month or more, is learning at least 50 vital ones, like restroom, man, woman, various stores (bread, meat, pharmacy, bank, etc), map words, the train system, and important places for you. If you know that you’ll want a massage once a week, make sure to learn that kanji. If you’re a serial expat, and you move to a new country every few years, then you’re likely used to figuring out words in a language you don’t know, but typically they’re using the alphabet, and so it’s much easier to figure out, or at least look up in the dictionary, words that you do not know. But how do you look up a kanji? It’s not impossible, but harder.

Eating in Japan

It’s not that eating in Japan is a challenge. Absolutely not. No one is going to be upset with the foreigner for NOT knowing all the rules about chopsticks, but not know what you’re eating, now THAT’S a problem for me. Chopsticks, noisy eaters, and questionable foods is why we found it challenging there.

My mother always told me to close my mouth when I eat, and do not ever make noise. It’s considered gross, disrespectful, and rude to others eating around you. But to each his own when you have relocated to Japan.

When eating noodles, you are welcome to slurp away. It’s no big deal at all. And if this bothers you, well, then get used to it, because you will most definitely hear it at restaurants. If most definitely bothered me, and well, I just had to get used to it, or steer clear of noodle restaurants.

Having trouble with those chopsticks? Eat sushi at a sushi bar and you can use your hands! If you’re tired of the roll falling apart in the soy sauce, just lay the sticks down and go at it with your fingers. This is okay to do.

While eating with Japanese clients (English learners) from Hitachi, they told me to never set my chopsticks straight up in the rice. This is how a bowl of rice is offered to the spirit of a dead person, so you might not want to do this at dinner. Also, don’t leave chopsticks crossed on plate, bowl or table.

Do not use one chopstick at a time, like a weird fork. And do not pass food to your buddy with your chopstick. nnAnd the list of rules goes on and on…. But remember, you are a foreigner, so they do not expect you to know all of these rules. nnAnd the most challenging thing for me personally was not knowing what you were ordering. By the end of my 1-month stay, I was going to the same restaurants each weekend; the ones with menus with pictures! Before that, I was getting a lot of slimy food that my stomach just couldn’t handle. It’s not that the food was gross, but it’s just so different from the textures that I’m used to, that I just couldn’t eat it. nnSo ordering at restaurants can be very challenging. And the food can, sometimes, be very slimy. Or simply something that this Oklahoma/Boston girl simply isn’t used to. Natto, for one, is a slimy bean food that I cannot stomach. You may like it, but it’s definitely not for me.

How to Behave During Business Meetings in Japan

In the USA, we have formal business meetings… but not really super formal. Most times we come in, plop ourselves in any chair we see, grab some food from the buffet bar, eat, laugh with others about the weekend or a sports game, and then it’s a pretty free place to say your opinions and speak freely. Compared to most of the world’s cultures, ours is pretty, well, relaxed. We’re chill, yo!

Yet, if you’re doing business in Japan…

Watch, then do. This is how we always suggest to do things if you’re in a new country. And when you’re doing business with a new country, and you have money on the line, watch even more.

If you’re going to have a conference in person in Japan, make sure not to sit down right when you walk in the room. Allow the Japanese businessmen/women to show you were to sit and when to sit. There is a hierarchy in Japan when it comes to senior directors, junior directors, and employees, and you’ll want to make sure you do not sit down before the big boss. We recommend just watch, and then sit where you’re told.

Also, make sure to take great care of business cards. Whereas business cards might be declining with the youth of America, they are still important in doing business, and especially in Japan. It’s like holding someone’s name in your hands, not just paper. Make sure to use two hands when you exchange it, and don’t just stuff it in your back pocket. Take a look at it, read it, keep it flat on the table or put it in a carrying case specific for business cards.

We suggest taking notes during the meeting. Not only will it help you focus, but it will show how interested you are in doing business with them. Even in the US, if someone takes notes, I know that this meeting is important to them, and they do not want to miss a word.

Even though the Japanese company you’re meeting with may speak English well, there are nuances that will likely be lost. This is alright if you’re simply making friends with a Japanese person you met in the park, but you need to understand every ounce of meaning and syllable when it comes to a big business deal. Make sure you’ve hired an interpreter well in advance, no matter how fluent either side says they are. And please do not allow an employee to interpret. You need a third party and a professional. Just because you speak 2 languages, does not make you a professional interpreter.

Overall, I would say that the image of the Japanese in mainstream media is a bit more formal than they actually are. And every person and personality is completely different. I had one Japanese friend that I would not dare be touchy with. She just gave off that vibe. While another Japanese friend was touching me all the time while she spoke to me.

One thing we know is important, not to generalize a country or its people. On average, Japanese meetings are much more formal than American meetings. Correct. On average, Japanese people have a way of doing business that is more formal than in the USA. And it’s important to learn the above ideas and customs before going. But the main thing is to watch, listen, try to mimic what you see, and soak it all in. And remember, even your 1 trip is just a tiny glimpse into a country. I personally lived in Mexico for a year and a half, and I wouldn’t say that I know the Mexican people, still. I know a tiny aspect of them, but who am I to say I know more with so little time there?

If you would like language training (Japanese, Spanish, English, etc) in your office, or with a live instructor on Skype or Zoom, then reach out to us! Also, if you’re interested in a communication and culture consultation to bring together two groups at your company, we love to bring people together.

Austin City Neighborhood Guide: Where to Live when Relocating

Austin City Neighborhood Guide | When Relocating for a Job

It’s said that about 100 people move to Austin every day. Why, exactly? Its reputation as an “it town” endures year after year and shows no sign of slowing down. It may be known for its funky, hipster vibe (“keep Austin weird”), but it’s much more than that. When most people think of the city, they think “live music.” But live music is just the start. It also boasts a solid economy thanks to the State Capitol, the University of Texas at Austin, and a growing tech hub. Quality bbq and Tex Mex food, a casual, laid-back tone and sunny weather more days than not are also significant draws.

Though it’s now around 2,000,000 population, it still feels like a small city at heart, where you’re never too separated by that many people. Those desiring an escape from city life can drive out to the surrounding Hill Country to nearby wineries and spas for a reprieve. When the Texas heat is too much, residents can dive into one of 50 public pool facilities. SXSW and ACL are obvious draws, bringing some of the biggest music acts to town twice a year. Now that your interest is piqued, we’ll break down specific neighborhoods that you may find of interest if you’re relocating to Austin.

Eastside

Synonymous with “hip,” Austin’s ever-growing Eastside is a mecca for the city’s younger, up and coming crowd. Farmer’s Markets, food trucks, an Alamo Drafthouse, and a strip of eclectic restaurants, bars and live music options are part of its appeal. If you’re into the arts, lean left politically and crave a more “gritty” vibe, you’ll feel right at home here. You’ll find many growing families and young professionals laying down roots. As far as affordability, it was once more of an accessible option, but if you act soon, you may still be able to find something reasonable.

Westlake

If you’re of the mindset that “more is more,” Westlake may be the neighborhood for you. Sprawling, palatial estates dot the rolling hills of this community. Subtlety is generally not found here and it’s a place where people that like to live large can feel comfortable. Not that there aren’t more modest homes mixed in, but by and large you will find grander displays of wealth. Gated communities, golf courses and the nearby Austin Country Club (host of the annual celebrity-studded Dell Match Play) and Barton Creek Resort offer playgrounds for the affluent. You’ll find Teslas, Bimmers and Range Rovers zooming by. The public Westlake High School enjoys a great reputation and its football games held in its state of the art stadium are packed. Michael Dell of Dell Computers is believed to have a home here, as well.

Central

If “old money” understated elegance is your vibe, you will likely find the leafy neighborhood of Tarrytown a good fit. Centrally located, it’s a gorgeous community that bumps up against Lake Austin. Though it’s close to all the bustle of downtown, the shaded streets highlight a charming mix of house designs, make you feel as if you’re miles away, allowing residents the best of both worlds. You’ll find families and retirees here, along with some UT students renting a few apartments on the neighborhood’s outskirts, though its beauty and serene tone will appeal to basically anyone. By and large, it attracts families with more budget to work with. Nearby Deep Eddy, the state’s oldest swimming pool, is a popular summertime spot as well as the beloved public Lion’s golf course. High profile people who have had residences in Tarrytown include Family Guy creator Mike Judge, Matthew McConoughey, Dennis Quaid and Lance Armstrong.

South

Similar to the Eastside, South Congress or “SoCo” is now prime real estate in Austin. Centered around South Congress Avenue, it has boomed in popularity in recent years. The main drag features live music, restaurants, shopping, Jo’s coffee and Amy’s Ice Cream. Shoppers will love Maya, Allen’s Boots, and Impeccable Pig. Keep an eye out for Elijah Woods who is rumored to own a home in the nearby Bouldin Creek neighborhood. Similarly, Willie Nelson has been known to make drop-in appearances at the famed Continental Club, an unassuming music venue. If you are young, want to be in the center of things and don’t mind higher noise levels, living South is a good option for you.

North Austin

Head a little north of downtown and you will come across a more suburban feel in the Domain area. It tends to draw families and single people who don’t want to pay high rent or housing costs but still want the accessibility of downtown nearby. The Domain, a nice outdoor shopping center that boasts options like Neiman Marcus, Tiffany and Co. and Vince, offers outdoor dining and a good place to window shop the day away. Families looking for bigger lots with all the conveniences of typical strip malls will find North Austin a great option.

No matter where you wind up, our parting advice to those moving to Austin is to simply be yourself. Don’t try too hard and you will find the city welcoming you with open arms.

Fluency Corp can help your employees and their families assimilate to their country, city, and neighborhood through private English lessons (or other languages) in home, in office, or online. We transform communication with employees and their families so the success of international relocations are greatly increased. For a free consultation, contact us or call us at (800) 401-3159. Check out our success stories.

Surprising Cultural Differences Between Japan and USA

When Japanese Relocate to the USA, here are some things that surprise them!

If you’re a salaryman in Japan, there could be a possible international relocation in your future, especially if you work for a global company like OSG USA, 7-11, Toyota, or Nissan. Toyota, for example, has a 1-year international relocation program to the USA. But many companies transfer their employees for 2 – 5 years at a time. They do this so that employees can learn, broaden their horizons, improve their English-language skills, and collaborate with their peers in the USA.

Most employees are very excited when they first hear about such an opportunity. They will get to travel, meet a new culture, improve their English, and hopefully, get a raise in salary and possible higher positions when they come back from living abroad. What many companies do not consider is the fact that a change in culture can have a dramatic impact on an employee and his or her family.

In this article, we want to bring up some basic cultural differences between Japan and the USA. We hope that these will lessen the shock when you finally move to the US.

10 Surprising Cultural Differences Between Japan & the US

This one might seem silly, but it won’t be when you have angry Americans honking at you when you don’t turn right on red. Of course, to be able to drive here, you’ll have to take a driving test and pass it, but it’s also really hard to remember that you can take a right on red when you’ve never been allowed to do it before. So don’t forget, right on red is okay!
Yards. Big ones! We’ve got ‘em. Yards so big you can play a game of baseball in them. Size and space in general is going to be a huge shock. In Japan, due to the lack of space, people do not have yards. Actually, they barely have dining rooms and kitchens either. Let’s put home size on another tab.
You’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot when it comes to space. Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism says that a single person living alone in the city should have a minimum of 25 square meters (roughly 250 square feet – or, as we say, a box) and a maximum of 40 square meters (roughly 400 square feet – a slightly bigger box). Yikes! When the Japanese move to Texas (or anywhere in the midwest) they are going to feel like they can make 10 snow angels in their huge yards and have 10 picnics on the ground in their huge Texas living rooms. Welcome! They say everything is bigger here… probably because there’s so much room.
Getting sucked in to Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. Watch out! We have great shows in the US, and you will eventually be under their spell and not realize that you’ve watched 2 seasons of some show in just 2 days… where did my weekend go? We hear this from almost every country, actually. The US, for some reason, produces/creates great TV.
We have a lot of libraries. These are a huge center of communities. You can bring your children for story time, you can rent books, CDs, movies, magazines and more. IF you’re going to be in the US for even just a year, make sure to get a library card to enjoy all that your local library has to offer.
Huge grocery stories and food. Once again, everything is larger here. And you’ll be seeing more shelves, higher shelves, and huge boxes with food in it. You probably don’t have as many options in Japan for the following: cereal, ice cream, cheeses, different types of milk (oat, skim, 2%, almond, etc). Also, food and serving sizes are larger. A large drink at McDonald’s is 32 ounces in the US, yet in Japan, it is about 20 ounces.
You’ll be shocked by everyone inviting you into their home, and making sure you keep your shoes on.
Be warned, the Japanese Americans, or someone, has made up things like a ‘California Roll’ and various other ‘rolls’ that do not actually exist in Japan. You’ll have to go to the Japanese part of town in a big city to find actual Japanese food. If you eat the Americanized version (just like the Japanized versions of American food in Japan), it will NOT taste like Japanese food. I’ve heard Japanese say that it has more salt and sugar than the real deal. Not surprising.
Guns. Americans have them. Roughly 30% of Americans own guns according to a Gallup Poll. 40-45% are Republicans or Conservatives and just 14-16% are Democrats or Liberals. Compare that with Japan’s 377,000 total registered firearms in the entire country in 2017. I will say, that I did not come from a home with a gun, and I have still never seen one in real life, except when it was in the holster of a policeman, and I am from the Bible belt, where supposedly that’s all we do is own guns and shoot guns. Not me though.
I have heard the Japanese say, and I would agree, that Americans are too sensitive, and since they are always trying to be politically correct, that it’s hard to have a conversation about anything interesting: differences in races, politics, learn about each other’s religion, etc. This has led some Japanese to refrain from talking in depth with Americans, as the Americans seem to get offended quickly and often. I have also heard Europeans say the same about Americans.

If you, your employer, or your employees would like to either learn Japanese with live instructors in your office, home or online, Fluency Corp would love to get you fluent. Or maybe you need a cultural and communication consultation because there are two cultures (American/Japanese) in the office and everyone is having some challenges working together. Or maybe you just want to engage everyone more and create an open dialogue. If yes to any of the above, get in touch!

Relocating to Japan; bet you didn’t expect these 5 things!

Relocating to Another Country – Phew – It’s Hard!

I remember the time before I moved to Mexico – I didn’t really prepare myself culturally at all, and I wish I had. I also wish I had spoken to other Americans who had previously moved to Mexico. But, for the good and the bad, my style is to take action first, ask questions later, and that’s exactly what happened when I moved to Mexico.

How to Prepare for a Relocation Assignment

I’m sure if you’ve also been an expat in another country, you’ve had the same experience. How do you prepare yourself for something that you didn’t know existed, right? In the early 2000s, there wasn’t Youtube! Now, we can learn all about moving to a new country from those who have done it before us – they almost all have videos online now. And that’s how we learned some about the cultural and everyday living differences that there are in Japan.

5 Things that will Surprise you when Relocating to Japan

I actually went there to spend a month at a Japanese immersion school in 2016. So this is a compilation of differences from my own experience and from others.

The Squat Toilet
Like in some bathrooms that I found in France, Japan also has a nicer version. In France I remember they called it the Turkish toilet or Turkish bathroom, and it was simply a hole in the ground at the back of the restaurant or bar – there was a door of course. But in Japan, it is like an ivory toilet that is in the ground, not raised, like the ones in the USA. Of course, there are Western style (American) toilets found in Japan as well, but these toilets are quite common also. I still prefer a nice sturdy seat to sit on while I use the restroom!
Take Off Your Shoes
Taking your shoes off before entering a restaurant, dentist or doctor’s office! Yes, that’s right, no shoes allowed, even at the doctor’s. At first it might feel very strange to be walking around your doctor’s office without shoes on, but think of how clean the floor is because of this. You have not brought in anything from the street. So make sure your socks match. This can stress out some Westerns, as it can take time to get your shoes on and off, and there might be people waiting behind you. But do not stress, and if this does stress you out, make sure to wear slip-ons the next time you have a doctor’s appointment.
Slimey, Gooey, & Sticky Foods
Nebaneba is a phrase to describe the consistency of these types of slimy foods – although slimey is not exactly the word we’re looking for. Sometimes, you just can’t find the exact translation if it doesn’t exist in the English-speaking world. Foods that have this texture/consistency are foods like natto (Japanese dish made of fermented soybeans), yamaimo (a Japanese yam), and okra (not the delicious southern fried one, but the natural one is quite slimey). This texture might not be a favorite for Americans.
Going Naked Into the Onsens
I personally experienced this one and I jumped right into the culture (after a small fight with the onsen employee). An onsen is a Japanese hot spring, a bathing facility that you must enter naked (you are outside). I, the American, tried to go in with my bathing suit on, and the employee was absolutely not having it. She had learned the word for ‘naked’ in English and she kept repeating it to me: naked, naked, naked. Finally, I went for it. I felt enormous, even though I am only 5’8”. It was very relaxing, even though I had to go in with no clothes – being outside in nature naked was a great experience.
Speaking Keigo to those Older than you or your Boss
Just as in English we use Sir, Ma’am, Mister, and Mrs, the Japanese have an honorific way of speaking to someone in order to show them respect. This can be challenging for more casual cultures, where if you get to know someone more, you start to talk more casually with them, in Japan, you will always need to use keigo with someone older than you or someone higher in rank than you, no matter how long you have known them. Keigo goes farther than Sir and Ma’am though. They have entire verbs to use instead of the regular verb. For example, if you ask your friend ‘do you want something to eat?’ you use the verb ‘eat’. But in keigo, you would use a completely different word for the verb ‘eat’. Intense! Even if you have married someone from Japan, you must always use keigo with your in-law’s family, as this will always show them respect and their rank over you. This is actually similar in Hispanic countries as well, although they do not use a completely different word for the verb. Kids will even use it with their parents sometimes, throughout their lifetime. Or older couples using keigo with each other. To understand this, they might be showing each other the utmost respect, as if they are trying to honor each other still. It’s seen as cute, not as formal.

We hope this has helped you understand a little more about the Japanese culture. We thought the above differences were some of the more shocking for us, so they were important to share. When we visit Japan again, we will take great notes about even more differences, and we will share them with our expat followers so that they can be more prepared for their job relocation in Japan. Enjoy the adventure.

If you are interested in learning Japanese for your job relocation, please send us a message or give us a call. We would be happy to set you up with one of our native instructors, whether you prefer classes in your home in the US before going, or in your office or home in Japan once you get there, and if you want to stay with the same instructor throughout, we can set you up with someone online – always a live instructor – no video classes, ever! The only way to get fluent is through real conversation. Don’t forget it!