Latin America Collection

Throughout this book we have provided the most up-to-date
information available on living and retirement in Nicaragua. We
have also provided many useful suggestions to make your life in
Nicaragua more enjoyable and help you avoid inconveniences.
Adjusting to a new culture can be difficult for some people. Our
aim is to make this transition easier so you can enjoy all of the
marvelous things that Nicaragua offers.
Before moving permanently to Nicaragua or any country, we
highly recommend spending some time ­ at least several month
­ there on a trial basis to see if the place is a good fit for you. We
are talking about a couple of months or longer, so you can
experience Nicaraguan life as it is.
Remember visiting Nicaragua as a tourist is quite different from
living here on a permanent basis. It is also good to visit for
extended periods during both the wet and dry seasons, so you
have an idea of what the country is like at all times of the year.
During your visits, talk to many expats and gather as much
information as possible before making your final decision. Get
involved in as many activities as you can during your time in the
country. This will help give you an idea of what the country is
really like.


The final step in deciding if you want to make Nicaragua your
home, is to try living there for at least a year. That's sufficient
time to get an idea of what living in Nicaragua is really like and
what problems may confront you while trying to adapt to living
in a new culture. It will also let you adjust to the climate and new
foods. You can learn all the dos and don'ts, ins and outs and
places to go or places to avoid before making your final decision.
You may decide to try seasonal living for a few months a year.
Many people spend the summer in the U.S. or Canada and the
winter in Nicaragua (which is its summer), so they can enjoy the
best of both worlds--the endless summer.
Whether you choose to reside in Nicaragua on a full or part-time
basis, it will take a while to adjust to cultural differences and new
customs. Life here has a different rhythm and pace. The concept
of time is different here, and it will take you long to get things
done, even seemingly simple projects. The sooner you realize
this, and accept the fact you are not going to change it, the better
chance you have on maintaining your wits.
Learning Spanish will ease your way. You should also read,
Survival Kit for Overseas Living
by L. Robert Kohls, Intercultural
Press, P.O. Box 700, Yarmouth, Maine 04096. This guide is filled
with useful information about adjusting to life abroad.
Nicaragua is an exciting place to live, but poses many obstacles
for the newcomer. Don't expect everything to go smoothly at
first or be perfect. By taking the advice we offer throughout this
book, and adjusting to the many challenges, you should be able
to enjoy all of Nicaragua's wonders.
Finally, try taking the adaptability test on the next page to see if
you are suited for living abroad.


Getting Past Culture Shock
by Eric Liljenstrope
Unlike twenty years ago, the majority of people (especially travelers) know
the term Culture Shock. However, there still exists an "it won't happen to
me" attitude in many who move overseas. The symptoms can be severe,
including difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, paranoia and depression.
Denial of the possibility of Culture Shock and ignorance of its symptoms
can result in increased difficulty in adjusting to a new life overseas. A basic
understanding of the reasons why it happens and what you can do about it
are essential when making an international transition.
Culture shock occurs when people find that their ways of doing things just
don't work in the new culture. It is a struggle to communicate, to fulfill the
most basic needs, and many find that they are not as effective or efficient
as before in their jobs and in their personal lives. All this loss of
competence threatens a person's sense of identity.
The abilities and relationships that we relied on to tell us who we are, are
absent, and we find ourselves a little lost in our new homes. To re-establish
ourselves in a new context requires proactive planning in a number of
different areas of life.
There are four basic areas of Culture Shock, like four legs to a chair. They
are the physical, intellectual, emotional and social. To have the smoothest
possible transition, one needs to employ a balanced approach in each of the
areas.
After a transition such as an overseas move, the rhythms of everyday life
are interrupted, including our exercise and eating habits. Often people
neglect their exercise regiment because they don't know where to find a
gym or they don't feel safe running or exercising in public places. Similarly,
diets are neglected or some begin drinking too much alcohol. The way that
our bodies feel physically directly affects our emotional health. A healthy
diet and consistent exercise can help balance our emotional lives when
confronting the difficulties of an international move.


The second area of concern is the intellectual dimension. When we step
into a new culture we often find that we understand very little about the
local customs and history. Due to our lack of understanding we sometimes
assume that people think like us and value the same things we do. Reading
and inquiring about the history and the culture of Costa Rica can help one
to see things from a Costa Rican's perspective and develop greater empathy
for their culture and ways of thinking.
Tending to emotional needs when moving overseas will help us to weather
the ups and downs of the adjustment period. Finding people that are in
similar positions that you can talk to and confide in helps to alleviate some
of the loneliness that one feels.
When a person begins to feel down, sometimes they are listening to
negative "tapes" in their head. One's "tapes" consist of the things we tell
ourselves or the conversations that we have in our own mind. The negative
tapes need to be consciously changed to positive hopeful messages. From
"I am a failure and I hate this place" to "things are getting better every
day." It may seem somewhat Pollyanna, but it really works.
Finding a group of friends, learning the language, and getting involved in
clubs or activities helps to fill the social needs that we have when changing
our latitude. This requires time and dedication, especially if one wants to
meet locals. Meeting locals is essential for long-term happiness overseas,
but it can take a long period of time and a great deal of proactive planning.
It may sound harsh, but it's important to remember that the locals don't
really need you. They have their families and friends from their whole lives.
You need to insert yourselves in their lives.
In my time working with people in international transition I have seen may
cases of fabulous success, but I have also seen many spectacular failures. If
a person develops a plan and proactively carries it out, it is very probable
that you will find success and happiness in your new Latin home.
Eric Liljenstolpe is president and founder of the GLOBALSOLUTIONS
GROUP (GSG), an organization based in San José, Costa Rica, is
committed to enhancing intercultural understanding. GSG offer seminars
and workshops to help people during the cultural adjustment process. You
can check out upcoming events and learn more about what GSG offers at
http://www.gsgintercultural.com.