How Can a Moroccan Expat Adjust to a New Culture in Europe?

Did you know that out of the 5.6 million Moroccans living abroad, 5.1 million reside and work in different parts of Europe?

Europe is the most popular choice to move amongst Moroccan expats. The hard-earned euros play an integral part in the Moroccan economy as expats send money online to provide financial assistance to their families.

Europe has suitable employment, quality education, and a luxury lifestyle, but adjusting to a different culture is another chapter. Here is a guide on how you can make it easy.

Understanding and utilizing the expatriate adjustment cycle

Moving to another country can be a major life event. In addition to being exciting and stimulating, this transfer can also be exhausting and stress-inducing. It can affect you on a physical, emotional, and psychological level. With active engagement and careful planning, moving to Europe can be one of the most extraordinary adventures of your life.

The expatriate adjustment cycle lays out some phases to deal with for a successful international experience. Almost every expatriate from any nation faces these stages and deals with them at a different rate.

Preparation – the pre-departure period

This is an exciting yet anxious period. The unfamiliarity of the new land can cause a mixture of emotions. Wise preparations can help you minimize the overwhelming feelings. This includes learning about the unique culture as much as possible. This is a critical checkbox for arranging visas and managing logistics.

Honeymoon – the settling-in period

As soon as you move to Europe, you will experience the bustle of settling. You will be too busy adjusting to thinking about your old life. This period will last several weeks. This is the best time to start exploring the new land and culture. Socialize in the local expat community. Strengthen your network.

To make the most of this stage, stop thinking of yourself as a tourist as soon as possible. Merge into the local community by eating at local restaurants, visiting local markets, and using public transportation instead of cabs.

Start learning the local language if you are in a less English-speaking part of Europe. You should also try finding a way to continue your old hobbies and interests to feel less alien in the new land. Stick to a strict routine.

If this stage is done right, you can mitigate the dip that culture shock can cause.

Culture Shock – the inevitable reality

Once the rosy hues of the honeymoon stage fade, you start noticing the new environment differently. 85% of international students and expats have reported feelings of culture shock. Following are a few symptoms.

• Communication problems

• Discomfort in the local environment

• Feelings of isolation

• Extreme homesickness

• Depression and sadness

• Sleep and eating disorders

• Headaches and lack of energy

Culture shock is considered the most challenging part of this cycle. Remind yourself that this is a common experience and that the feelings will eventually come to an end. You might want to identify a culture mentor in your local or expat community to give you extra knowledge of the culture and speed away through this phase.

Adaptation – building comfort in the foreign land

This is the recovery plateau in the expat adjustment cycle. You will eventually reach this stage after all the emotional and physical turmoil. During this period, neither are you too excited nor anxious. This phase is genuinely productive when you start to embrace the new culture.

Tips for adjusting to the new life with the support

Here are the two most important pieces of information for getting to know the European culture and making new friends.

Mingle with the locals

There is no better way to adjust than finding communities to interact with. No matter which European country or city you have moved to, you can find fellow expats or online groups to network with. Their regular meet-ups for locals and non-locals each month. Join as many communities and groups as possible to extend your friend circle. They can prove to help understand the culture and general lifestyle.

However, it is essential not to rely on them entirely in case of legal and tax advice. These matters are different in different conditions. Always check with professionals such as lawyers and accountants to get accurate answers.

Become proficient in the local language

English is spoken all around Europe but as a second language in most countries. Learning the local language can be very beneficial in adjusting to a foreign land. Start by learning the critical phrases spoken daily. Watch European shows to learn the dialect and style of delivery.

A plus point would be taking the language class with other foreigners. You can find different people from different cultures who are in the same boat as you.

ACE Money Transfer provides an ease to Moroccan expats in Europe

Easy access to convenient money transfers is a significant need for expats in a foreign land. They require safe, cheap solutions to send money back to their home country. Wire transfers in Europe are expensive and time taking. They can take days to reach Morocco. Banks also charge a hefty transaction fee that becomes unaffordable after a period in case of frequent transfers.

ACE Money Transfer provides the cheapest transactions in Morocco

ACE eases one of the stresses of expats; convenient money transfer. You can make unlimited international transactions at meagre costs. Sending money to Morocco has never been easier before. ACE has a very transparent system. There are absolutely no hidden charges. In addition, ACE offers market-competitive exchange rates so your loved ones can get the maximum amount.

ACE Money Transfer is user-friendly and speeds efficiently

No matter what time of the day it is, you can make instant transfers anytime. No more waiting in long lines anymore. Plus, the transaction speed is unmatched.

ACE has a very easy-to-use app and website, which is pretty self-explanatory. It is perfect for all ages.

Moving to a high-paced European lifestyle from the laid-back Moroccan routines can get a little exhausting. But be rest assured that money transfers will not take up any of your time with ACE. Sign up now to enjoy safe, swift, and cheap money transfers to Morocco from Europe.