Join my Facebook page: Moving Countries 101 with Clare Kay.

bit.ly/MovingCountries101

In this episode, Clare talks about the need to be open-minded enough to make friends with strangers when you move country. Including those who are not from the same background or who are living very different lives from you. She shares some tips to overcome our natural instinct and conditioning to stay away from strangers (stranger danger) so that you have the potential to connect with whoever you want. Because Clare has lived in the UK, China, Nigeria and the USA she has plenty of experience of finding a community in a new country, regardless of the cultural differences.

Clare also launches her new Facebook Community - Moving Countries, 101 with Clare Kay. A community where the focus is less on the logistics of moving and more on the cultural and emotional aspects of making such a big change in your life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• It is only natural to be drawn to people who you already have a connection with and resonate with.
• Remember that other people see you as a stranger, in the same way you see them as strangers.
• Switching your thinking and considering yourself as the stranger reminds you to adopt a persona that makes others feel comfortable.
• You get to choose how you come across when you meet someone for the first time.
• Being warm and friendly with everyone makes it easier for them to connect with you.
• Look at how the other person chooses to be and adapt a bit to meet them where they are. But still be yourself, authenticity matters.
• Understand the merits others see in you and play up to them a little, while toning down the things you know put them off. This is part of being culturally sensitive.
• Talk to people who share habits or common interests or concerns with you.
• Be genuinely open minded and willing to try things, but don´t participate in anything that does not sit well with you.

BEST MOMENTS

“Naturally, looking out we regard everyone around us as strangers, but we are also regarded as strangers when we step into a new country.”

“If I related to it as, “Oh, here we go again”. I diminished the promise of what that interaction could yield.”

“Different modes of behaviour work in different cultural settings.”

“No matter how much we acclimatize to a country, community will start with strangers.”

“I like any “in” that gets me to know the people locally.”

“You are breaking the ice, but it's on your terms, so you're not breaking a sweat.”

ABOUT THE HOST: Clare Kay is a seasoned global traveller and professional with a rich background in international sales, customer service, and personal development. From selling books and television programs internationally to teaching English as a foreign language and proofreading for non-native speakers, Clare's career has always been globally focused. Her extensive travels for business have given her first-hand experience with numerous cultures. Having moved countries multiple times—from the UK to Zambia, China, Taiwan, Nigeria, and the USA—Clare brings a wealth of direct experience. Her podcast ‘Moving Countries 101' is an extension of her lifelong commitment to international engagement and cultural understanding.

CONTACT METHOD

www.kayproofreading.com

www.linkedin.com/in/clarekay

https://www.facebook.com/KayProofreading

Join my Facebook page: Moving Countries 101 with Clare Kay.

bit.ly/MovingCountries101

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