How Foreign Cultures Shape Expats

The Growing Influence of Global Cultures

In today’s interconnected world, expatriates, or expats, are increasingly finding themselves in multicultural environments that shape their personal and professional lives. Moving to a new country for work, study, or family reasons exposes expats to various cultures, languages, and lifestyles that differ significantly from their own. This experience, while often challenging, can lead to profound personal growth and a shift in perspective. The interaction with foreign cultures influences everything from daily routines to broader views on life, enriching the expat experience in numerous ways. To better understand how cultural immersion affects expats, we interviewed individuals from India, the Philippines, and Egypt, who have made the UAE their home.

Cultural Adaptation: The Challenges of Assimilation

One of the first hurdles expats face when moving to a new country is cultural adaptation. The differences in social norms, communication styles, and even work ethics can be overwhelming. For example, a European expat in Asia might struggle with understanding the importance of hierarchy in the workplace, while a Middle Eastern expat in the United States may find the concept of individualism to be quite different from their own community-oriented values. Over time, however, many expats learn to navigate these differences, and the process of adaptation becomes an essential part of their personal development.

Personal Story from India: Navigating the UAE’s Multicultural Environment

Rajesh, an expat from India, has been living and working in the UAE for six years. He describes the experience of adjusting to life in the UAE as both exciting and challenging. “Coming from India, where family and community are so important, it was initially difficult to adjust to the more individualistic lifestyle here,” he says. “The UAE is a melting pot of cultures, and this can sometimes be overwhelming, but it’s also what makes it unique. There are people from all over the world, and that diversity is something I’ve come to appreciate more over time.”

Rajesh, who works in the technology sector, highlights how the multicultural nature of the UAE has affected his professional life. “In India, the work environment is often more hierarchical, but here in the UAE, there is a mix of different cultural approaches to work. I’ve learned to balance respect for authority with a more open and flexible communication style. It’s taught me how to be more adaptable and understanding of different perspectives.”

Personal Story from the Philippines: Embracing UAE’s Modernity and Tradition

Maria, a teacher from the Philippines, moved to the UAE two years ago. Initially, she found the combination of modernity and tradition in the UAE fascinating yet overwhelming. “In the Philippines, we are used to a more relaxed and informal work environment, but here, things are often more formal, especially when it comes to communication and respect for hierarchy,” she explains. “But what I really love about the UAE is how it blends the modern with the traditional. On one hand, you have the high-rise buildings, the global workplaces, and on the other hand, you have the strong cultural and religious traditions that shape society.”

Maria found that adjusting to the cultural practices in the UAE was a matter of understanding and respect. “Learning about the local customs, like the importance of Ramadan and Islamic traditions, was crucial for me. I also made an effort to learn Arabic, which has helped me connect better with my colleagues and students. Over time, I began to appreciate the deeper values that drive UAE society, and I feel more integrated.”

Personal Story from Egypt: Bridging Two Cultures in the UAE

Ahmed, an Egyptian expat, has been living in the UAE for over five years. For him, the biggest challenge was finding the balance between his Egyptian roots and adapting to the UAE’s diverse environment. “In Egypt, we have a strong sense of family and community, and there’s a lot of respect for tradition,” he shares. “Moving to the UAE was a bit of a culture shock at first because while it’s an Arab country, it’s very different from Egypt in many ways. The multicultural environment here means you have to constantly adjust to people from different cultural backgrounds.”

Ahmed works in hospitality and explains that the customer service culture in the UAE is very different from Egypt. “In Egypt, customer service is more relaxed, but here, there is a higher level of professionalism and efficiency. I had to adjust to a faster-paced environment with more formal expectations, which was a learning experience. But I’ve gained so much in terms of customer service skills and understanding diverse client needs.”

Language and Communication: Breaking Down Barriers

Language is one of the most noticeable barriers that expats face in a foreign culture. In many cases, the inability to speak the local language can lead to feelings of isolation or frustration. However, learning the language of the host country is often one of the most rewarding aspects of the expat experience. It not only improves communication but also fosters a deeper understanding of the culture.

Rajesh mentions that while English is widely spoken in the UAE, learning Arabic has helped him feel more connected. “Even though most people speak English in the workplace, speaking Arabic has allowed me to understand the culture better and communicate more effectively with local colleagues.”

Maria, too, emphasizes the importance of language. “While English is commonly used, learning a few key Arabic phrases has helped me connect with my students’ families and has shown respect for their culture. It has made a big difference in building trust and rapport.”

Ahmed shares a similar sentiment, stating that understanding Arabic is key to navigating both professional and social situations in the UAE. “Arabic is the language of the culture, and even a small effort to learn it goes a long way in terms of building relationships and gaining respect.”

The Professional Landscape: Adapting to New Work Cultures

The professional environment is another area where expats experience significant cultural shifts. In some countries, work-life balance is highly valued, while in others, long working hours are the norm. Expats must adjust to new expectations around work relationships, punctuality, and decision-making processes.

In the UAE, the influence of diverse nationalities means that workplaces often have an international flavor. Rajesh notes that this diversity creates opportunities for learning but also challenges in terms of managing different expectations. “I’ve had to adjust to the work culture here, which is fast-paced and highly results-oriented. I’ve also learned to collaborate with colleagues from different backgrounds, which has improved my problem-solving and communication skills.”

Maria’s experience is similar. “The work culture in the UAE is very goal-driven. In the Philippines, we tend to focus more on relationships and teamwork, but here, there is a strong emphasis on individual performance. This taught me how to balance collaboration with personal accountability.”

Personal Growth: Broadening Perspectives and Building Empathy

Living abroad encourages expats to reconsider their values and beliefs, which can lead to personal growth and a more open-minded worldview. The exposure to different cultures fosters empathy and tolerance, helping expats appreciate the complexities of other societies. For example, an expat who has lived in several countries may develop a deeper understanding of global issues such as immigration, climate change, and social inequality.

Rajesh reflects on how his time in the UAE has shaped his perspective: “Living in such a diverse environment has made me more open-minded. I’ve learned to appreciate not just Indian or Western values, but also perspectives from across the globe. This has made me more adaptable and culturally sensitive.”

Maria echoes this sentiment: “Living in the UAE has helped me expand my worldview. I now appreciate how different cultural influences can create a rich, multi-layered society. It’s also made me more patient and understanding of others.”

Ahmed, too, has grown through his experience in the UAE: “I’ve gained a broader perspective on life. I’ve learned to respect not just my Egyptian roots, but also the cultures of people from all over the world. The UAE has made me more aware of the diversity that exists in the world, and that has enriched my life.”

Embracing the Influence of New Cultures

The experience of living in a foreign culture is transformative. While the challenges of cultural adaptation can be daunting, the rewards are undeniable. Expats gain not only new professional skills but also a broader, more nuanced understanding of the world. Their exposure to diverse ways of life, communication styles, and perspectives allows them to grow both personally and professionally, ultimately making them more adaptable, empathetic, and globally minded individuals. As the world becomes more interconnected, the influence of foreign cultures on expats will continue to shape and enrich their lives in ways that are both profound and lasting.