Moving to Turkey - How to help yourself quickly get used to life in a new country
In this article, we will consider the features of adaptation in Turkey: we will assess what difficulties foreigners may face after moving to permanent residence, we are thinking about how to simplify our life in a country where traditions are strong.
We will also tell you how to help children get used to new realities faster, how adults can get used to the locals, and give useful practical advice about life in Turkey.
Life in Turkey: How to simplify adaptation?
Moving for permanent residence is certainly not an easy process, and if you move to a country with a completely different mentality, then it is even more complicated.
Life in Turkey is a pleasant climate, the incredible beauty of nature, safety, comfort and a well-developed social sphere. This is why people come here from all over the world.
You will have to get used to a completely different rhythm of life, cultural characteristics of local residents, language, customs and habits - but the result is definitely worth it!
5 Stages of Social and Mental Adaptation
Interestingly, every person who has moved to another country goes through five stages of adaptation. Moreover, it doesn’t matter where exactly he moves and from where, the most important thing is that in our feelings, thoughts and emotions we are not alone - all people in a similar situation experience the same thing.
Euphoria stage. Everything around seems beautiful - both nature, and weather (in the case of Turkey, this is really the case), and local residents, and their traditions, and architecture, and music, and cuisine. It seems that you are literally in heaven on earth - the difference between the past and the future is so strong, as it is seen at first.
Tourist stage. The realization comes that you are now also part of the society that you see around you. And that you will have to learn to live by its rules, although they may be very different from what you are used to in your homeland. You understand that there will be no return "from vacation" - at least you do not plan to.
Orientation stage. It becomes clear that much of the accumulated experience in the new country will not be useful, and some things like friendly neighborly relations will have to be built from scratch, as well as looking for a new favorite coffee shop, a new favorite grocery store. And at this stage, the main thing is not to give up and not to see only the negative in everything.
Stage of disappointment. All people who have changed permanent residence face it, regardless of the level of education, income, experience, the presence or absence of a family. But there is an opportunity to "skip" the stage quickly, if you do not let yourself become limp and do not pack your bags on the way back after the first difficulties.
Active stage. It comes when you start putting enough effort into managing your new life. Activity should develop in all directions: in communication, in labor, in social and cognitive terms. The result will be that you will adapt and be able to function easily in both cultures - both your old one and the new one, Turkish.
In general, psychologists say that immigration in terms of emotional impact is comparable to the loss of a loved one - it has been assigned the highest score on the stress scale, 100 points out of 100.
Therefore, our main advice to all those who moved to Turkey for permanent residence is to give yourself time. Time to get comfortable, to get to know the country from a different, non-tourist side, to get to know its culture and locals better.
Time to make friends, find favorite places nearby where you will feel comfortable. Do not rush, let yourself fall in love with Turkey with all your heart - and she will answer you the same.
Important steps for rapid adaptation in Turkey
Step 1: Learn The Language
The first thing to start with in a new country after moving to permanent residence is to learn the language.
Even if you live in a Russian-speaking area and generally have someone to discuss the news or the weather with, knowing Turkish will open up new opportunities for you. Books, films, television, concerts and exhibitions - a huge layer of culture lies beyond your reach until you know the language.
The best option is Tomer courses, they are available in different cities, they are accepted there from the age of 16. For example, there are several Tomer courses in Antalya: from Akdeniz University, from Bilim University, from Ankara University.
Their peculiarity is that the study goes on every weekday for 4 hours, very intensively. Levels A1, A2, B2 pass in 6 weeks, B 1 - in 10 weeks. At the end of the course, a certificate is issued for each course.
If there are no such courses in your city, you can take lessons from an online tutor, learn basic phrases from phrasebooks, watch video tutorials on YouTube - there are many options, the main thing is not to refuse any opportunity to practice.
Those who have long moved to Turkey are advised to create situations for yourself as often as possible when you will be forced to speak Turkish: travel by public transport, go to non-tourist areas for breakfast or dinner, go to coffee shops and shops.
At first, these situations will inevitably cause a little stress, but this is quite normal. The more you practice, the easier it will be.
Do not be shy, do not be afraid to make a mistake - no one will laugh at you, if necessary, they will politely correct you, everyone will see that in front of them is a foreigner. And your desire to learn Turkish from the locals will only cause respect.
Constant practice will help get rid of the feeling of helplessness - even a minimal set of words and phrases will greatly facilitate communication in stores, on the streets, and in public institutions.
Step 2: Get used to the mentality
It is completely normal for locals in Turkey to ask their friends and neighbors how much they earn, where their children study, how much it costs to rent a house - these are features of the Turkish mentality.
Do not be surprised if soon after moving in, a neighbor with a plate of treats will drop by - such courtesy calls are accepted everywhere here, and guests can drop in without warning, at an inconvenient time for you, and they will be waiting for at least tea with cookies and a pleasant conversation.
The plate should be returned not empty, but also with some kind of treat. This is considered good manners.
The main thing to remember is that you do not always have to adapt to others. But being kind is very important.
Indiscreet (in your opinion) questions can be laughed off in response, making it clear that you do not want to discuss this topic. Be sure you will be understood.
Turkey has a developed culture of "small talk" - non-committal conversations.
Neighbors in the elevator, a barista in a coffee shop, a salesman in a butcher's shop - each of them will readily support a conversation with you on the topics of weather, food prices, local news. Such conversations, despite the fact that they seem insignificant, are great help to adapt.
It is very important for Turks that foreigners respect their customs and traditions, at least know a little about the history of this amazing country. And this is doubly important if you come to Turkey for a long time and want it to become your second home.
If you plan to visit some holy places, go to a mosque, be sure to first learn about the rules of conduct their.
Although breaking them (within the law, of course) will not threaten you with anything other than sidelong glances, it will be much better if you avoid annoying misunderstandings.
Another feature of the Turkish mentality is non-punctuality. Rushing is not accepted here, even in the service sector, at first it can be a little annoying, but then you get used to it. For example, if you called the master to repair the air conditioner, he may not come at the appointed time. Or even on this day. But he will definitely look in the near future and fix everything, don't worry!
Regardless of where they live, all Turks are very hospitable. They may take a refusal to visit as an insult. It is not customary to offend those who sincerely want to share food and tea, show their home. Even if you hardly understand what the locals are talking about, at least smile, because a smile is an international symbol of goodwill and respect.
Step 3: Look to the Future with Optimism
No matter how difficult it may be at first, try not to slow down the usual pace of life.
If in your home country you have been walking a lot, playing sports, attending exhibitions and in general are accustomed to leading an extremely active social life, there is no reason to refuse this in Turkey.
Create new rituals A cup of fragrant coffee in the morning on the balcony, a jog in the park, outings with the family out of town on weekends - repetitive pleasant activities will become your "anchor" in the raging sea of the unknown.
Set simple goals. It is unrealistic to learn a language in two months, but to consolidate it with simple phrases for everyday communication for conversations is quite. Simply put, do not have experts "eat the elephant allergies.".
Reward yourself for success.Did you go to the market and even bargain in Turkey, did you get a discount? Excellent! Were you able to keep up a conversation with those frozen on the street? Wonderful! Notice each of your successes, even if only symbolically, with ice cream or another dessert.
Do not isolate yourself in the foreign-language-speaking community. There are many examples of how foreigners who moved 5-10 years ago have not integrated into the local society, remaining to "cook" in a very small circle of compatriots. Because of this, life in Turkey seems boring and monotonous to them. Don't repeat their mistakes.
How is the adaptation of children in Turkey
Usually children perceive any changes in life, even such global ones as moving to another country. Their psyche is more flexible, there are still no patterns and behavioral settings in the brain that prevent them from establishing relationships with their peers because they speak a different language.
But you should not let the child's adaptation take its course - do not rely only on his sociability and friendliness, help him.
Nearby are sports sections, circles or courses, where they meet with what is interesting to your child. He should not feel cut off from his hobbies. Genuine support, help find a common language with the trainer or section leader, act as an interpreter if necessary.
You can and even should preserve your cultural characteristics, traditions, but at the same time learn about the values and norms of local residents. And when the process is completed, you can offer Turkey to take home!
Do not forget: you do not need to become a different person at all after moving to Turkey for permanent residence.
You can and even should preserve your cultural characteristics, traditions, but at the same time learn about the values and norms of local residents. And when the process is completed, you can offer Turkey to take home!
If you want to move to Turkey for permanent residence or buy real estate here and enjoy life by the sea, write to us on WhatsApp +90 5374828423.
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