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How to keep your home country close while living abroad

Embracing a New Culture Without Losing Your Roots

Moving abroad can be an exhilarating adventure, but it often comes with the challenge of missing the familiar comforts of home. As an expat, you might find yourself longing for the tastes and products that once were a staple in your daily life. However, you don’t have to feel disconnected from your roots. Here’s how you can keep your home country close to your heart, even while you’re embracing the culture of your new home.

Staying Connected Through Cuisine

One of the most profound ways to remain connected to your homeland is through food. Cuisine has the power to evoke memories and bring about a sense of nostalgia. Start by cooking traditional dishes from your home country. If you’re missing specific ingredients that are hard to find locally, online stores like the Dutch Expat Shop can be a lifesaver. They offer a wide range of products from the Netherlands, allowing you to recreate authentic Dutch meals no matter where you are in the world.

Creating a Home Away from Home

Your living space plays a significant role in how you feel. To keep homesickness at bay, consider decorating your home with items that remind you of your home country. This could be anything from photographs and traditional decorations to books and magazines in your native language. These familiar objects can serve as comforting reminders of your roots and heritage.

Maintaining Cultural Traditions

Celebrating holidays and maintaining cultural traditions is another way to stay connected to your home country. Whether it’s King’s Day, Sinterklaas, or any other Dutch holiday, observing these special days can bring a piece of the Netherlands to your new location. Invite friends and share your customs with them – it’s a great way to educate others about your culture while also keeping your traditions alive.

Learning and Adapting

While it’s important to remember where you come from, it’s equally vital to embrace the culture of your new home. Learning the local language, participating in community events, and making friends with locals can enrich your expat experience. It’s all about finding the right balance between preserving your identity and being open to new experiences.

Staying in Touch

In today’s digital age, staying in touch with loved ones back home is easier than ever. Regular video calls, social media, and instant messaging can help bridge the distance. Additionally, subscribing to Dutch news outlets or listening to radio stations from the Netherlands can keep you updated on what’s happening back home.

Conclusion

Living abroad doesn’t mean you have to lose touch with your home country. By integrating your culture into your daily life, seeking out familiar products, and staying connected with loved ones, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Remember, your expat journey is unique, and how you choose to blend your old and new lives is entirely up to you. With resources like the Dutch Expat Shop just a click away, you can easily keep a piece of the Netherlands with you, wherever your adventures may take you.

https://www.dutchexpatshop.com/en/