Navigating a new country, culture, and life away from home. Vocabulary in this post expat noun /ˈɛksˌpæt/ An expatriate; a person who lives outside their own country. Examples: "Maria is an expat living in France for her job. " abroad adverb /əˈbɹɔːd/ /əˈbɹɔd/ Beyond the bounds of a country; in foreign countries. Examples: "My brother is studying abroad in France this year. " culture noun /ˈkʌlt͡ʃə/ /ˈkʌlt͡ʃɚ/ The arts, customs, lifestyles, background, and habits that characterize a particular society or nation. Examples: "Our school's culture emphasizes teamwork and respect for others. " navigate verb /ˈnæv.ɪ.ɡeɪt/ To find a way through a difficult situation or process. Examples: "My sister had to navigate a difficult conversation with her boss about her project deadlines. " settle verb /ˈsɛtəl/ To fix one's residence in a place; to establish a dwelling place, home, or colony. (Compare settle down.) Examples: "the Saxons who settled in Britain" adjustment noun /əˈdʒʌst.mənt/ The behavioural process of balancing conflicting needs, or needs against obstacles in the environment. Examples: "When Jim graduated, he found adjustment to the working world difficult." language barrier noun /ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ ˈbæriər/ /ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ ˈbɛriər/ A conceptual barrier to effective communication, occurring when people who speak different languages attempt to communicate with each other. Examples: "The language barrier made it difficult for the new student to make friends at school. " homesick adjective /ˈhoʊmsɪk/ (with for) missing one's home and family very much when away; nostalgic Examples: "While away at college, she felt very homesick and called her parents every day. " integration noun /ɪntəˈɡɹeɪʃən/ (society) The process of fitting into a community, notably applied to minorities. Examples: "The new student's smooth integration into the school community was helped by the welcoming committee. " opportunity noun /ˌɒp.əˈtjuː.nɪ.tɪ/ /ˌɑpɚˈtunəti/ A favorable circumstance or occasion. Examples: "Having a holiday is a great opportunity to relax." perspective noun /pɚˈspɛktɪv/ The choice of a single angle or point of view from which to sense, categorize, measure or codify experience. Examples: "From my perspective, the school's new dress code is too strict. " community noun /k(ə)ˈmjunəti/ /kəˈmjuːnɪti/ A group sharing a common understanding, and often the same language, law, manners, and/or tradition. Examples: "The school community celebrated the end-of-year festival together. "
