Information for New Families: Moving to Mexico

What can your family expect from a Cultural change?

Moving to Mexico

What may be Different? ¡ Moving to another country is not an easy thing to do. Not for parents and certainly it´s not any easier for the children. ¡ Some differences are easy to see, others may be surprising.

¡ People don´t have to change as they move to another country, but it´s important to recognize the differences in order to accept them and deal with them appropriately:

§ Clothes § Language § Communication § Weather § Food § People § Schools § Values

What to expect?

Even though people experience culture shock in different ways, some symptoms are common: ¡ Physical: § Headaches, sickness, lack of appetite, trouble sleeping, exhaustion, stomach or muscle ache. § Allergies or poisoning for food, weather, or pollution.

¡ Emotional: § § § § §

Feelings like sadness, loneliness, anxiety and frustration Being shy all the time Not wanting to be around people, specially different from “us” Feeling left out or misunderstood Extreme homesickness

¡ Cognitive: § Trouble concentrating § Developing negative views of the new culture

What can help?

It´s important to work on the symptoms and adapt to the new culture by doing some activities, like for example: ¡ Learn and practice the new language: § Watch local TV § Join after school clubs or teams § Read magazines § Get help from a tutor

¡ Watch what others do to understand what is appropriate ¡ Talk to new friends about your own culture § Invite friends over § Explain your holidays § Share what school is like in your home country

¡ Talk to your family ¡ If needed, talk to the counselor at school

How can parents help?

Parents can help and should involve in their children´s adaptation to the new culture. ¡ Communicate with your child’s homeroom teacher regularly ¡ Encourage your child to participate in after school activities that they enjoy ¡ Frequently talk to your child about what they learned in school ¡ Arrange homework support, if needed ¡ Meet other families at ISR ¡ Be patient and remind your child they will need patience also

Get informed Read or listen information about moving to a new country and culture http://teenshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/culture_shock.html

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding the Culture, and how to fit in: §  Speak to your Principal, the Vice-Principal or your Homeroom teachers. You are not alone, you can always count on us!