Integration
Moving to and living in a new country is not easy. People speak a different language, they behave differently, they think differently. Often you might not understand what is going on and you might also feel like an outsider. Locals might also be confused about your behavior. This is why both groups, the locals and the migrants, need to learn about each other and make changes to their behavior towards and understandings of others. This does not mean that you need to forget your old ways and learn to behave, think and act like an Irish person. It means that in certain situations you know what the appropriate way of acting is and that you understand why the Irish behave in the way they do.
The process of learning and understanding another culture takes a long time but there are many ways you can help yourself in this process. If you are new in Ireland and especially if you don’t speak good English yet, it is useful to look for information in your own language. You can talk with your fellow-nationals who have been in Ireland longer and understand Irish
people and culture better and who can explain things to you. It is also good to talk with fellow-nationals because they usually understand your experiences and this sharing can help you to deal with the stress and all
the positive and negative feelings you have about living in a new country. What is important is that at the same time you make connections with other nationals as well: if you spend time only with your fellow-nationals, it will be more difficult for you to integrate into Ireland and you also miss a lot of chances to learn and practice English. In this way Irish people won’t get the chance to get to know you and learn about your culture either. When you have at least basic English skills you should slowly make contacts with the Irish. There is no better way to learn about Irish people and culture than from the Irish themselves!
Other ways how you can help yourself to integrate is, for example, to watch Irish TV, follow the news and read Irish newspaper. Keep an open eye, listen and learn about what is happening around you. The more you learn English and the more Irish friends you have the easier this becomes. Also try not to be judgmental and remember to stay open-minded and curious: try out new food, new sports, new hobbies and discover your environment! Some things might be unusual for you but remember that no culture is better than others, they are simply different.
REMEMBER TO:
For information on language exchange possibilities or language classes go to:
Moving to and living in a new country is not easy. People speak a different language, they behave differently, they think differently. Often you might not understand what is going on and you might also feel like an outsider. Locals might also be confused about your behavior. This is why both groups, the locals and the migrants, need to learn about each other and make changes to their behavior towards and understandings of others. This does not mean that you need to forget your old ways and learn to behave, think and act like an Irish person. It means that in certain situations you know what the appropriate way of acting is and that you understand why the Irish behave in the way they do.
The process of learning and understanding another culture takes a long time but there are many ways you can help yourself in this process. If you are new in Ireland and especially if you don’t speak good English yet, it is useful to look for information in your own language. You can talk with your fellow-nationals who have been in Ireland longer and understand Irish
people and culture better and who can explain things to you. It is also good to talk with fellow-nationals because they usually understand your experiences and this sharing can help you to deal with the stress and all
the positive and negative feelings you have about living in a new country. What is important is that at the same time you make connections with other nationals as well: if you spend time only with your fellow-nationals, it will be more difficult for you to integrate into Ireland and you also miss a lot of chances to learn and practice English. In this way Irish people won’t get the chance to get to know you and learn about your culture either. When you have at least basic English skills you should slowly make contacts with the Irish. There is no better way to learn about Irish people and culture than from the Irish themselves!
Other ways how you can help yourself to integrate is, for example, to watch Irish TV, follow the news and read Irish newspaper. Keep an open eye, listen and learn about what is happening around you. The more you learn English and the more Irish friends you have the easier this becomes. Also try not to be judgmental and remember to stay open-minded and curious: try out new food, new sports, new hobbies and discover your environment! Some things might be unusual for you but remember that no culture is better than others, they are simply different.
REMEMBER TO:
- Learn English;
- Don’t only spend time with your fellow-nationals;
- Make friends with the Irish;
- Learn about your environment, follow the media;
- Stay open-minded for new things.
For information on language exchange possibilities or language classes go to:
- http://www.mylanguageexchange.com/city/Limerick__Ireland_Republic_of.asp
- http://www.limerickenglish.com/
- http://www.english-in-limerick.com/
- http://www.newcommunities.ie/news/events/2012/09/04/-free-english-language-classes-at-ncp-limerick-dublin/ (FREE!)
- http://www.learn-english-schools-ireland.quality-language-schools.com/English/Ireland/learn-english-courses-schools/Limerick
- http://www.limerickcityaes.ie/ESOL--Part-Time.aspx (FREE or lowcost)