Spending a summer abroad can be an exciting and enriching experience. Whether you’re traveling for leisure, work, or an educational program, adapting to a new culture in a short period requires understanding and effort. Based on my doctoral research on serial expatriates and theories of consumer international mobility, let’s discuss some practical tips to help you successfully explore new cultures and make the most of your summer abroad.

Acculturation is the process of adapting to a new culture while maintaining elements of your original culture. Even during a short-term stay, understanding this process can enhance your experience. But while understanding and respecting other cultures is important, do we need to assimilate completely? Research indicates that individuals can employ different strategies when finding themselves in new unfamiliar societies. Some people creatively blend elements of the host culture with their own, others immerse themselves fully into the new context, while some prefer to stick to familiar routines and avoid deep engagement. A less desirable outcome is marginalization, where individuals neither maintain their own culture nor adopt the new one, leading to a sense of disconnection. Actively participating in the local culture, however, can make your stay more fulfilling.

Even during a brief stay, moving to a new country is a continuous learning experience. Consumer acculturation describes the process of individuals adapting to a new consumer culture. This is particularly relevant when encountering unfamiliar........

© Psychology Today