When does a foreign country start to feel like home? This is a question I’ve often asked myself in my own moves and one I explore in my latest episode of Moving Countries 101.
The idea for this episode was inspired by a series I watched years ago called Heart of the Dragon, which looked at the essence of China through food, family, traditions, and more. It made me wonder how we can get to know the heart of a country and what it truly takes to feel connected and at home.
From that inspiration, I chose six pillars to focus on: Food, Language, Traditions, Relationships, Stories and History, and Values.
Each of these pillars offers an access point to understanding your new environment, and in the episode, I touch on how they can play a role in your own journey. Let’s take language, where I said, “they say actions speak louder than words. This is very true, but also, I think it’s true to say words open doors and miscommunication closes doors.”
I have experienced both first-hand, travelling for business in countries where I didn’t speak the local language, and having lived in countries where it was either my own language or one that I was learning. As someone who has taught English as a second language, I’ve seen how language shapes connection, not only for the person learning, but also for those speaking with them. I’ve worked with second-language speakers who are hyper-aware of every word they choose and how those words might come across. That awareness can be an incredible strength, an intuitive tool to settling in.
Language is more than just vocabulary or grammar. It’s a way of being. It carries cultural values, social expectations, and even unspoken rules. For instance, smiles can speak volumes. In some cultures, a smile is used freely and often, while in others, it’s reserved for moments of deep sincerity. Without words, physical mannerisms can communicate warmth, hesitation, or even a misunderstanding, making us acutely aware of how much we rely on context and intuition.
For me, learning even just a few key phrases of the language of a new country is an act of respect and curiosity. It’s not about perfect pronunciation or mastery; it’s about showing up, being present, and saying, “I want to meet you where you are.” The beauty of language lies in its imperfections. Meaningful conversations have come from a word misused or from moments of shared laughter over a mistake.
What I’ve come to appreciate is that language is not only about the words we say. The way we listen is as important as the way we speak. Through listening, we can step into someone else’s world, as someone who truly seeks to understand.
Ultimately, language breaks down walls, and more than that, it builds bridges. By seeing it as a way to connect, language fosters shared understanding, opening pathways to relationships and cultural insight.
In the full episode, I consider how Language, along with Food, Traditions, Relationships, Stories and History, and Values, can guide you in creating a life that feels like home.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re taking your first steps toward moving or have experienced living in a new country several times, my aim is to explore with you how to build a sense of connection and belonging in a new place.
About Moving Countries 101 Podcast
Moving Countries 101 offers a deeply personal exploration of the challenges, triumphs, and transformations that come with relocating abroad. Hosted by Clare Kay, who brings a wealth of experience from living and working across cultures, the podcast delves into the emotional and cultural layers of moving to a new country.
Clare draws on her own experiences, along with the stories of her guests, to uncover the emotional and cultural layers of relocation, making each episode a blend of heartfelt storytelling and actionable wisdom.
Join Moving Countries 101 for real stories, thought-provoking observations, and fresh perspectives on what it means to navigate life across borders.
Podcast Links:
You can listen/watch and follow this week’s podcast here:
Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moving-countries-101/id1724940782
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/4cxcZ9rbrvZ6A0B6UPMaXj
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo75XfTWDQl6JgTn4pzlvnA