Intercultural competence USA – preparation for families

The step across the “big pond” into the “land of opportunity” is a big one for every European. Families face particular challenges. Not only is the new business environment a challenge for the father or mother, but also mastering everyday life. While adults can settle in quickly with the right preparation, the emotional challenges for children are considerably greater – and therefore also the challenges for the whole family, because the well-being of the children is rightly the top priority for families.

It all starts with language

Children don’t just arrive in a new environment – everything is new. This starts with language. With small children, this can still be mastered through play. Young people face much greater challenges here. Although school English lays a foundation for the language, it doesn’t really prepare young people for everyday life. In order to be able to keep up in an American school, it is therefore best to prepare accordingly before the assignment. This ranges from language courses (no British English, please) to special preparatory seminars for young people. Especially in the language area, the wide range of films and series in the original (i.e. in American) on the Internet or from relevant TV providers are very useful for getting used to the language. Even if it is still bumpy at the beginning, you can get used to the language and expressions very well.

In the new world – not just figuratively speaking

Of course, language is only one part of the challenges to be overcome. Everything else is also new. The young people are leaving their familiar surroundings and social contacts. Especially at an age when young people are building up their own world, this can be a sensitive turning point. They find themselves in an unfamiliar environment. It is not only the language at school that is new, but also the daily routines, the classmates, the grading and the priorities.

It is precisely this aspect that moves and worries young people the most:

How does the American school work?

Will I make new friends easily?

What about vacations?

Which subjects can and must I take?

What will happen to my German school when I return?

What will happen to my circle of friends in Germany?

I have never met anyone who has not benefited from a stay abroad lasting several years. You overcome new challenges, you broaden your horizons, you master new languages – in short, you are no longer the same when you return home. All these considerations are rationally understandable. But when young people are at the beginning of such an “adventure”, fears often prevail. Especially in a phase when young people are building their own world and still have to find themselves in puberty, this additional uncertainty represents a great potential for worry and insecurity.

Knowledge helps

It is therefore important to prepare young people in particular for the new challenges through family seminars in order to reduce these uncertainties and the resulting fears. Of course, support from the whole family is essential, especially from those family members who are traveling with them. They should also be made aware of the young people’s situation, as adults in particular often see things through rational glasses, which helps them to view the new challenges in a positive light. Those who know what to expect, on the other hand, can prepare themselves accordingly and receive valuable tips on how to deal with the inevitable culture shock (this also applies to adults!), the mood swings of the settling-in phase, the new environment and the new rules of the game. Fears are reduced and the “terra incognita” of the USA is given a clear outline. Last but not least, it is also important to maintain and cultivate contact with the home country, family and friends there. This is also an important anchor in coping with the new, as well as preparing for the return. The latter in particular is very important, because although you return home, everything will be different again after your return. The culture shock will set in again.

When young people have it easier, adults benefit too

This not only affects the young people themselves, but also the adults traveling with them. After all, they already have enough challenges of their own to deal with and one of the main causes of premature returns is family problems. No one can concentrate fully on their new job if part of their consciousness is occupied with the fact that the children are not doing well and how to deal with this.
Everyone reacts differently and family training is not a “cure-all”. However, it is a necessary and sensible preparation to ensure that the move to the “new world” goes as smoothly as possible. Or in American: “As smooth as possible”.

Find out more here:
Intercultural training USA