Moving to a new country is an exciting yet challenging experience that requires adaptation on multiple levels - social, cultural, and psychological. Among the many skills that facilitate a smooth transition, empathy plays a crucial role in understanding, integrating, and building relationships within a new society. Empathy, defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of others (Decety & Jackson, 2004), helps newcomers navigate cultural differences, overcome barriers, and cultivate meaningful connections.

The development of my empathy skills, allowed me to explore the role it can play in adapting to a new country (I have lived in many countries), providing concrete strategies for enhancing and applying empathy in intercultural settings. Hence, helping me to survive, thrive and become successful.

Understanding Empathy and Its Importance in Cultural Adaptation

Empathy is essential in cross-cultural adaptation because it allows individuals to recognize and appreciate the perspectives, emotions, and values of people from different backgrounds (Pedersen, 2004). When entering a new cultural environment, you often face challenges such as language barriers, unfamiliar social norms, and cultural misunderstandings. Practising empathy helps reduce the stress associated with these challenges and enables individuals to approach cultural differences with an open mind rather than fear or frustration. This helps to reduce stress and anxiety.

For instance, Finland is known for its highly individualistic society and reserved communication style (Hofstede Insights, 2023). A newcomer from a collectivist culture might find the social dynamics challenging. However, by practising empathy, we acknowledge that Finnish people value personal space and independence. You can adjust expectations and find ways to connect in culturally appropriate ways, such as engaging in structured social activities or respecting the need for silence in public spaces.

Concrete Actions for Practicing Empathy in a New Country

While empathy is a psychological and emotional trait, it can also be cultivated through deliberate actions. The following are practical ways newcomers can apply empathy to ease their adaptation process:

• Active Listening and Observing: One of the most effective ways to understand a new culture is by actively listening and observing how locals interact. Instead of making assumptions based on past experiences, you should take time to listen attentively to locals. As the Greek philosopher, Epictetus said, "We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak." Epictetus embodied empathy and resilience as he spent his youth as a slave in Rome before gaining freedom after the death of Nero, under whom he served until around 60 AD (Daily Stoic, 2021). Other ways to listen include asking open-ended questions and observing social behaviours. This practice helps in recognizing cultural nuances and adjusting your communication style accordingly (Gudykunst, 2005).
• Engaging in Cultural Immersion: Immersing oneself in a new culture by participating in local traditions, festivals, and community activities fosters empathy (Oyeyiola, 2023). For example, a foreigner in Finland may initially find the sauna culture unusual. However, by experiencing it firsthand and understanding its social and historical significance, they can develop an appreciation for this Finnish tradition. Likewise, it is a means for bonding with locals.
• Learning the Local Language: Language is a key vehicle for empathy as it enables you to have deeper connections with people. Even if fluency is not immediately attainable, making an effort to learn basic greetings and phrases in the local language demonstrates respect and openness. Studies suggest that language learning enhances cultural empathy by providing insights into how people think and express themselves (Brown, 2009).
• Practising Perspective-Taking: Perspective-taking involves putting oneself in another person’s shoes to understand their experiences and emotions. A foreigner working in Finland, for example, might initially feel excluded due to the Finnish tendency for direct and minimalistic communication. However, by considering that this style is not meant to be rude but rather a reflection of cultural efficiency, they can better interpret interactions and respond appropriately.
• Building Relationships Through Shared Experiences: Empathy flourishes in meaningful social interactions. Seeking friendships with locals and other expatriates helps in creating a support system. Volunteering, joining clubs, or participating in local initiatives are effective ways to bond with people through shared experiences, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering mutual understanding.

The Impact of Empathy on Social and Professional Integration

Empathy significantly enhances both social and professional integration. In social settings, an empathetic attitude makes it easier to form friendships and gain acceptance within a new community. Research indicates that social support is one of the most critical factors in successful cultural adaptation (Berry, 1997). An empathetic person is more likely to engage in positive interactions and build long-term relationships.

In the workplace, empathy improves cross-cultural collaboration. Employees who understand and respect cultural differences contribute to inclusive work environments, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity (Gelfand et al., 2007). For instance, an international employee in Finland who recognizes the importance of directness in communication will be better equipped to engage in professional discussions without misinterpreting brevity as rudeness.

Conclusion

Empathy is a powerful tool for adapting to a new country, fostering cultural understanding, reducing stress, and strengthening social connections. By practising active listening, engaging in cultural immersion, learning the local language, taking different perspectives, and building relationships, newcomers can integrate more smoothly into their new environments. Whether in social interactions or professional settings, empathy bridges cultural gaps and promotes a sense of belonging. As globalization increases intercultural interactions, developing empathy becomes not only beneficial for personal adaptation but also essential for creating harmonious and inclusive societies.

References

Berry, J. W. (1997). Immigration, acculturation, and adaptation. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 46(1), 5-34.

Brown, H. D. (2009). Principles of language learning and teaching (5th ed.). Pearson Education.

Daily Stoic (2021). We Have Two Ears, One Mouth For A Reason. Retrieve from https://dailystoic.com/two-ears-one-mouth/

Decety, J., & Jackson, P. L. (2004). The functional architecture of human empathy. Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Reviews, 3(2), 71-100.

Gelfand, M. J., Erez, M., & Aycan, Z. (2007). Cross-cultural organizational behavior. Annual Review of Psychology, 58(1), 479-514.

Gudykunst, W. B. (2005). Theorizing about intercultural communication. SAGE Publications.

Hofstede Insights. (2023). Country comparison: Finland. Retrieved from https://www.hofstede-insights.com

Pedersen, P. (2004). 110 experiences for multicultural learning. American Psychological Association.

Oyeyiola, F. (2023). The Tri Assessment Factor Pyramid: A Model for Internationals (Students) Integration into Finland. VAMK Online Newspaper.  http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20231220156055