One of the best countries which attract a higher number of expats is Indonesia. The warm tropical weather, multiple economic centers, beautiful touristic destinations, as well as the lush green environment all make this country look dreamy. But even though everything seems appealing, there are a lot of things that foreigners have to be aware of, especially expat spouses. Outlined below are some few life survival tips for expat spouses in Indonesia.
- Socializing with other fellows
The best way to survive and thrive in a new place is by socializing. Interacting with other people with similar cultural background or nationality is vital for the transition process, especially when you are in a new country. Catching up with fellows can significantly help expat spouses in Indonesia to adapt to the new environment. For instance, there is the British Women's Association, Die Brucke for Germans and many others where they can meet and share personal experiences. - Exploring
An easier way to adapt to a new environment is by knowing it. Indonesia is a country that has a wide range of tourist destinations and multiple cities. There are thousands of natural treasures in over 30 provinces which can take years to explore. So, expat spouses should start exploring the treasures within their surroundings in order to familiarize with some of the places they will be visiting. Additionally, it's important that they also visit some of the top tourist destinations such as Bali, Ubud, Jakarta, and Gili Islands, etc. in order for them to stay connected to this country. - Interacting with the Locals
As much as it's important for expat spouses to socialize with their fellows, it's also important for them to interact with the locals. Engaging with Indonesian natives will help them to authentically connect with this country in different ways. - Learning the Local Culture
The only way expat spouses can interact with the locals is by immersing themselves into the local culture. This will help them to understand the new world around them and be able to see things the way the locals see them. Generally, learning about the culture will them to figure life on this other side of the continent. - Self-Care and Living Healthy
Moving to a new country is mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting. The culture shock and the new stressful situations are all draining. To ensure that he/she adjusts seamlessly, it's important for an expat spouse to create their own self-care program. This could be regular meditation programs, workouts, or even yoga.
Additionally, the new environment may trigger certain bacterial and viral infections. So, it's important that they live healthy lives by eating foods which strengthen the immune system. During the initial period, the recommended diet for expats as well as that of their spouses includes nutrient-rich organic foods that are mainly composed of fruits and vegetables. Although Indonesia is an exotic country that appeals to expats from different nationalities, not everything is as picturesque as it seems. Expat spouses should, therefore, be prepared to deal with challenges which include social, cultural, and environmental issues.