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Culture shock refers to the struggle that travellers and expats go through when adjusting to the rhythms, rules and behaviours of a foreign country. Although most of us approach moving abroad with an open mind, we can all get fed up sometimes when things are different that we are used to.  Even the most seasoned and well-travelled wanderers suffer from this affliction, and every now and then the differences become too overwhelming and can make you want to pack up and head home!
 
If you have purchased real estate in Bulgaria and are planning to live there, it is likely you will experience the symptoms of culture shock. These symptoms include homesickness, feelings of loneliness and isolation, frustration, annoyance, and confusion. However, there are measures that you can take when adjusting to life in your new property in Bulgaria that will help you conquer culture shock.

Know What to Expect

Before you leave, do as much research as you can to find out what you can look forward to in Bulgaria. You can talk to people who already own real estate in Bulgaria and know what it is like to live there. Also, you can read travel guides, websites, and other information about the country to get an idea of what life is like there. It is also recommended that you take at least a couple of long holidays in Bulgaria before you buy a home there, to get a better taste of day to day life.

Don’t Assume Anything

Although you will have done your research in advance, don’t assume that you know more about Bulgaria than the locals do. You won’t understand the culture fully until you have lived there for many years, so be humble and don’t let yourself be fooled by stereotypes or generalizations.

Don’t Take It Personally

It’s easy to get upset if you take everything that the locals do as a negative slight against you, but perhaps these things have nothing to do with you at all. For example, you might find yourself getting frustrated when you receive extremely slow service at the post office, but keep in mind that other cultures don’t prioritize speed as much as you might. Take a deep breath, and chat with the people in the queue while you wait.

 Take Care of Yourself

Moving to a new property in Bulgaria can be an exhausting transition, so don’t be surprised if you are more tired than usual when you arrive. Give yourself plenty of rest to let yourself recover from the big move, and this will help keep you from getting stressed and overwhelmed.

Remember Why You Came

If you ever get too fed up, and want to sell your property in Bulgaria and give up, just think back to why you came in the first place. Was it for a different lifestyle, the beautiful climate, or for your children to enjoy the outdoors? Focus on the positives, and you will remember why you fell in love with Bulgaria.