Settling In? Learn the Culture Through TV, Music & Film

Moving to a new country can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. To settle in smoothly, it’s crucial to dive into the local culture.

What's the simplest and most delightful method to accomplish this?

‍Engage with the country’s pop culture, movies, music, and TV shows.

• For a broader perspective on cultural immersion, visit BBC Travel's Cultural Insights.
• For more insights on managing multicultural teams, check out Mastering Multicultural Remote Teams: A Guide.

Engaging with cultural artefacts like local cuisine, literature, and street art can also provide unique insights. Engaging with cultural artefacts such as local cuisine, literature, and street art can serve as an effective icebreaker and initiate conversations with locals.

Movies, TV Shows, and What They Teach You

Watching films or series from your new "home" country can give you loads of insight. But remember, these portrayals can be quite specific to certain regions.

For example, a movie set in southern Italy might not reflect what life is like in the north of Italy.

It’s important to understand the geographical and cultural context to avoid making broad assumptions.

Tips for Watching Local Media:

• Choose a mix of genres to get a broader picture of the culture, such as dramas, comedies, documentaries, and historical pieces.
• Pay attention to locations—where is the story set? Culture can vary hugely between different regions. Consider the contrast between urban and rural customs.
• Ask locals for their favourite films or series. It’s a wonderful way to learn and start conversations, and it helps build genuine connections.

Music is the heartbeat of a nation.

Music is a fantastic way to feel the vibe of a new place. It reflects emotions, history, and the spirit of the people.

Take Fado music from Portugal. Its melancholic tones tell a story of deep emotion and history.

• For more on Portugal’s music and cultural heritage, check out UNESCO's Cultural Heritage.

Or think about the vibrant rhythms of Cumbia and Samba from South America, which reveal the energy and diversity of the cultures there.

How Music Can Help You Connect:

• Listen to different genres like traditional folk music, pop, and classical to understand the emotional and cultural landscape.
• Learn about iconic artists—their stories often connect deeply with the country’s history. For example, Bob Marley in Jamaica or Edith Piaf in France.
• Ask for recommendations from locals or colleagues—it’s an instant conversation starter and shows your genuine interest.

Understanding Cultural Diversity at Work

If you’re moving for work, understanding the cultural diversity in your new workplace is key.

‍Don’t rely solely on past experiences with people from the country.

Every culture is multi-layered, with different ethnicities, generations, and backgrounds all contributing to its richness.

Key Points for Professionals:

• Recognise the diversity—cultures are rarely homogenous. For instance, regional differences and subcultures can significantly affect workplace interactions.
• ‍Be open to new perspectives—this is especially important in mixed-gender, multi-generational, and multi-ethnic teams. For a deeper understanding of specific cultures, listen to our podcast episode on
• ‍Adapt your approach—different people may have different ways of working or communicating, influenced by factors like individualism vs collectivism and direct vs indirect communication styles.

Get Recommendations and Build Connections

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of media available? Ask for help!

Whether it’s colleagues, friends, or members of an expat group, people love to share their favourites. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to build relationships and get some real insights into the culture.

How to Get Started:

• Ask for local recommendations—movies, music, or TV shows, or even books and podcasts.
• Join online forums or local expat groups to get suggestions. Consider platforms like Reddit, Facebook groups, or even Meetup. For strategies on building effective multicultural teams, read Building Effective Multicultural Teams in Remote Work.
• Use what you learn as a conversation starter—it helps you build connections, show genuine interest, and understand your new home better.

FAQs

Q: Why should I watch local movies or listen to local music when I move?

A: Engaging with local media gives you an insight into the culture, helps you understand what people value, and can be a useful icebreaker with new friends or colleagues. It also helps you grasp the local humour, slang, and trends.

Q: How can I avoid making assumptions about the culture?

A: Remember that media often reflects only a part of a country. Always place what you watch or listen to in its geographical and cultural context, and be open to learning more. For example, urban and rural areas can have vastly different lifestyles.

Q: What's the best way to get media recommendations?

A: Ask locals or colleagues for their favourites. It’s not only informative but also a great way to connect and start conversations. Alternatively, check out local streaming platforms to see what’s popular.

Q: How can I better understand my new workplace culture?

A: Recognise that every workplace will be diverse. Learn from your colleagues, be open to different viewpoints, and don’t assume that past experiences will apply universally. Consider the impact of hierarchy, leadership styles, and work-life balance expectations.

Dive In and Stay Curious

Immersing yourself in a new country's pop culture is a fun and effective way to understand its people, traditions, and social dynamics. Whether it’s through movies, music, or TV shows, these cultural touchpoints give you a glimpse into the heart of the nation.

Just remember to keep context in mind, embrace the diversity, and stay open-minded. By doing so, you’ll build meaningful connections and navigate your new cultural landscape with confidence and curiosity.