How to adjust
How to adjust to life in Vietnam
- Learn Vietnamese – it isn’t easy but a little goes a very long way, as does as smile and a positive attitude.
- Recognise that adjusting is hard work and takes time – view things as a challenge rather than a threat.
- Accept that it takes time and don’t expect everything to fall into place straight away
- Establish a routine as quickly as possible – this provides stability
- Make your home a place that is comfortable and reminds you of who you are
- Learn the rules of social behaviour in Vietnam (included in Apollo Induction Guide)
- Develop a hobby
- Include exercise into your routine
- Keep busy
- Try to not make value judgments about either local people or expats you meet or work with
- Make an effort to get to know colleagues and people in your local community
Plan things to do in your free time to relax
- A relaxing bath
- Read a magazine
- Watch/play sport with friends
- Meet friends/colleagues for a coffee or a drink
- Read books
- Call friends/family at home (you can skype pc to pc for free with a headset!)
- Plan days out of the city to get to the countryside, or visit tourist sites within the city – get to know all the interesting places to go and be open to new experiences
- Get some fresh air and exercise
- Make sure you’re eating healthily and take multi vitamins and minerals – lots of people find that they get ill when they visit Vietnam so need to take extra special care of yourself
- Try to avoid alcohol becoming your quick fix – it’s easy to get dependent without the support structures and routines from home
- Bring photos of friends/family with you, or pictures of places at home that you particularly like. |
