Every person who changes location, especially when moving to another country, tends to go through four phases:
- First, there is an emotional adrenaline rush, which results from being exposed to so many new things, causing a mixture of feelings like hope, joy, and fear;
- Second, there is the impact of the differences between one place and another. This may generate cultural shocks, longing for the homeland, a feeling of emptiness, resistance to making changes, anguish, difficulty adapting to what is new, and making you realize the value of precious things that you may not have truly appreciated (your previous lifestyle, culture, foods, etc.);
- Third, it is the time of adaptation, during which the person becomes accustomed to the place, adapting little by little or accepting the new culture. This is when an affinity for the place starts to develop;
- In the fourth phase, the person tends to integrate with the local culture in a more peaceful and joyful way. They start to enjoy the place more, begin to like it, and little by little, they will feel part of the environment and culture (acculturation occurs);