Before we set off on our amazing journey to India, a pretty cool thing happened—my husband's company offered us cultural competency training. Let me tell you, if you're thinking about taking an expat assignment, don't underestimate how important this prep work can be. It was a game-changer for our life as expats and helped us to prepare for some of the realities of expat life.
Picture this: six eye-opening 90-minute sessions that were like a crash course in all things India. We dove into India's cultural tapestry, exploring its rich heritage, diverse religious practices, subtle but essential social norms, daily life quirks, and much more. While it's impossible to capture the entirety of India's vast culture in a few hours, this training gave us a strong foundation—a roadmap to help us navigate India's cultural maze.
But it wasn’t just about learning the do’s and don’ts. It was about truly understanding what makes India tick. The sessions weren’t superficial—they gave us a deep appreciation for the heart and soul of the country. We learned to navigate with sensitivity and respect, understanding the complexities and nuances that shape life in India.
From religious practices to the unspoken rules of social etiquette, to the wonders of Indian cuisine and the rhythms of daily life, the training made our transition to living in India much smoother. It didn’t just prepare us for the logistics of life abroad—it gave us the tools to build meaningful, respectful connections with our new environment. It felt like someone handed us a treasure map, not to avoid cultural differences, but to help us engage with them with open hearts and respect. If you ever get the chance to participate in cultural training, don’t let it slip by—it can completely reshape your expat experience, turning unfamiliar territory into a deeply enriching journey.
The Need for Exstad: Filling the Gaps
While the cultural training was invaluable, there were several areas it didn't cover that we only discovered once we were on the ground in India. Cultural competency training provided a high-level understanding, but it didn't address many personal and day-to-day challenges—particularly for non-working spouses, children, and families.
This gap inspired the creation of Exstad. The training didn’t prepare us for the unique pressures on the working partner, or for the emotional and practical struggles faced by the supporting spouse, such as finding identity, balancing family dynamics, and raising children abroad. Culture shock, navigating daily life challenges, and the emotional toll of being away from home were areas where we needed more resources. Exstad was created to help others fill these gaps, offering practical tools and emotional support for families, partners, and individuals navigating life abroad. Through Exstad, we're helping expats not only adjust but truly thrive in their new homes, beyond what traditional training offers.
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