Cultural Issues for relocating mail order brides

The great advantages of meeting your future partner through a mail order bride service are what make it such a popular system, proved by the fact that, in the USA alone, there are between 4000 and 6000 mail order bride marriages every year, and this figure looks set to increase.

Although it is perfectly natural to be nervous about potential cultural differences, particularly if you are moving to a new country, there are many more benefits than drawbacks.  Remember the following advantages

• possibility of a better standard of living, including increased education opportunities
• culture with more respect for women
• benefits you can bring to your new country such as language and general cultural and educational information.

Having said that, there are some issues that may come up as a result of cultural differences that are worth knowing.  Here are the main problems mail order brides encounter:

• language difficulties: your language skills will improve dramatically on moving to a new country but there are colloquialisms and expressions that you may not understand at first.
• integration: from the sense of humour to table manners, these are many customs we do not give a second thought in our own country, but which can cause embarrassment or even offence in another country.
• missing friends and relatives: although the internet and improved phone connections are improving this, you may not be used to being away from your close family and friends.

How to overcome these cultural differences

There are several things you can do to ease your integration into a new country.  Here are some suggestions:

• talk to your partner: this is the most important way of ensuring a smooth transition into your new country. He will be able to reassure you and support you through any difficulties you may be experiencing.
• go to English classes: this will facilitate your assimilation into your partner?s country.
• join evening classes: this will enable you to meet new people and make a new circle of friends
• keep regular contact with your family and friends back home: it is nice to know what is going on in your local area and letters, e-mails and telephone calls are an easy way to do this.
• find out if there is a local community from your country: there may be a group who meet regularly where you can discuss your experiences of integration and share memories of home.

More Information to help you Relocate

• The cultural issues that your hasbandmay be concerned about (Brides-4U)
• Learning/improving English for foreigners from the BBC
• Adjusting to a new country
• Discussion about the term "mail order brides" (Brides-4U)

Article by Emma Newlands
© Brides-4U Ltd