Spouses in Mexico

Making the move to a foreign country is particularly hard on spouses who aren't working. This is generally the case when one spouse follows the other to a new country and ends up having major problems of adaptation while the partner usually has the security of entering a working environment that is more or less similar to the one left behind in the home country.

Besides the difficulty of having to grapple with a foreign tongue, spouses often have trouble adapting to even the most basic household changes, learning how things work, how to deal with the kids, and especially the emotional stress that often accompanies a move. Loss of self-confidence, self-doubt, boredom, even depression more often than not rear their ugly head. Loneliness and alienation can set in, making what should be an exciting experience rather more of a nightmare.

Family Support

This is why it's important to present some tips to spouses moving to Mexico. The most important of these tips is to let you know that if you are suffering from the above-mentioned problems you should know that you are not an exception. These are indeed common problems encountered in the relocation process. Having said this, it's essential that partners have a healthy relationship with each other, and also the rest of the family.

A lot of work falls on the employed partner here as well, but communication is a very important factor, especially in those crucial first few months of the relocation process. Keep the lines of communication open. Affection, understanding and sympathy should be shown on both sides.

Staying Busy

While balancing out the family situation, the stay-at-home partner must also seek individual fulfillment by keeping busy and by setting goals. This will not only alleviate the tedium of the feeling of estrangement from society but will also prove crucial to overcoming the initial rough period of relocating to a foreign country.

Learn Spanish

First of all, when in Mexico, learn Spanish. That is the first and most important task, full stop. Not only is learning the local language the key to gaining a social circle, it's also crucial for being able to do basic daily tasks and chores on your own and feeling a part of the society you're living in. Learning a new language is also time-consuming, exciting and interesting. Many Spanish courses are offered around town, for all levels, for groups or for private lessons.

Social Groups

Parallel to language learning, joining an expatriate social group can be a good start in terms of having the support and experience of other people who are or have been in a similar situation as you. Every large community of foreign nationals has some sort of support group. The Americans having the largest and most organized of them all (American Society, Newcomers Club, etc.), while members of smaller foreign national communities generally find community support centered in embassies. The Newcomers Club is a particularly important group where one can find almost any interest group one seeks, be it sports, trips, language groups, games, events, counseling or information. It's a very good idea to check out what they're up to, especially in that initial orientation and adaptation period.

Having got over the first daunting periods of the relocation and adaptation process the next step is to pursue one's interests and hobbies, perhaps even finding some work, be it part-time or full-time, or just volunteer work. Many expat spouses engage in volunteer work and take an active part in charities, as well as helping out at some expat organizations. Click into our site where we list charities, clubs and associations, and also sports clubs.

Conclusion

While we have demonstrated that there are many options for spouses to interact in Mexico, ultimately it's a matter of doing it. It's not until one actually takes the necessary steps that one finds the relocation experience need not be misery or boredom, but, with the right frame of mind and the right attitude, it can be one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences of your life. Make sure to also take a look at our section on culture shock.

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