Another favorite of mine is to find an international club. Larger urban areas, and even some smaller cities and towns, have clubs devoted to a specific culture. These clubs or organizations are set-up to help the immigrant adjust and to give them a sense of belonging; a place to share stories and to find support. Even when we lived in California, there was a Canadian Club. Now, there really isn't that much difference between Americans and Canadians (all the Canadians who are reading this are hissing!), but still there was a club devoted to all things Canadian.
The last piece of advice I have is to read. Read, research and record. Travel guide books, magazines and online sources are a great way to find out about a culture. Travel books are usually written from a point of view similar to your own, so that the information presented is the stuff you need to know. Look for the travel books that are a little more off the beaten path. While Fodors and Michelin may provide some basic information, the Moon Travel Guides, Rough Guide or Lonely Planet will give you a greater feel for your new country.
I also recommend reading fiction and travel diaries. Reading fiction written by local writers (and translated), is very similar to watching foreign films; there is a sense of place, an inside look at a culture and way of life. Travel diaries, made famous by A Year in Provence, provide a wonderful look at the experience of someone from the outside looking in. They usually involve some aspect of culture shock or adjusting. And whether or not it helps, it's always comforting to know that it's just not you.
The last resource I'll mention can be found online. Depending on where you're moving to, I can almost guarantee there's a website and chat room or forum on the subject. Take some time and surf. It's amazing how we're all so connected now. Ask questions. Read other's stories. Find out how hard or easy or interesting your experience will be.
And above all, let yourself feel what you're feeling. It's normal to be scared, overwhelmed, excited and sad all at the same time. You're moving. You're moving far away from what's familiar. So be easy on yourself. Embrace the opportunity. And have fun!
