Individual involvement is common in several sports, but in most cases, sports competition is centered on collaboration. This is where inclusivity and multiculturalism come into play. Sports give an interesting view on diversity and inclusion through the notion of a team and culture.

This writer interviewed a couple relatives that have played professionally overseas and they both had a couple common themes about their adventures to foreign places. One of those was how different the food was, especially depending on where you are.

Being able to adapt to different countries and their foods, for some people is a struggle when working overseas. When you relocate abroad, you will have to adjust to many new things as well as a completely new way of life. You may need to learn a new language, establish new habits, or even make new acquaintances. You would also need to become acquainted with a whole new food in another country.

ADJUSTING HABITS

Depending on where you relocate, you may need to adjust your eating habits in terms of what you eat and how you eat. According to a movers.com blog post:

Observe how the locals eat: The best way to adapt to the local cuisine and food culture of a new country is to closely observe natives and be aware of their etiquettes. For example, in many Middle Eastern and Asian countries, food is primarily eaten without utensils and with your right hand as it is considered bad manners to handle food with your left hand.

This writer’s cousin informed me that some of the residents were looking at him a little weird the first time they ate due to some of these things. He was playing in China and had a hard time getting used to the food and his body was having an even worse time.

IT TAKES TIME TO CREATE A TASTE FOR FOOD

Because food is so directly linked to memory and personal experience, it may take some time for you to acquire a taste for the local cuisine. Don’t worry if you don’t like the food right away; you’ll acquire a taste for it the more you live there. Allow your taste buds to change with time.

According to an International Sea and Air Shipping blog post:

An easy way to get accustomed to the food in your country is to just incorporate it into your daily diet. Each day try something new when you’re out and about. Venture away from the foods you’re familiar with at the market and do your best to try something new. Instead of sticking with the familiar for your first few weeks, wean yourself off your normal diet and replace a meal each day with something from the local cuisine and before you know it, you’ll have made the transition from expat to local.

This writer’s cousins also explained the food is different but they missed certain things as well. One of the most difficult aspects of going abroad is missing something you can no longer enjoy. When you move to a new nation, you’re going to feel homesick and seek foods from home that aren’t always easily available.

Check out Part 2 tomorrow, where we delve more into being a professional athlete overseas.

Related