The 80/20 Rule To Successful Expat Living – Integration

An expatriate, or expat for short is defined as a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country and culture other than that of the person’s upbringing or legal residence. The word comes from the Latin ex (out of) and patria (country). For me it still conjures up the image of the gin drinking upper class in India, but now it is a phrase that applies equally as well to the beer swilling yob living in the Costas!

I was first really exposed to the concept of the ‘expat community’ back in the 90’s when we were fortunate enough to spend a lot of time in our family Condo in Florida, and a group of middle aged, retired, bored British families tried to set up ‘home away from home’ events as they just couldn’t accept the ‘local way of life’. At the time I remember thinking that it was a real shame that they were trying so hard to replicate what they had chosen to leave behind rather than to integrate into their new surroundings. I didn’t dream that 15 years later I too would be an expat!

Now of course it has to be said ‘each to their own’ and there is no ‘right way’ of living as a expat, but over the years I have had numerous conversations with people that have moved to Spain and then moved back to the UK, with people that have moved to Spain and love it, with people that have moved to Spain and feel that depressed that there is ‘nothing to do but drink’, and with people planning to come and live in Spain but afraid that they wont be able to make it work.

One common theme running through these conversation is the concept of integration, and in particular the balance that is needed to make it work.

To be accurate the 80/20 rule, which is also known as the Pareto principle, states that for many events roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes, but it also gets applied to describing more mundane matters, for example 20% of the restaurants we go to are our favourites and we go them about 80% of the time. It is a term that I have adapted a little to describe the balance that I try and achieve as an expat living in Spain, in that I like to try and spend 80% of my time living life the ‘Spanish way’ and 20% of my time the ‘British way’.

Access to the lifestyle that we grew up with and left behind is vital to make life as an expat successful. Without it the temptation to keep going back home for a ‘fix’ would be too tempting, and if not an option could easily lead to depression and dissatisfaction. On the other had to effectively live exactly the way that you did at home but with the added benefit of the sun I think is just a waste of the opportunity living abroad provides.

What I have found is that the Spanish appreciate it when you try and integrate into their culture. The language is a obvious example! It isn’t easy to learn a new language but it is easy to learn the basic greetings, gratitudes and general day to day phrases. This shows an understanding and respect, and in return you will receive appreciation for trying. Supporting the Spanish businesses is crucial. In return it is fair to assume that the Spanish will benefit from exposure to the different cultures! Here in Almerimar when we first bought here 8 years ago there were no ‘English Bars’ so the first few that opened up attracted interest from the local Spaniards who wanted to try a pint of Guinness, a plate of Fish & Chips, and a Sunday Roast. My Spanish friends still do in moderation, say 20% of the time, but for the remaining 80% of the time they absorb themselves in their culture, traditions and diet. After all that is what makes this country so brilliant, and is why I always suggest that for a successful and rewarding life as a expat here in Spain you should try and spend 80% of your life integrated into the way of life.

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