Maintaining Connections to Your Home Culture
Digital Age Advantages
Staying Connected - Video calls with family/friends - Social media groups - Online news from home - Streaming home entertainment - Digital religious services - Virtual cultural events
Finding Balance - Schedule regular contact - Avoid living in homeland bubble - Share French experiences - Manage time zone challenges - Include French friends sometimes - Create new traditions
Physical Connections
Home Goods and Foods - Ethnic grocery stores - Online specialty retailers - Restaurant communities - Cooking groups - Import arrangements - Suitcase supplies from visits
Creating Home Spaces - Decoration reflecting heritage - Music and entertainment - Book collections - Art and photographs - Traditional items - Comfortable retreat zones
Cultural Transmission
For Yourself - Continue cultural practices - Maintain language skills - Celebrate traditional holidays - Connect with diaspora - Visit home regularly - Stay informed about homeland
For Children - Heritage language at home - Cultural weekend schools - Traditional celebrations - Stories and history - Connection with extended family - Summer homeland visits