As I settle into life in Liechtenstein, I am surprised by how much the social atmosphere and natural surroundings have shaped my experience. Having previously done an exchange in the USA, where cultural differences felt vast and often overwhelming, my transition here has been much smoother. Liechtenstein, being a small country, offers a sense of comfort and peace that’s quite different from my past experiences, and it’s made my first few weeks here not only manageable but enjoyable.
One of the most striking aspects of life here is the calm, warm nature of social interactions. Unlike my time in the USA, where people were often much more outgoing and perhaps a bit overwhelming for someone like me, who tends to be more relaxed and reserved, Liechtenstein’s social life feels more aligned with my personality. There’s a warmth to the people here that’s immediately welcoming, but it’s not overwhelming. People are friendly, but in a way that feels less intense than what I experienced in the US. In fact, the interactions here remind me of Norway in some ways, though with a notable difference: while Norwegians tend to be more reserved and keep to themselves, Liechtensteiners have a quiet openness that feels inviting without being intrusive.
What I’ve also realized is that the environment here, the stunning natural beauty that surrounds the towns and villages, plays a significant role in creating this calmness. Coming from Norway, where nature is also an important part of life, I didn’t expect to feel such a difference, but there’s something about the closeness to nature in Liechtenstein that makes me feel at home. It has grounded me in a way I hadn’t anticipated. I’ve found that being surrounded by mountains and green landscapes has given me a sense of peace, which in turn has made meeting new people feel less intimidating. The scale of the country itself, with its smaller population and more intimate social circles, has also made it easier to navigate relationships and settle in quickly.
Reflecting on this has made me consider my cultural values and how they influence my reactions to new places and cultures. In Norway, I’ve always valued personal space and quiet time, which I now realize may have made adjusting to a place like the USA, larger cities, and more extroverted social norms, more difficult. Here in Liechtenstein, however, the pace is slower, the towns are smaller, and there’s a kind of mutual respect for personal space that fits my preferences. It’s interesting to see how much this impacts my ability to feel calm in a new place.
Of course, not everything has been without its challenges. The professional environment, particularly in the field of architecture, has been different from what I’m used to. There’s a lot more philosophical discussion and talking here, which I find difficult, due to language barriers. Engaging in complex conversations in a language I’m not fully fluent in has required patience and persistence, and it’s something I’m still adjusting to. However, these challenges feel manageable in the context of the overall calm and supportive atmosphere.
Ultimately, my experience in Liechtenstein has been shaped by the peacefulness of both the people and the environment. It’s been a place where I can truly appreciate the balance between social connection and personal space, between professional growth and the natural world around me. This has not only made my transition here smoother but also given me a new appreciation for the role that both nature and social customs play in shaping how we feel and behave in a new cultural setting.