Quote:LOL!!!  So if you are a guest in the country and that's what you remember, you're not really assimilated are you? 

 

Knowing the laws and and trying to learn the language the best you can is not necessarily becoming assimilated.  I think you're being waaaaaay to simplistic about this.  Being a military person and living on a base in a foreign country not assimilating to that foreign country, just to be honest here.

Don't speak of things you know nothing about because you know little to nothing of my time living overseas. You look foolish talking out of your [BLEEP]. Just to be honest here.

 

The first step in assimilating into another country is learning the language and customs to the best of your ability. Over time you become more fluent in the language and more respectful of the customs. Customs are tricky because sometimes they are religious based and sometimes they're based on the part of the world you live in, the political climate of the country, etc. Whether you agree with them or not is of no consequence, the fact that you respect them is. The more time you spend in the country the more you become part of their society and assimilate. It's not going to happen overnight and it's not going to happen if people don't want to. You don't have to leave your customs and traditions when you leave your country but you should respect those of where you're going. And if you don't like them then don't move there. 

 

And yes, you technically are a guest in a foreign country until you become a permanent citizen. You can be asked to leave or deported at any time for any reason. It doesn't seem to work that way here, but I assure you in other countries it does. 

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