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British expats described as unsociable
| Published: | 13 Nov at 9 AM |
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British expats do not properly integrate after emigrating, according to a new survey, which says they prefer to stick to their own social groups.
British expats living in United Arab Emirates and African countries are the least integrated, said the study, which was conducted by global relocation specialist Robinsons.
The survey showed that almost a third of respondents, 27 per cent, said that their friends were “mainly British”, while 10 per cent described their social group as “exclusively British”. At the opposite end of the scale, 10 per cent revealed they hung out predominantly with locals.
The study looked into the countries and regions where UK expats integrated with locals the most and the least in relation to percentage of predominantly British friends. Top of the list where Brits were most likely to integrate was New Zealand, followed by Canada and Asia. Eastern Europe, Africa and UAE came at the bottom end of the table.
The research also showed the Brits had a poor attitude when it came to learning foreign languages, with 37 per cent of expats admitting they hadn’t tried to learn the local language. Some 26 per cent said they had little interest in the local culture, while five per cent said they preferred British culture and food.
Robinsons relocation director Rhonda Olsen noted that moving overseas has numerous benefits such as the chance to experience a new way of life and meet interesting new people, but forming friendship groups with locals can be “daunting” for many.
The group carried out the study, which questioned 1,000 British expats, in order to give it a better understanding of its customer base.
British expats living in United Arab Emirates and African countries are the least integrated, said the study, which was conducted by global relocation specialist Robinsons.
The survey showed that almost a third of respondents, 27 per cent, said that their friends were “mainly British”, while 10 per cent described their social group as “exclusively British”. At the opposite end of the scale, 10 per cent revealed they hung out predominantly with locals.
The study looked into the countries and regions where UK expats integrated with locals the most and the least in relation to percentage of predominantly British friends. Top of the list where Brits were most likely to integrate was New Zealand, followed by Canada and Asia. Eastern Europe, Africa and UAE came at the bottom end of the table.
The research also showed the Brits had a poor attitude when it came to learning foreign languages, with 37 per cent of expats admitting they hadn’t tried to learn the local language. Some 26 per cent said they had little interest in the local culture, while five per cent said they preferred British culture and food.
Robinsons relocation director Rhonda Olsen noted that moving overseas has numerous benefits such as the chance to experience a new way of life and meet interesting new people, but forming friendship groups with locals can be “daunting” for many.
The group carried out the study, which questioned 1,000 British expats, in order to give it a better understanding of its customer base.
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