How to Break Down Cultural Barriers as an Immigrant?
The testimony of Ruth Tejada and her transformation process with International Family Coaching
One of the most common mistakes made by many immigrants arriving in Europe or the United States is passively waiting for things to improve over time. While learning the language is a crucial step, true integration in a new country requires much more: well-defined emotional, social, cultural, and family strategies.
The anguish and desperation caused by not seeing expected results from integration efforts can create serious damage—leading to a state where the person is no longer able to think or act clearly.
Many immigrants — especially those who arrive as political asylum seekers — have no one to talk to and receive no professional guidance that offers them clear, constructive feedback. They don’t know where to turn or how to begin seeking help.
This was exactly what our client Ruth Tejada experienced when she arrived as a political asylum seeker:
“I was happily surprised to have found Teresa, because in my personal situation, I came to believe that what I was thinking and feeling was unreal, and that my case had no way out.”
With Ruth, we quickly analyzed the pros and cons of her integration process and determined that she needed to make urgent and strategic decisions to achieve a successful adaptation.
Strategic Key Decisions of an Immigrant That Made the Difference
Ruth came to us carrying deep emotional pain, but also the desire to move forward for herself and her children. During our coaching sessions, we analyzed her entire situation — legal, family, social, and emotional — and created a plan tailored to her reality as a single woman with political asylum.
Here are the key decisions that made all the difference:
- Learning the language with a strategic focus
It wasn’t just about studying — the goal was to develop the language as a functional second language, using available social benefits until she reached the highest level possible. - Moving to a place with more opportunities
She decided to move to another state because her previous location offered no real job opportunities or chances to advance. - Supporting her children’s social integration
She enrolled her children in extracurricular activities where they could socialize, learn values, and adapt without losing their identity. - Strengthening family values in a new environment
Ruth learned how to teach her children to maintain their core values while rejecting harmful influences that could affect their physical or emotional health.
The Power of Human and Professional Support
During her process with International Family Coaching, Ruth received not only practical guidance but also regained her emotional stability and sense of direction. She found clarity to make firm decisions and began rebuilding her life with knowledge, action, and support.
“Teresa has an unimaginable human quality and a great vocation for service, care, and listening. She always finds a solution. I was deeply moved by how she understood me. With her help, I was able to better understand my cultural and social environment, which was key to finding the path forward.”
— Ruth Tejada
From Immigrant to Protagonist of Her New Life
Today, Ruth is socially integrated, her children are stable, and she has built a new life based on strong emotional foundations. She went from feeling lost to having clarity, confidence, and direction.
Are You an Immigrant and Feel Like You’re Not Moving Forward?
At International Family Coaching, we teach you how to break down the cultural, emotional, and social barriers that are holding you back, so you can build a stable, intentional, and resilient family life in the United States.
Remember: the responsibility to integrate is yours. Not doing so is a silent form of violence against yourself and your family.
Our mission is clear:
Zero divorces. Zero violence. Zero suicides.
💌 Write to us: info@internationalfamilycoaching.org
📱 WhatsApp: +1 502-495-8444
🌐 Coaching in English and Spanish