It doesn't have to be overwhelming being a native English speaker in Mauritius, most Mauritians speak a good level English, as well as their native French and Creole so getting by as a native English speaker in most day to day settings from going to the supermarket, ordering your favourite coffee or getting petrol can be quite easy and stress free. It's more when you come to socialise or use the local bus service that you may need to brush up on those French/ Creole skills! It's also easy to find and meet other expats that you can converse with all over Mauritius. There are many FaceBook groups for the different areas in Mauritius which are set up by expats looking to meet other expats; it's a great way to expand your social network and help you feel more at home.
Let's look at a few easy and accessible ways you can feel comfortable and confident being a native English speaker in Mauritius, but also practising a new language with the locals and really getting the full Mauritian experience.
Socialising with the locals
Don't shy away from socialising with new people just because you are a native English speaker- embrace it! Learn a few basic day to day French/ Creole phrases that you can have up your sleeve and start using them in the supermarkets, cafés, hair salon etc most Mauritians speak English in these settings but to be able to meet and greet people in their language is such a great feeling. How about getting you're walking shoes on and head to your local park, it's great to get around others with similar interests and you'll find people speaking English, French and Creole who you can communicate with easily. The more you put yourself out there in the culture the more you'll feel at home and gain a better understanding of the local life. And who knows maybe you can organise a Mauritian dinner party with your new found local friends, complete with local cuisine, conversation and music (Sega of course!)
Local transport
Feeling adventurous? How about taking the local transport! As an expat, the local buses and tram are a fabulous way to get out and see the island. The tram network has announcements and a ticketing system in both English and French, so it's easy to get around. Head out armed with those basic day to day phrases and catch the local bus, you can hop on all over the island, take a seat and the ticket attendant will give you your ticket for around 40 rupees. Sit back and enjoy the fabulous views of Mauritius and you head to a new spot to explore!
Get out of your comfort zone, a little
As a native English speaker it's always good to step outside your comfort zone once in a while. Head to the villages and smaller towns to get your fabulously fresh fruit and vegetables and order your produce from a local. It's amazing how much the locals appreciate you trying to speak a few basic phrases with them. Have you thought about researching different groups that interest you? There are so many interest groups from book clubs, walking groups to church meet ups and crafting! Where you will meet others that speak your native language some of whom are from your home country or even town who you can comfortably converse with and learn new skills.
Happy conversing!
