Many of you have had the privilege of living in a foreign country. Living in a country as a foreigner has its challenges, beginning with cultural shock which makes one feel disorientated in an environment different from their own. These differences include potential language barriers, communication styles, expressions, cuisine, weather, and more. Every country has their own culture and every country has their own way of making foreigners feel welcomed or not so welcomed. Here in Spain, foreigners generally feel very welcome. Yet, that does not exclude the culture shock many have experienced at some point in our time here, or currently experiencing it till this day. Here are some of the cultural differences and shocks one may experience when moving to Spain and experiencing the Spanish culture.
1. No timely manners…
In American and most of European culture, one is often considered late when it is even just by minutes. Being late is considered very rude. However, in Spain, the culture seems to have adapted to being late on a casual basis. Being late is not just not rude, but mostly the standard.
2. Smoking
In the United States of America, one person out of every five regularly smokes cigarettes. While this may already be considered a lot, in Spain this rises to one in every three people. This large amount of regular smokers walking around may be overwhelming sometimes for certain people. It can be very obvious at times when roaming the street and what feels like every person around you is smoking. However, this is just one more culture shock that Spain has in place for us foreigners.
3. Siesta
Siesta is usually a few hours mid-day, during which shops close. Wherever you come from, you are most likely used to shops and restaurants being opened from morning until afternoon/evening time. However, when first moving to Spain, siesta is something to get used to immediately. It always has to be considered whenever making plans for going out, going for food or even just running a quick errand.
4. Eating times
One last piece of culture that has been normalized in Spain is the mealtimes. While for most people, there is breakfast, lunch and dinner at set times, here in Spain things are a little different. Firstly, breakfast is a meal that is almost non-existent. Most people just skip breakfast and wait for their lunch. Also, dinner is often had as late as 22:00! When someone first arrives in Spain, this is something to get used to immediately as there will be many hungry days with huge excitement for dinner.
Every single person is going to have their own unique experience approaching, adapting and embracing these differences. Some may struggle more than others. However, the Spanish culture is still a very beautiful one. Just take it day by day and get support from fellow people in similar positions as you to face these challenges together!
If you have just arrived in Spain and are still experiencing all these culture shocks, don’t worry! Hang in there, it’ll all be fine in the end.
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