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Author
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Topic: Culture shock
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23
Knowflake Posts: 714
From: The Strand
Registered: Apr 2009
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posted March 30, 2014 12:35 AM
  
Anyone been overseas and had culture shock?How did it feel like and where was it? What country do you come from? IP: Logged |
aquaguy91
Moderator Posts: 9064
From: tennessee
Registered: Jan 2012
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posted March 30, 2014 01:04 AM
I experienced culture shock when I moved to my current town... It is only an hour away from my hometown. I have never left the U.S.IP: Logged |
12muddy
Knowflake Posts: 1642
From:
Registered: Feb 2013
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posted March 30, 2014 01:07 AM
I'm from South East Asia. When I was in Australia I had a bit of a shock when a stranger asked for my number. I was like "I'm sorry sir, I don't give my number to strangers".And my high school teachers were so nice. I was used to canning and name calling so to me they were like angels from heaven. When I was in Japan I was amazed at how calm people were. I went to California once, it was a short trip so I don't have much impression of the culture. There are some unpleasant experiences but overall I like foreign lands, people don't really care about who I am or what I do. Much less pressure. IP: Logged |
23
Knowflake Posts: 714
From: The Strand
Registered: Apr 2009
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posted March 30, 2014 01:49 AM
quote:
Originally posted by 12muddy:
I'm from South East Asia. When I was in Australia I had a bit of a shock when a stranger asked for my number. I was like "I'm sorry sir, I don't give my number to strangers".And my high school teachers were so nice. I was used to canning and name calling so to me they were like angels from heaven. When I was in Japan I was amazed at how calm people were.
I knew you had something to do with OZ as you mentioned "year 12" in one of your posts once. The Japanese are very clam, civil, honest, polite but very distant. Everything is meticulous, I mean in Tokyo I saw cleaners scrubbing paths. The only time I got culture shock was in the US. I've been to ten countries, two of them English speaking, one being US. I was in California for a month and Las Vegas for a week. I cannot tell you how different Americans are from Australians. You don't seem to have these differences between other English speakers, there is still a commonality there. We speak the same language but the nuance and presentation is completely different. Americans are very formal but seem invade psychological space more often. Americans are much more serious and proper, their dress standards would be considered very preppy here. I was offended a lot by shopkeepers who tried to hard sell me, I found it very crude and invasive that they followed me around. The tipping just did my head in, I found it very difficult to get it right. I enjoyed my time in the US and people really were friendly but I got so fed up being asked where I was from and then told about their trip to Australia or how they wanted to come here. I felt like a circus freak often because of their constant questioning. However, despite my whinging, Americans are genuinely nice people, they are also very hospitable. IP: Logged |
Kerosene
Knowflake Posts: 10034
From: Mercury
Registered: Dec 2012
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posted March 30, 2014 01:53 AM
Uhhh not really.but I remember being taken by seeing poverty stricken wastelands, nothing prepared me for that. IP: Logged |
23
Knowflake Posts: 714
From: The Strand
Registered: Apr 2009
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posted March 30, 2014 02:15 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Kerosene:
Uhhh not really.but I remember being taken by seeing poverty stricken wastelands, nothing prepared me for that.
India, right? As per original post, please say where it was. IP: Logged |
Dancing Maenad
Knowflake Posts: 586
From: The Harvest
Registered: Mar 2014
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posted March 30, 2014 02:16 AM
My most notable culture shock about the US was the food: portion sizes, dressings, the quadrillion options and wtf is a gravy, how many ounces are in 100 grams again?? Filling my gas tank was also a weird experience. All the religious radio networks  but with surprisingly nice rhythm once you get over all the love you jesus. I still do not know the difference between a dime and a penny or all your coins for that matter (must you have so many??). I am still mystified you put god on your money though  People asked me where I'm from too, quite a bit, but I didn't mind it much. I actually was amazed how helpful everyone was. I felt people from the southern states are a lot friendlier and happy, than New York for example. Even though I appreciated New York more for its cultural diversity. I liked Chicago though I saw little of it, but I need to be more mindful of the suburbs. I initially disliked California (how do you people drive there every day??) but at my second visit I changed my opinion. I loved San Diego, it was heaven to be honest. San Francisco felt pretty European-like, no culture shock there. What I loved most about the US: the wide open spaces, finding parking almost anywhere, clear driving directions, Krispy Kreme, the Pacific, the scenery overall (it's pretty breathtaking and I have not yet been to the Grand Canyon but I will before I die) and yeah, the people. I kinda miss it. ------------------
~the raving one dancing in the nude~ IP: Logged |
23
Knowflake Posts: 714
From: The Strand
Registered: Apr 2009
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posted March 30, 2014 02:20 AM
The roads were awesome, people were friendly and the food was actually good quality despite being big but they do love salt and butter and oil! SD reminded me a lot of Australia; I liked LA, pretty relaxed; not so keen on SF, uptight. SF to me is nothing like Europe, except maybe the layout around Union Square. Anyway, people were friendly and I know they are just curious but it for me, it was too much after a while. IP: Logged |
Dancing Maenad
Knowflake Posts: 586
From: The Harvest
Registered: Mar 2014
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posted March 30, 2014 02:28 AM
Ohhh and I forgot root beer and root beer candies! Took some home and my people were all like wtf is this, it tastes so funny! lol The food was good, yeah. I gained weight the first time there lol. ------------------
~the raving one dancing in the nude~ IP: Logged |
Dancing Maenad
Knowflake Posts: 586
From: The Harvest
Registered: Mar 2014
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posted March 30, 2014 02:34 AM
What I meant about SF was how the narrow and crowded streets reminded me of Europe. And it was hard finding a parking space. The bars/pubs had a similar vibe too. But anyways, I wasn't there much, it was a first impression thing. US was an exciting experience for me. But I need to see more places. Went to Prague last year, Budapest coming up in 2 weeks.  I plan to drive there, take everything in! If I could afford it, I would travel my a$$ off all over this wonderful world. Maybe in a few years  lol------------------
~the raving one dancing in the nude~ IP: Logged |
Kerosene
Knowflake Posts: 10034
From: Mercury
Registered: Dec 2012
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posted March 30, 2014 02:35 AM
Hey I live in SF..Im kinda sad I missed you x_X IP: Logged |
Dancing Maenad
Knowflake Posts: 586
From: The Harvest
Registered: Mar 2014
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posted March 30, 2014 02:43 AM
OMG I didn't know!! I will totally let you know if I come there again!!!  I might, I actually loved US. I wanted to move there, as you know, but the process of getting my medical licence acknowledged gave me headaches. And since the engagement is off.. I lost a lot of motivation to do so. Western/Northern Europe is way easier and IMO more stable so it's probably where I'll move in a year or so. But I did promise myself to come back for the GC and since I love to road trip.. I might surprise you one day!  ------------------
~the raving one dancing in the nude~ IP: Logged |
aquaguy91
Moderator Posts: 9064
From: tennessee
Registered: Jan 2012
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posted March 30, 2014 03:56 AM
If you come to the U.S your experience will vary greatly depending on which states you visit. Its like countries within a country here. IP: Logged |
Kerosene
Knowflake Posts: 10034
From: Mercury
Registered: Dec 2012
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posted March 30, 2014 05:21 AM
Yassss please doo
I'm going to live in italy for a year when I graduate... Since i own a flat whaaaaaat lol.
So I'm going to be all up in Europe!!!!! maybe go backpacking for a month.I'm really excited!!!!
I'm just going to focus on myself and the present and not worry about my future because I've been focusing on that since I was 15.. I'll probably just do some freelance work for that year.. Or do some cute **** like work as a barista or something.
I feel like being a waiter would be a good way to get numbers too LOL... since i need to build up a social network when I move to new places. That's my mercury thing going on. IP: Logged |
23
Knowflake Posts: 714
From: The Strand
Registered: Apr 2009
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posted March 30, 2014 06:40 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Dancing Maenad:
OMG I didn't know!! I will totally let you know if I come there again!!! I might, I actually loved US. I wanted to move there, as you know, but the process of getting my medical licence acknowledged gave me headaches. And since the engagement is off.. I lost a lot of motivation to do so. Western/Northern Europe is way easier and IMO more stable so it's probably where I'll move in a year or so. But I did promise myself to come back for the GC and since I love to road trip.. I might surprise you one day!
Holy crap, it's not you, Izo? It's pretty much impossible to get acknowledged in any country with a "foreign" medical degree, I'd suggest you stick to EU if it's you, Izo.
IP: Logged |
23
Knowflake Posts: 714
From: The Strand
Registered: Apr 2009
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posted March 30, 2014 06:41 AM
quote:
Originally posted by aquaguy91:
If you come to the U.S your experience will vary greatly depending on which states you visit. Its like countries within a country here.
Yes, I gathered that. It's one of those countries with worlds within worlds. Japan is like too. My main interest in the US as always been New England and NY. I want to see where it started. I was going to go to NY this year but it had to get canned. Mr 23 wants to see the south. Really, I'm happy to go anywhere. IP: Logged |
23
Knowflake Posts: 714
From: The Strand
Registered: Apr 2009
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posted March 30, 2014 06:47 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Dancing Maenad:
Ohhh and I forgot root beer and root beer candies! Took some home and my people were all like wtf is this, it tastes so funny! lol The food was good, yeah. I gained weight the first time there lol.
I gained 5kg from my trip in the US. I actually went on a diet beforehand as I knew this would happen. I love Ben and Jerry's, best branded ice cream I've ever tried. I tracked it down in Sydney when I came back OZ and would catch a train and ferry to get to it (I was living on the south side and the parlour was on the north side, on the other side of the harbour).
IP: Logged |
aquaguy91
Moderator Posts: 9064
From: tennessee
Registered: Jan 2012
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posted March 30, 2014 06:58 AM
quote:
Originally posted by 23:
Yes, I gathered that. It's one of those countries with worlds within worlds. Japan is like too. My main interest in the US as always been New England and NY. I want to see where it started. I was going to go to NY this year but it had to get canned. Mr 23 wants to see the south. Really, I'm happy to go anywhere.
the south is nice! Its my home, i have lived here my whole life.IP: Logged |
Sibyl
Knowflake Posts: 520
From: Uranus
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted March 30, 2014 07:06 AM
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YoursTrulyAlways
Knowflake Posts: 6927
From:
Registered: Oct 2011
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posted March 30, 2014 07:18 AM
I've lived in several countries across the world without family and quickly adapted. I've also traveled very extensively. No issues with culture shock. Originated from South-East Asia. IP: Logged |
Dancing Maenad
Knowflake Posts: 586
From: The Harvest
Registered: Mar 2014
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posted March 30, 2014 07:47 AM
quote:
Originally posted by 23:
Holy crap, it's not you, Izo? It's pretty much impossible to get acknowledged in any country with a "foreign" medical degree, I'd suggest you stick to EU if it's you, Izo.
It's me!! I changed my nickname again lol. Yeah, I would've done it though. I started studying for USMLE Step 1, got all the books and audios.. But back then I thought I was building a future with someone. Ooops, nope, sorry, on my own again. Moving to the US by myself is too much of a bother and I'm not sure it's actually worth it. I have friends there and all but seriously I'd be losing another 3 years or so just studying whereas here in Europe after this year I am a specialist and doing my own thing as I please. I am considering Belgium, Germany, France, the UK and maybe Sweden, Norway but they're not looking for what I have to offer all that much. I am pretty open to a lot of possibilities, I don't mind learning yet another foreign language and I adapt easily. I'm spreading my CV to everyone who wants to read it and come Jan 2015 I am taking the best offer I'm gonna have, where the wind of fate may take me.  I am also thinking of joining Doctors without borders, I talked to one of their people just yesterday. I always wanted to do it! Take 3-6 months off and go all over the world helping people!  I have no strings attached and it's very liberating (and a little scary but just a little bit) that I have sooo many possibilities. Clearly I've been putting my energy in the wrong place until now (relationships), now it's no longer such a priority. I want THIS, and I want it badly. Being single again turned up to be quite an advantage. ------------------
~the raving one dancing in the nude~ IP: Logged |
12muddy
Knowflake Posts: 1642
From:
Registered: Feb 2013
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posted March 30, 2014 09:37 AM
quote:
Originally posted by 23:
I knew you had something to do with OZ as you mentioned "year 12" in one of your posts once.The Japanese are very clam, civil, honest, polite but very distant. Everything is meticulous, I mean in Tokyo I saw cleaners scrubbing paths. The only time I got culture shock was in the US. I've been to ten countries, two of them English speaking, one being US. I was in California for a month and Las Vegas for a week. I cannot tell you how different Americans are from Australians. You don't seem to have these differences between other English speakers, there is still a commonality there. We speak the same language but the nuance and presentation is completely different. Americans are very formal but seem invade psychological space more often. Americans are much more serious and proper, their dress standards would be considered very preppy here. I was offended a lot by shopkeepers who tried to hard sell me, I found it very crude and invasive that they followed me around. The tipping just did my head in, I found it very difficult to get it right. I enjoyed my time in the US and people really were friendly but I got so fed up being asked where I was from and then told about their trip to Australia or how they wanted to come here. I felt like a circus freak often because of their constant questioning. However, despite my whinging, Americans are genuinely nice people, they are also very hospitable.
Yeah I spent a few years in australia. Got hooked on red wine lol. I love the sun, the heat and beaches. Jobs were fairly easy to find, I was extremely grateful n happy to have an easy time finding jobs. Drivers in Melbourne n Sydney are legendary. The men are attractive lol My s.o and I may decide to spend a few years to spend a few years there before heading back to our home country.
In Australia, they include GST in the prices of goods/services. Ime, in the US n Canada, tax is added at the register haha I was like "WTH...." That was quite a bit of a shock lol My 1st winter in Canada was quite miserable coz it was so cold. I put on so many layers of warm clothes and everyone looked at me like 0_0 I like Canada well enough. Ime the people are nice and easy going. I get asked a lot about my ethnicity n my home country. Japan... for a little while, in my eyes Japan was a version of Utopia. It seemed that everything and everyone had their own category. It was a bit of a shock to me to see that there was an endless list of rules, both spoken n unspoken. Social interaction was a delicate matter, especially to women. It was difficult for me to try avoid offending people and/or stepping on toes. I spent some time at a school that had regulations on hair length 0_0
I did visit some other countries but yeah they were only trips so again, not much impression.
IP: Logged |
CatMote
Knowflake Posts: 724
From: Fighting Neptune for his trident
Registered: Apr 2013
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posted March 30, 2014 09:56 AM
quote:
Originally posted by 23:
Yes, I gathered that. It's one of those countries with worlds within worlds. Japan is like too. My main interest in the US as always been New England and NY. I want to see where it started. I was going to go to NY this year but it had to get canned. Mr 23 wants to see the south. Really, I'm happy to go anywhere.
i live in new england, connecticut. i recommend anyone visiting the US to come see Boston or NY. Boston is a very historically rich place. they really are nice places that offer diversity and excitement.
but yeah, like stated earlier coming to the united states is weird. each state is different.
id love to go across the sea one day i want to go to Dublin.
------------------
"Perhaps there are new plateaus to reach, even greater heights to which I must ascend." IP: Logged |
FireMoon
Knowflake Posts: 1610
From: Minnesota
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted March 30, 2014 12:24 PM
Mexico was my first trip out of the country when I was young so Mexico City was an eye opener in terms of poverty and the cramped conditions... I loooved the people though, and nothing beats eating delicious mangos straight from the trees lolMy first time going to Europe I was that ridiculous American thinking what, no free water at restaurants?? (which is when it really sunk in how extremely wasteful we are in the US on a daily basis lol) Fiji... I didn't realize making eye contact with the opposite sex was considered a come on in certain situations... Idk I've been fortunate to travel a lot of places but I've never really lived abroad longer than a couple months and can't say I've genuinely experienced culture shock, I actually feel more uncomfortable and out of place in my own hometown lol. So yeah I've been thinking lately I reeeally need to plan a trip somewhere soon... IP: Logged |
FireMoon
Knowflake Posts: 1610
From: Minnesota
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted March 30, 2014 12:27 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Kerosene:
Yassss please doo
I'm going to live in italy for a year when I graduate... Since i own a flat whaaaaaat lol.
So I'm going to be all up in Europe!!!!!
Wow I am insanely jealous!! lol  IP: Logged |
Lindaland
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