Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Tlaxcala, Mexico

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Tlaxcala

If they speak another language in your new country, do you speak the language? If yes, did you learn the language before you moved or while abroad? If no, are you planning to learn the language?

I learned the language while living here.

Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?

Not really.

Dream Pro Homes Luxury

Learn MoreConnect

Dream Pro Homes Luxury owner Greg Gunter is the Broker for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices offering luxury home options in the UNESCO city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, rated the No. 1 City in the World five years running from Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines.

Dream Pro Homes Luxury

Connect

Dream Pro Homes Luxury owner Greg Gunter is the Broker for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices offering luxury home options in the UNESCO city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, rated the No. 1 City in the World five years running from Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines.

How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?

I was already a seasoned traveler and have learned how to be flexible.

Expats often talk about going through the "stages of culture shock." Examples include the honeymoon phase, the irritation-to-anger stage, the rejection of the culture stage, and the cultural adjustment phase. Do you feel like you went through these or any other stages as you settled into the new culture?

Maybe a little bit, Or I've become jaded over the years.

What, if any, were some of the changes you noticed in yourself that might have been caused by culture shock? These might include things such as anger, depression, anxiety, increased eating or drinking, frustration, homesickness, etc.

Occasionally missed certain foods from back in the States but learned to adapt.

What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?

People are a lot friendlier here.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Learning the language & customs.

Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!

When I first started learning Spanish I asked the hostess of a party for a chicken breast instead of a chicken leg and instead I asked if I could be breast fed. Even now 30 years later she still remembers the incident.

Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?

Don't worry about mistakes, it's the best way to learn things. Just laugh & keep going forward.

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico helps you find the perfect home in Mexico.
Learn More

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico helps you find the perfect home in Mexico.
Learn More

SJB Global
SJB Global

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides