Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Tallinn, Estonia
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Tallinn
Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?
No
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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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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?
Most young people speak English, but after arriving I took courses in Estonian.
Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?
Not enormously
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How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?
It was basic; toilets had push buttons, door knobs were door levers, society in general looked the same; Shopping malls, downtown, the beach.
My culture shock mostly came from after being here for awhile where I experienced some of the old Russian and Estonian tension from the Post-Soviet Era. But anyone who comes here for a period of time will experience that.
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?
First arriving
Absolutely Great
4 Months
Kind of normal
6 Months
Well adapted, can adjust between here and US
9 Months
Some things tick you off, miss home some
12 Months
Really want a McDonalds cheeseburger
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.
Estonia has caused me to be a little impatient at times because some things aren't done in a timely manner.
When I'm back home I have some discontent toward people who say (isn't that country part of Russia), and so I'm angry at the U.S. Education system Long winters will turn you introverted, because they are dark and last 8 months. I haven't gotten it yet, but they call it seasonal anxiety disorder. Its easy to get here.
What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?
Their song festivals, Beautiful native language, Love of Nature, Long lived history, Story of survival of a culture
What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?
Russians vs. Estonians Post-Soviet integration
Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!
I went into Sauna with a towel. Everyone is supposed to go completely naked together. It's normal here. I was laughed at because I felt weird hanging out naked with a bunch of guys. Now it doesn't even phase me since it is part of the culture.
Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?
When you get here, Enjoy yourself, there is a lot more than meets the eye. The real Estonia is outside of Tallinn ;)
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Tallinn
- 7 Tips for Living in Tallinn
- Pros & Cons of Living in Tallinn
- Tips for Expats Driving in Tallinn
- Cost of Living in Tallinn
- Health Care in Tallinn
- The Insider's Guide to Tallinn
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Estonia
- Best Places to Live in Estonia
- Real Estate in Estonia
- Pros & Cons of Living in Estonia
- How to Buy a Home in Estonia
- Pros and Cons of Living in Estonia 2024