Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Las Terrenas, Dominican Rep

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

Las Terrenas

Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?

What is culture shock, really? if you move to a different country where they speak a different language, drive on the wrong side of the road, eat different food, are a different colour, pick their noses in public, shout more than speak. What on earth did you expect? Where's the shock?

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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?

I'm learning.

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

NO, NO, NO.

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

What shock??

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?

NO

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.

Nothing

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

Lovely laid back attitude to everything

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

the language

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

Only trying to sort out when to use TU and when USTED.

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

When in Rome .......................