Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Bucharest, Romania
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Bucharest
Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?
not really, only what I read and I got to visit 2 times before I moved
Moving to Romania Soon?
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 still learning but I understand almost everything they say
Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?
Not at all, I thought culture shock was just a mean joke. Now I know what it is and I dont like it
How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?
It really hit me hard at about 6 month's. I've been here a year now and I'm trying. I hope I can make it.
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?
oh yes, I loved it at first. I thought it was amazing, Alot of trash but still amazing. I hate the stray dogs
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.
At one year I had depression, anxiety and missed my Family. I hate the damn stray dogs.
What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?
My husband and his family. I really love my husband and his family
What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?
Trash everywhere, Strays dogs(they killed my beagle puppy)and the way the drive(dear lord, they drive crazy
Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!
not that I know of
Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?
try to find a friend. I wish I could find one
More Expat Advice about Culture Shock in Romania
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Comments about this Report
nickknockYou sound like a real trooper. Best of luck!
dancesnitchThe stray dogs such. I agree. But is there anything about the country that you positively like? I loved the night life, the mountains, the food etc. My wife and I live in Canada and all I can say is the stress North American culture leaves is worse than stray dogs and garbage imo.
GingerMcKennahow about making friends with a stray dog!
