Expat Advice: Culture Shock in San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina

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

San Miguel de Tucuman

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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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 am learning the language

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

No

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

Varied

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?

I suppose I'm still in the irritation stage. Only 7 weeks in but it is my fourth visit and this time for 2 to 3 years at least.

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.

Frustration and at times a desire to be somewhere else in Argentina, Patagonia for example.

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

Sometimes the ease with which things can be done but also at times the seemingly endless time it takes to get things done. The relaxed attitude to eating meals, the excellent food and the friendliness of many of the people once they realise that you are not silent out of ignorance but because of the struggle with the language.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

As above, the manana attitude, the lack of cleanliness in the city, the large swathes of depressing buildings and the big "underclass"

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

Learn the language and SPEAK!!!!