Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Copenhagen, Denmark

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

Copenhagen

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

None

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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?

Not yet, There were no opportunities to learn Danish where I lived.

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

Not really, I thought I was an experienced expat

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

Cried much more and was more stressed by this move compared to others.

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 am in the rejection of culture phase -- I am past anger and irritation.

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.

Depression, frustration and yes definitely homesickness!

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

The transport system

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Rules that have been put in place to limit and frustrate foreigners irrespective of what kind --- i.e. even if you are hosted by Denmark at their invitation they treat you as if you should be grateful and tax you mercilessly so you leave quickly. Worse, the beaurocrats don't take questions or queries -- however polite you are!

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

none

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

Don't believe everything you read and hear about a country, it's never enough to prepare you for the reality!