Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Hamburg, Germany

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

Hamburg

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

Yes, I was enrolled in a cultural orientation course upon my arrival

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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 studied German for two years before moving here, and now I'm learning more and more every day

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?

At first not bad, but then after about a month it really started to set in.

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've been through all of these stages, currently in the cultural adjustment stage, but some times still showing the irritation-to-anger stage.

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.

I see alcohol in a much different way, since it's a major part of the culture here, and not in the US it was a big change, but I no longer see it as such a negative thing.

I no longer get frustrated as easily when I can't do something 100% correct.

I do however get angrier sometimes when I notice things are different than at home.

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

It's very laid back and fun, and you always know exactly who your friends are.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Becoming friends with people is seemingly difficult. Also mannerisms and conversation topics are much different and difficult to adjust to.

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

Don't let culture shock get you down, you'll over come it eventually, and when you do you'll truly see the culture in a new and amazing way!