Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Luanda, Angola

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

Luanda

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 speak fluent Portuguese so this has certainly eased the move.

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

Yes, worried about how they would accept me, more than if I would accept them....

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

Not too bad in fact, the language was not an issue so this resolved 90% of the barriers

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?

Not really but often these stages do creep up on me in a subtle way, but I try not concentrate on them too much, always think of the greater picture.

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.

All of the above in a subtle way, but the most noticeable difference has been my higher level of patience, you need a lot of it in Luanda.

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

Eagerness to grow, they are appreciative of what I can offer and so make me feel needed and appreciated.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Getting used to the fact that they are not a clean nation, they have adapted to live in filth and seem content to do so.

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

not really, nothing humorous

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

Golden rule of culture differences...... it's not wrong, it's just different!!!