Expat Advice: Culture Shock in San Salvador, El Salvador
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
San Salvador
Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?
Before, on the streets of New york City
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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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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?
Yes and yes, before I moved.
Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?
No.
Traveling Mailbox
Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
Traveling Mailbox
Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?
Very little.
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?
Mostly irritation to anger phase, but soon came out of it as I gained more patience.
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, things get done much more slowly here.
What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?
People are warmer and will often go out of their way to help, even people I hardly know.
What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?
The way of thinking is very different than someone born and raised in US, Canada, UK, Australia or Western Europe - Often 'never the twain shall meet'
Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!
Many, when I got angry or stressed out I often became rude to locals and hurt their feelings, also even though I speak spanish well made many mistakes in pronunciation at first resulting in many misunderstandings, my mentors then told me never to show anger in public.
Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?
On your first visit...
. Of course there exist serious security issues in many parts of Latin America so be aware, especially when traveling alone, and use common sense.
The more Spanish you know, the easier AND less expensive your journey becomes.....
A stressed, lonely and tired traveler is a VULNERABLE traveler to pickpockets, thieves and scammers, one can only do and see so much in one day!
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to San Salvador
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in San Salvador
- Public Transportation in San Salvador
- Best Markets in San Salvador
- Retire in San Salvador Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in San Salvador
- Pros & Cons of Living in San Salvador
- Tips for Expats Driving in San Salvador
- Cost of Living in San Salvador
- Health Care in San Salvador
- The Essential Guide to San Salvador
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in El Salvador
- Best Places to Live in El Salvador
- Real Estate in El Salvador
- Pros & Cons of Living in El Salvador
- Homeschooling in El Salvador
- Pros and Cons of Living in El Salvador 2024