Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Kingston, Canada

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

Kingston

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?

same 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?

fair amount

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?

pretty much

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, drinking, homesickness

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

Fairly intellectual and liberal approach to modern life, nice appreciation of history and traditions respect for social cohesion and general welfare.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

They are rather strict about Everything and seem a bit fuddy duddy about crossing every T and dotting every I also so many people wear all black clothing all the time even in summer, it is rather depressing ! after exposure to more Caribbean, Mexican it really stands out also huge obesity problem everywhere. A lot of the high rise apartments look dreary and Eastern European.

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

Not too many as I grew up in States_Fla. and have been back many times. Mostly just using different terms for everyday thing Pop vs Soda washroom vs restroom and not standing in line until called at Tim Hortons.

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

It takes a long time to forget old programming!