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An expat who has been living in Panama has written a long culture shock report about life in Nueva Gorgona. She has a great perspective on what it means to be an expat in Panama, which is probably why she's enjoying life there!
Nueva Gorgona
I visited Panama a few times but had no cross-cultural training. I have always been a "jump in with two feet" kind of person.
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Before my move, I used some cd's to learn Spanish but I was not very serious. After my move, I took some tutoring and am now in a class as the local international school. I'm not learning as fast as I'd like to but I'm learning and I can convey my message when speaking with a non-English speaker. I also rely (probably too heavily) on my translate app on my phone.
I was only mildly concerned about culture shock before my move. I had visited Panama a few times. I knew there were things I'd have to do without and other things that would be difficult to locate, but my concern was not enough to dissuade my move.
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There are a lot of expats from the US and Canada in the area where I live. The culture shock was not significant. I can get everything I need and most of what I want nearby. There is great shopping nearby and there are a lot of activities that I can be involved in.
I've been in my current apartment for almost two years. I love my life and I love where I live. I respect that I am a visitor in Panama and this is not my country. I think if expats remember that and respect the manana culture of Panama, the adjustment is much smoother.
I noticed that I have more energy here than I did in the US. I think the climate in he Pacific beach area is better for my arthritis and my back than the dry climate I left in the US. The biggest adjustment for me was the fact that sunset is between 6 and 6:30, every night, yearound. Since I live only 9° from the equator, sunrise and sunset are constant. All things considered, I'll live with that.
I love walking on the beach, collecting shells and sea glass and photographing the patterns the waves make in the salt and pepper sand on our beach. I love hearing the waves crash on the shore first thing when I wake up in the morning and last thing before I fall asleep at night. I love watching the Pelicans fly by and dive for food in the ocean. I love that there is a lot happening where I live and there is an active expat community and I can be involved in as much or as little as I want to. I love retirement and have days that I do absolutely nothing and enjoy the peace. I love all the fresh fruit at my disposal locally. My eating is more healthy than it has ever been. Life is good.
I am the first to admit that learning a new language at an advanced age is a challenge. It's not easy but I'm plugging along and it's coming. Sometimes I'm challenged finding ingredients for a recipe but, I must admit, it's more reverse culture shock visiting the US and seeing the multitude of choices for any item and trying to decide which one to buy. Here either they have it or they don't, it's as easy as that.
After walking the beach, I used to tell the guard I was mucho calliente until I found out that meant hot like spicy or sexy. Now I've learned to say mucho calor.
The easiest way to transition in a new culture is to respect the locals, it's their country. They may do things differently than I would but that doesn't make your my better. Don't jump on trying to change how things are done just embrace the differences. You may even learn better ways to do things.
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Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Guide to Living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama
Nueva Gorgona, Panama: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Nueva Gorgona
Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other people living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.
Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Nueva Gorgona.
Expats and global nomads in Nueva Gorgona share their experiences with health insurance, healthcare in Panama, local hospitals and specialists, quality of medical care and more.
Expats offer advice about everything you need to know before moving to Nueva Gorgona: what to bring (and what to leave behind), how to find housing and more.
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats and digital nomads have to say about the pros and cons of living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.
Rental listings in Nueva Gorgona. Plus, advice about renting and buying real estate in Nueva Gorgona
Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.
Expats talk about what it's like living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What Newcomers to Nueva Gorgona Should Know
An expat talks about moving to Nueva Gorgona and advises newcomers to rent before buying so that you can move if you don't end up liking the neighborhood. We couldn't agree more with this advice!
An expat in Nueva Gorgona, Panama talks about health care services, health insurance, the cost of prescription meds, English-speaking doctors in Panama and more.
An expat retired in Nueva Gorgona, Panama wrote an extensive report about her experiences there. Everything from cost of living, housing, safety, how it feels to retire abroad, transportation and more are covered. A definite must read for anyone considering retiring in Panama!
An expat living in Nueva Gorgona loves that people in Panama appreciate everyday life and family, loves the local food and celebrations and traditions.
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Our survey to find the Best Places to Live in 2022 revealed that 85% of expats in Panama report that they are happy with the expatriate experience there.
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Nueva Gorgona, Panama: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Nueva Gorgona
Panama Forum
Meet other people living in Nueva Gorgona.
Expats and global nomads in Nueva Gorgona share their experiences with health insurance, healthcare in Panama, local hospitals and specialists, quality of medical care and more.
Expats offer advice about everything you need to know before moving to Nueva Gorgona: what to bring (and what to leave behind), how to find housing and more.
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats and digital nomads have to say about the pros and cons of living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.
Rental listings in Nueva Gorgona. Plus, advice about renting and buying real estate in Nueva Gorgona
Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.
Expats talk about what it's like living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What Newcomers to Nueva Gorgona Should Know
Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Nueva Gorgona.
An expat talks about moving to Nueva Gorgona and advises newcomers to rent before buying so that you can move if you don't end up liking the neighborhood. We couldn't agree more with this advice!
An expat in Nueva Gorgona, Panama talks about health care services, health insurance, the cost of prescription meds, English-speaking doctors in Panama and more.
An expat retired in Nueva Gorgona, Panama wrote an extensive report about her experiences there. Everything from cost of living, housing, safety, how it feels to retire abroad, transportation and more are covered. A definite must read for anyone considering retiring in Panama!
An expat living in Nueva Gorgona loves that people in Panama appreciate everyday life and family, loves the local food and celebrations and traditions.
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