Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Juan Dolio, Dominican Rep

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

Juan Dolio

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

No, But I have traveled extensively in Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America

William Russell
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William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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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?

They speak very fast and difficult Spanish. My wife and I are learning

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

I was not concerned.

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

No real culture shock. Dominicans are culturally a warm welcoming people--except when behind the wheel of a car. Driving can be difficult, especially in the cities. My wife won't drive in Santo Domingo or San Pedro de Macoris.

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?

No. Everything in the DR was mostly what we expected. Americans trying to live with Dominican neighbors can be disturbed by their late night partying. Dominicans are not quiet.

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.

No. We love it.

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

We enjoy the laid back quality of life in the DR. We are in a small town and find people helpful and generally nice. We have met few US expatriates, but many Europeans and Canadians. I experienced a severe urinary infection and went septic. My wife wasn't sure how to handle that, but two locals called an ambulance and got me to an ER. I truly believe they saved my life. .Ambulance, ER, 4 days in hospital and doctor's fees were about $3000. I suspect my copay in the US would have cost more.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Living with close DR natives can be challenging, mostly because of partying at late hours. They do not understand why noise should be an issue. As I have sleep issues, this can be annoying. Far fewer Dominican people speak English than you might expect. But they will try to help, none the less.

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

If we have committed any cultural blunders, the locals were nice enough to ignore them.

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

Take things slow, Don't expect things to operate as they do in the US. Supermarkets are just like the US, except they are often out of what they had plenty of last time. If you see something you might want in the future, buy it now. We tend to stock up on those items we use regularly. Small shops may be closed when you least expect it.