“After experiencing this, its very hard to go back to any other culture.”
Now imagine picking up your life and moving from one country to another.
The culture shock isveryreal!
So redditoru/queeenluxasked, “What was the most majorcultural differenceyou noticed when you moved to another country?”
Here’s what people said, including some members of theBuzzFeed Community.
When you enter a store in the US it’s, ‘Hello!
How are you today?
What can I do for you?
‘That was way too much communication."
In Spain, we have long lunches and siestas, and people spend more time with family and friends.
It feels like everyone is always in a rush and working long hours here."
u/sweeeetsofia
3.
It was strange because I’m so used to having access to food around the clock."
“Realizing that jaywalking in Vietnam is basically an extreme sport.”
u/thickxolivia
6.
“The food culture in France.
No one hurries you out of the restaurant.
“When I relocated from Germany to the US, the sheer scale of everything made a lasting impression.
Roads, cars, buildings, supermarkets they’re all massive compared to what I’m used to!
It was a bit overwhelming initially.”
u/MintPeachy
8.
Meanwhile, back home, punctuality was super strict.
Adapting to a more relaxed attitude towards time took some getting used to.
Its a nice change, though its all about enjoying the moment and not stressing over the clock!”
u/kymitona
10.
I nearly had a heart attack on their behalf."
Public transport was affordable and efficient, completely negating the need for a vehicle."
u/verhunt
12.
“In Japan, the concept of personal space on public transport doesn’t exist during rush hour.
It’s like a game of human Tetris.”
“I moved to New England and was shocked by how different the trees looked.
It was like I was driving inside a painting.”
u/sirtuinsenolytic
14.
Outside alone after dark?
Camping alone in the woods?
It is perfectly safe and encouraged.
After experiencing this kind of safety, it’s hard to return to other cultures."
“Growing up American, I was spoiled by being able to cool down whenever I wanted to easily.
I could turn on the AC or order a glass of ice water.
Then I moved to Europe, and it was like, ‘You want ice?
and ‘No, no AC.
It is very ugly and wastes energy.
Try opening a window.'”
u/varthalon
16.
“The cost of healthcare.
I’m a diabetic, and I moved to Belgium.
Glucose test strips are free, as are dietician consultations.
I have severe back issues and have had nine hospital visits this year so far.
I’ve had x-rays and scans but still haven’t seen a bill.
And when I do it, it will be about 75.”
It was okay just to be normal.
I loved it."
u/ConcertinaTerpsichor
18.
I often see people walk many blocks with their trash in a plastic bag until they find a bin.
I lost my wallet and got it back with all the money inside.
People clean up after concerts they didn’t even attend.
“When I moved from Europe to the States, the sheer variety of accents and dialects amazed me!
It was like learning new versions of the same language all over again.”
u/DandelionDance1
20.
“Going to the cinema in Japan was certainly an experience.
It’s so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Honestly, it didn’t make for a great movie-watching experience.
“Everyone calling me honey/love/sweetie in the US.
Those words and terms of endearment arent used that casually over here in the Netherlands.”
u/Pale-Assistant-9561
Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
