Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Guatemala City, Guatemala

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

Guatemala City

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?

No, I am currently learning Spanish

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

Yes

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

Significant

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?

I'm still in the irritation-to-anger stage. We have been in Guatemala for 3.5 months now.

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.

Anger, mild depression, anxiety, frustration, quickly irritated about small things that go wrong.

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

Weather is nice. There are some nice places to visit (lakes, vulcanoes, coastal area)

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Security (18 murders per day, many robberies), understanding people (learning a new language), not working.

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

No

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

No, I would like to get some advice how deal with it.