Vientiane, Laos
Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Vientiane, Laos
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Vientiane
Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?
None at all
Universal Tax ProfessionalsConnect
We are a U.S. tax firm specializing in taxes for Americans living abroad. We offer expert guidance on navigating the complexities of filing overseas income, foreign asset reporting, and ensuring compliance with both U.S. and international tax regulations. Universal Tax Professionals is a team of experienced experts well-versed in the latest tax laws, including the nuances that apply to expatriates.
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Universal Tax ProfessionalsWe are a U.S. tax firm specializing in taxes for Americans living abroad. We offer expert guidance on navigating the complexities of filing overseas income, foreign asset reporting, and ensuring compliance with both U.S. and international tax regulations. Universal Tax Professionals is a team of experienced experts well-versed in the latest tax laws, including the nuances that apply to expatriates.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
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?
Definitely helps to speak a few words of Lao. I want to become fluent
Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?
A little
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.
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.
How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?
Not as bad as i expected
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?
Yes, this breakdown is definitely an accurate one
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.
Frustration at not speaking and understanding
What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?
Peaceful
What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?
Laos time. The unreliability of tradesmen for example
Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?
Hang in there. It gets better. Also don't hang out too much with the expat crowd. Mix with the locals - it is appreciated.
