Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Penenome, Panama

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

Penenome

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

before.. business dealings so I knew what to expect

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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?

Took classes in Spanish but not fluent.

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?

Frustrating even though I knew what to expect but not to this extent.

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?

Going through unecessary red tape on just about everything

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 due to lack of customer service. Panama is at least 20-30 years behind developed countries. It seems to have grown too fast and services can not keep up to speed.

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

Beauty of the country-cost of living

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Not being able to find everyday conveniences I am used to.

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

Be well prepared to hold your anger in check.