Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Luanda, Angola

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

Luanda

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

No. But I've been here to visit. Once.

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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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?

I had been tutored by a Brazilian & Portuguese foreign language tutors before but struggle with pronunciation. I sound very foreign when speaking.

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?

It is mild. But I ignore it now.

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?

There was no honeymoon phase! I take everything as an adventure, but am adjusting.

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.

Ooooo increased eating yes! Homesick & sometimes frustrated with the way things go here. But nothing drastic.

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

The subtle sence of humour & drama. The aspirations.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Most of it is a challenge. It's a foreign country, they do things very differently here... often, the long way round. The quality of life here is pretty low. Bad city planning eg. sewerage & rubbish disposal.

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

No. Not to my knowledge.

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

A new broom sweeps clean, but an experienced broom knows the floor -- Don't knock it 'till you've tried it.