Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Mogi Mirim, Brazil

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

Mogi Mirim

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?

I speak some Italian and Spanish so it took a little while to get the basic sounds of the language correct. Now I'm able to be understood.

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

No. Every place in the world has it's unique situation so I was expected to be "shocked" in some way.

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

It was fine for me as I had been to Brazil a number of times. It was a bit much more for my wife and children.

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 think we simply keep an open mind and slid over to the cultural adjustment phase. At least this is what I am hoping!

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.

Increased anxiety was apparent during the first 4 months. Now I'm just living day by day.

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

The friendships, warm and inviting people and the natural beauty of this place.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Seeing trash all over the road. People cannot seem to appreciate how beautiful this place really is.

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

Take it day by day. Come without judgements or expectations and you just might be pleasantly surprised.