Expat Advice: Culture Shock in San Ramon, Costa Rica

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

San Ramon

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

I have lived in other asian contries before my move to C. R.

Immigration Help Costa Rica
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Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.

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Immigration Help Costa Rica

Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.
Connect

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?

I don't speak the language.

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

Never worry.

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

Not that high. I was disappointed in the trash along the roads.

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?

Went threw them all and after 2 years I feel I still am making attitude adjustments.

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

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

The people in the San Ramon area are very nice and polite. I love the slow pace of this mountain town.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Language. Driving.

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

None that I know of.

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

Just know that you are not at home anymore and things will be very different. Depends how much prep you do before you move to your new home. Good luck.