Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Singapore, Singapore

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

Singapore

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

Yes, before for 2 weeks, as well as having traveled extensively to Asia and Europe.

Cigna Global Health
Get Quote

Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.

Cigna Global Health

Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Get Quote

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?

They primarily speak English. I learned a few words in Mandarin, but most people spoke English.

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

Not at all! I thought since they spoke English, and lived in a style comparable to the US I would be fine, but I was wrong.

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

It was mild, but kept me from doing well in my job as a teacher, and also caused panic attacks when I was around large crowds like on the subway and in a shopping area.

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 went through the honeymoon phase, then started in the irritation stage, then decided I needed to leave and go home--7 mo. I think if I had given it a bit longer I would have been fine, but I panicked and ran.

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.

I felt depressed, anxious and homesick. I missed my grown kids, my grandkids, and wondered why what had possessed me to want to go overseas to live.

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

I loved the people, the lifestyle, the safety and the food. Most everything was healthy and wholesome--not much food with preservatives or boxed food. They had many fresh vegetables and fruits which I loved and a variety of food including Chinese and Indian, which I liked.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

The heat and lack of air conditioning, the humidity, and not having a car so we had to take public transportation.

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

I tried to say words in Chinese at times which came out as different words due to the tonal aspects of the language.

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

Don't assume you won't have it! Living in another country other than the US, no matter how "civilized" and clean it is, always brings challenges which you may not anticipate! I acted in ways I did not expect and felt like I could not make it there. Had I just relaxed and given it another 4 mo.,I think I would have been OK. I just tried to absorb it all and jump in like I was in the US and that didn't work.