Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

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

Vila Nova de Gaia

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

No, we did not receive any cross cultural training before moving abroad, or since.

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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?

Yes and no. I have been studying Portuguese since before we moved. I am now conversant in Portuguese. I speak and write it at a B1 level but understanding spoken Portuguese is more difficult. My husband, who is without any foreign language experience, does not speak Portuguese. He is studying it online but progress is slow. We have been here for 1.5 years.

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

Somewhat. I had lived in Europe previously so I wasn't too concerned about myself. I was more concerned about my husband as this is his first foray abroad.

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

Minimal. We adjusted well and people here are friendly for the most part. Getting used to the different hours for dining out was the most challenging thing. Many restaurants are closed from 3pm-7pm. Being stared at when we are out has been noticable here and there.

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?

Yes. The honeymoon stage continues off and on. Mostly on, we love living here for the most part. There has been irritation over being treated like the foreigners that we are at times. We keep our early dining hours when we are at home but still love the Portuguese culture. Overall I would say that we have adjusted well.

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.

Anger at myself for not learning the language more quickly. Anxiety and some depression at not fitting in.

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

The fantastic food, drink (wine especially) and weather. The beauty and history of the country. The warmth of the people, for the most part. The awesome health system and the low cost of living. The feeling of safety and security compared to the dangers of living in the US. Overall, living in Portugal is a dream come true.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

The language. Portuguese is very difficult to learn. I speak French and Italian and learned both much more easily. And faster, in the case of Italian. Everything else is manageable.

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

Yes. I ordered a take away dinner from a cafe ahead of time and misunderstood the time to pick it up. When we arrived to pick up our meal, all the food was gone, we were too late! They called someone who was in charge and referred to me as the "foreign lady," estrangeira. I was surprised at myself that I was hurt and offended to be called such, even though I am! It shows how badly I want to fit in, but don't.

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

Take it with a grain of salt. Especially if you are not in a fair sized city. You will always be a foreigner. Accept it and enjoy the great aspects of living abroad. Remember that all eyes are on you even if you don't think so, and act accordingly!