Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Vilcabamba, Ecuador

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

Vilcabamba

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

I didn't receive any cross-cultural training beside my own reading and learning about Ecuador.

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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 didn't speak any Spanish before moving to Ecuador. Started learning after the move and still learning it.

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

I already had some experience with culture shock after my first move to another country 30 years ago. So, I wasn't too worried or concerned about moving to Ecuador after I spent 2 months exploring the country.

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

I was quite shocked mostly by how behind some ares of life were in Ecuador in comparison to Europe and North America.

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, I went through these stages. From first being in love with the nature and climate I later questioned for about a year whether that was the place to live. I was irritated with lack of organization and incompetence of many people. But with time I have adjusted and accepted the weaknesses of the culture around me.

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.

For me it was mostly occasional homesickness, missing family, friends and some food items that I can't get here.

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

Slow pace and simple life style.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Lack of organization and incompetence.

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

I don't recall any.

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

The culture shock is always a part of experience of moving to another country. Embrace it, reflect on it and learn from it.