Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Buga, Colombia

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

Buga

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

no

Colombian Visa Services
Connect

We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Colombian Visa Services

We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
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 learnt spanish before I came, but now speak the spanish THEY do!!

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

A little

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

Quite a shock with the culture difference

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, when you first arrive and your are treated like a rich gringo, a walking cash machine... Now after 8 years I notice racism and resentment of foreigners and thjey will never treat me as anything more than a gringo

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.

More friendliness to strangers, the people are more friendly to speak to than English people. Less stress in timekeeping and appointments also less pressure to pay bills like electric and gas immediately like in the UK.

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

The laid back culture, friendliness.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Shops don't specially order anything in that they don't stock. People are overawed by officials.

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

Yes said to a man's wife "su esposa..esta caliente?" which is " Is your wife hot? (is she a "hot piece"?) They say "Su esposa tiene calor"? which is "Does your wife feel the heat?"

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

Learn the street language when a beggar wants money don't say "Lo siento senor no tengo dinero!" (Sorry sir, I don't have money) Say "No mihito estoy pelado!" (no mate I am broke!")