Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic
Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Juan Dolio, Dominican Rep
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Juan Dolio
Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?
No, But I have traveled extensively in Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America
Abreu & Associates Immigration Services Connect
Abreu & Associates is a law firm practicing exclusively in the area of the Dominican Republic Immigration process and Nationality law. The firm serves as a trusted advisor in all practice areas of immigration law including Visa, Provisional Residency, Permanent Residency, Renewals, Investment Management, Dominican and American Citizenship, and Dominican Driver's License.
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Abreu & Associates Immigration Services Abreu & Associates is a law firm practicing exclusively in the area of the Dominican Republic Immigration process and Nationality law. The firm serves as a trusted advisor in all practice areas of immigration law including Visa, Provisional Residency, Permanent Residency, Renewals, Investment Management, Dominican and American Citizenship, and Dominican Driver's License.
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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?
They speak very fast and difficult Spanish. My wife and I are learning
Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?
I was not concerned.
InsideDR Concierge
Because we've done it and we understand what it’s like to move to the Dominican Republic, our goal is to ensure that you and your family feel secure and supported throughout this new adventure. We’re here to welcome and guide you every step of the way.
InsideDR Concierge
Because we've done it and we understand what it’s like to move to the Dominican Republic, our goal is to ensure that you and your family feel secure and supported throughout this new adventure. We’re here to welcome and guide you every step of the way.
How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?
No real culture shock. Dominicans are culturally a warm welcoming people--except when behind the wheel of a car. Driving can be difficult, especially in the cities. My wife won't drive in Santo Domingo or San Pedro de Macoris.
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?
No. Everything in the DR was mostly what we expected. Americans trying to live with Dominican neighbors can be disturbed by their late night partying. Dominicans are not quiet.
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.
No. We love it.
What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?
We enjoy the laid back quality of life in the DR. We are in a small town and find people helpful and generally nice. We have met few US expatriates, but many Europeans and Canadians. I experienced a severe urinary infection and went septic. My wife wasn't sure how to handle that, but two locals called an ambulance and got me to an ER. I truly believe they saved my life. .Ambulance, ER, 4 days in hospital and doctor's fees were about $3000. I suspect my copay in the US would have cost more.
What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?
Living with close DR natives can be challenging, mostly because of partying at late hours. They do not understand why noise should be an issue. As I have sleep issues, this can be annoying. Far fewer Dominican people speak English than you might expect. But they will try to help, none the less.
Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!
If we have committed any cultural blunders, the locals were nice enough to ignore them.
Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?
Take things slow, Don't expect things to operate as they do in the US. Supermarkets are just like the US, except they are often out of what they had plenty of last time. If you see something you might want in the future, buy it now. We tend to stock up on those items we use regularly. Small shops may be closed when you least expect it.
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