Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Usseira, Portugal

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

Usseira

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

No

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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?

No, I did not / do not speak Portuguese. I have hopes to learn the language in some formal setting

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

No. I was born and lived in the US but my mother was German. My dad was in the US Army and we lived in Germany for 3 years (when i was 7 thru 10). I already was comfortable with Europe and we had previously traveled to Europe, Mexico and the Carribbean. My wife had traveled to India on working Mission trips too.

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

Not very. 3 out of of 10 (10 being highest shock possible)

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

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

The openness of people and their desire to help out.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

No real challenges, more like inconveniences. Instead of being able to go to one grocery store to get all of your groceries, we usually end up going to two or three

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

No yet

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

You are leaving "your normal" (everything that is familiar to you) to live in a country that is new to you. Relax, realize that not everything is going to be what you are used to. Be open to engaging with people despite a language "barrier",