Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Manta, Ecuador

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

Manta

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

Yes, former Peace Corps volunteer, decades of world travel

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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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 am studying Spanish, but only know it at a survival level. I plan to continue studying it until I can have a casual conversation with an Ecuadorian with some degree of ease about a variety of subjects.

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

I expect it, a bit.

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

minimal.

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?

It's still pretty positive, but it's only been a couple of months, and I've traveled a lot, including in the developing world.

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.

I notice that I want/need to check in with family regularly. I like to spend some time with other expats. I have a hamburger or pizza about once a week. Then I don't miss too much.

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

The warmth and easy going friendliness of Ecuadorians. Common courtesy and good manners. That youth and age or treated with kindness. Respect for the environment. People are valued at least as much as economic gain. Hard work: people are willing to hustle for income, even if it's on a different time frame than US companies might expect.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

The language. There was a Tsunami alert the second week I was here. I did not have computer access, and air raid sirens were going off. Trucks with loudspeakers were in the streets, with bullhorns making announcements in Spanish, but my skills were not strong enough to make them out. I did not know what was happening and that was scary. That has eased as I"ve made friends and established a safety net.

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

My Spanish is comical.

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

Sit back and observe. Don't assume that the way you have always don't things is correct. For example, LATAM is social before business, and expects relationships not just a direct business exchange. Americans can come across as rude as we tend to cut to the chase. Take the time to observe, too, that there are trustworthy and less trustworthy people everywhere. It takes a while to figure out who is who, and observation and time are your friends. Living like a local is far less costly than living like your home country...