Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Cumbaya, Ecuador, Ecuador

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

Cumbaya, Ecuador

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Expats in Cumbaya often find it difficult to adjust to the Ecuadorian culture due to the strong sense of community and family values which tend to be very central to local life. Ecuadorians often spend a great deal of time with their families both at home and in the workplace, which can be quite isolating for an expat who may not have family or friends with whom to share social events or holidays. Additionally, the language barrier can prove challenging as Spanish is the primary language in Ecuador, though many locals also speak the local indigenous language Quechua. Many expats also find the slower pace of life compared to their home country difficult to adjust to and can find it tough to find the same convenience and efficiency in services such as shopping, banking, and health care that they were used to back home.