Bulk shopping, endless drive-thrus, and red solo cups are all part of the all-American lifestyle. But hey, in other parts of the world, none of those exist. Because a thing that’s totally normal somewhere is, in fact, very abnormal elsewhere. Just like birds flying indoors in New Zealand, or the Australian love for one of the world’s most controversial delicacies known as Vegemite.
So, when one Reddit user posted the question “What was your biggest culture shock?” on r/AskReddit, it seriously resonated with people who flooded the thread with 3499 comments. We picked the most interesting examples of the cultural cold showers that will surely make us think twice about the things we take for granted.
And after you’re done reading this one, be sure to check out our previous post on rumors-turned-facts that non-Americans didn’t believe actually existed in the US.
This post may include affiliate links.
Moving back to the USA I had reverse culture shock. How large our portions are, how fat we are, how high our standard of living is with such an incredibly low quality of life, the massive income inequality, the amount of homeless, the magnitude of our selfishness, how little we discuss art and science, and how we discuss things in a very competitive way so that there needs to be a winner or a loser in every discussion instead of finding common ground.
Every time I see 'culture shock' or anything similar as a topic on this site it really makes me feel sorry for Americans when I see the posts. It really makes me wonder why the USA is the most patriotic nation on earth. You guys seem to get such a bad deal compared to the rest of the world.
It’s important to remember that the US is a very heterogenous country, and each state (or region) has some level of different culture from the other states. So, usually the stereotypes talked about on this site don’t resonate with every (or even most) Americans. The stereotypes tend to focus on the worst part of any region.
Load More Replies...
Why do we always have to talk bad about this country? We have lots of good as well. I wish people could talk about that more.
I'm pretty sure most people are aware of the great that comes from the US. But the "Great American Dream" that has drawn so many people to want to go to the US has been popped, especially in the recent years, and the rest of the world is focusing on the parts that are better in their OWN country. Maybe it's just so they don't feel so bad that they'd never be able to afford a move to the US, maybe just to appreciate what they have.
Load More Replies...
I am putting the art and sciences out there like crazy...into the void.
I'm not sure that this is a completely fair depiction of our country. Yes, we have serious social issues to address and overcome, but so do most countries. We have such a vast and diverse population that lumping all Americans and the immigrants who reside here under one large "umbrella" of indifference to culture and well being is not accurate. Most of the people I've come to know, whether locally or from different regions of the U.S., have shown a great adaptability and curiosity to others with different cultures and customs. We may be going through some serious s**t right now, but we're resilient and stubborn and that's what makes this country ok in my book.
I am a not-so-proud American. And I can verify, this is depressingly true, in fact, it's even worse where I live.
This is exactly how I felt moving home to Texas after three years in Japan.
When I came back home from the EU I missed not needing to tip and most purchases had the tax already included. If they said it was 5EU, then that was all it was. However I could not get used to driving on the other side of the road in Ireland. I left the driving to others.
The USA, unlike so many countries cited, is not a homogeneous society. People have come from all over the world, bringing with them their traditions, their habits good and bad, their prejudices and their passions, their art, their talents and their cuisine. We are all continuously learning and adapting, and are the richer for it.
Same here, it's really awful. People are unaware that things could be better and that we should look to other countries as a guide.
Okay, agreed we've got problems but we bring ours out into the open for everyone to see. Social media and TV news focus on the extremes. Hollywood, New York, etc are American but not necessarily an example of typical Americans.
I've been to the State in 2019 for the first time, I was really shocked by the size of portions. Most of the time I split or shared my food with a friend. Although in my country Lebanon, they consider me some who eat a lot.
Yeah world, let’s make fun of the same species as us because they live in a different geographical and political region. Grow up.
I moved from Europe to USA. How Americans idolize their politicians. These are public servants, YOU PAY THEM! your taxes pay them, THEY WORK FOR YOU!
I'm American and I had never left the country. When I traveled to Japan, I was seeing kids so often travel by themselves and leave their bags in places like at seats when they went to go order food, etc., without a worry of anyone stealing it. It was very surprising but also gave me a sense of safety I have never felt in the US.
Clearly everybody has a handgun in Japan and that is why they feel so safe (yes - this is a sarcastic comment)
Bored Panda reached out to Reddit user u/yehboyjj, whose response to “What was your biggest culture shock?” amassed 2.8k points and turned to be the top answer. The Dutch guy told us that the biggest culture shock for him after arriving to Canada was how huge everything was.
“In Canada, everything is bigger. The roads, the cars, the houses, the cities, malls, and the travel distances.” Back in the Netherlands, driving from the eastern to the western end of the country takes about two to three hours. Meanwhile, in Canada, the smallest distances take ages to get to. “What seemed like an infinitely small distance on the map took two and a half hours to drive,” u/yehboyjj said.
The redditor also said he initially was super surprised with the distribution of people around the city. “It seemed like the crowding that goes on in Dutch cities only exists in downtown Toronto.” Another culture shock for u/yehboyjj was how Canadians love spending more time together compared with families back in the Netherlands. “Plus sports is a huge deal for them.” u/yehboyjj added.
u/yehboyjj concluded that two weeks of vacation weren’t enough to get adapted to the Canadian lifestyle and he guessed it would take much longer to get fully used to their people.
American here and I lived in the Netherlands for a bit. The first time I went to the doctor and he had actually read my entire chart beforehand.
Oh, and then the total for my visit was a few euro. That was a pretty big shock too.
When a large Maori man asked to touch noses with me in greeting. The dude looked pissed until I manned up and was the first to touch noses. Then he had one of the best smiles I've ever seen on a mountain of a man. It lit up the entire cultural center.
A hongi. Common greeting amongst maori people and other new Zealanders too. I'm glad you accepted it and reciprocated the hongi:)
Had a business trip to rural Alabama as a fresh college grad. I’m Canadian and had never left Canada at that point.
The blatant, overt racism I found there was absolutely shocking. This was like 20 years ago, no idea if things have changed since... I remember thinking that if I wasn’t white I would be in legit danger most of the time I was there. We took our client out to dinner and he asked the host to make sure we weren’t gonna be served by a black person, like it was a casual request no different from asking to sit by a window.
The term “culture shock" refers to the impact of moving from a familiar culture to an unfamiliar one, and is a common experience among exchange students, expats, and travelers.
Sometimes it comes with separation anxiety when parting with your country and the surroundings you know so very well creates a sense of loss. Many people who start living abroad experience heightened feelings of nostalgia and longing, similar to that when you break up with a loved one.
Many things can stir up culture shock, from food, dress, and weather to language, behavior, and cultural values. If you’re tired and under stress, even little differences can become truly nerve-wracking. But these inconveniences should not be confused with culture shock, which usually takes time to develop.
The sheer amount of nonchalant waste that Americans do took me off guard. They just... leave the faucet running or throw away food if it doesn't look perfect.
Coming from Europe, the public transportation in USA is absolutely rubbish.
Holidaying in Tokyo and watching 5 year old kids walk themselves home from school and catching public transport...all by themselves.
In the US someone would have called the police and the parents would be charged with child neglect. CPS would be quick to take the children away from their parents.
There are four main stages of culture shock that are known as honeymoon, frustration, adjustment, and acceptance. The honeymoon refers to an initial reaction which can be overwhelmingly positive. The journey may feel like the best decision of your life, but it usually doesn’t last long.
The second stage is frustration, which comes from not understanding the culture you've put yourself in. This is when homesickness and longing for home emerge, and sometimes these feelings can cause great anxiety, depression, and mood swings. So they should be taken seriously.
When I was 20 I moved to Newcastle, Australia to study (Spoiler alert I didn't study. At all). But before I went there I was told that in Australia they spoke English (Spoiler alert they didn't. At all). Every single word is abbreviated, everything is different, everything has its own vernacular. Example:
Me, "Hey Shane, I'm going to McDonald's, you want me to get you a breakfast burrito?"
Shane, "Oi Maccas Fair Dinkum mate! Had to ruck up early for the physio and me ute was out of petrol so stopped at the servo and asked the Sheila if they had brekky but noooouaahho just lollies so ive been getting aggro"
Me:...
Dude, none of the sounds that just fell out of your head were words. Do you want a breakfast burrito or not?
Makes perfect sense to me lol. Translation: hey friend, want to go to McDonalds. Had to grab my s**t early to see the physiotherapist and my utility vehicle was out of petrol so stopped at the service station (petrol station) or gas station etc. And asked the lady if they had any breakfast, but noooo just lollies aka candy or sweets. So I’ve been getting angry.
That nudity was such a big issue in the US coming from Europe. I undressed to get into my swim trunks, all a matter of a few seconds, in the changing room and everyone looked at me like I had just murdered a kitten.
Reverse: in public swimming pools in Iceland it is COMPULSORY to shower naked (in the changing room, but in open showers) before getting in the pool. It is very rational if you think about hygiene. I had no prob doing so, but I'm sure I would have been looked as if I had murdered a kitten if I hadn't.
Barefoot people EVERYWHERE in New Zealand. In Starbucks, in the mall, on public transit, walking down the street. No shoes, no socks, no [damns] to give.
The third stage is known as adjustment, and it’s a gradual step towards getting finally used to your new surroundings. This is when you start getting more comfortable with your new culture and everything feels a tiny bit easier.
The acceptance stage is the last one, but it takes months, and sometimes years, to come to. After initial cultural challenges, you get some peace of mind and can truly enjoy your new life abroad.
So I’m norwegian, but I went to New Zealand for a year. The culture shock for me was how open kiwis talk, and how there’s no such thing as stranger danger. And as a typical norwegian introvert, it took a while to get used to. I’d meet a stranger and they’d be breaking the touching barrier right away and start talking about their cousin’s rash and all their weekend plans. Even bigger shock returning to silent Norway.
I am from south Europe, was once on a youth organisation trip to Norway. I was in a car and already knew some of the people from their visits to our country, but I didn’t know the driver. So I asked him about 10 questions and he was more and more panicked , after one of them he looked at one of his friends in panic, and everyone in the car except for me burst out in laughter. They explained to him my culture and to me that this level of interest was basically ‘tomorrow I will ask you to marry me’ level in Norway :-))).
I lived in Tokyo my whole life before this. First day going to college in the States, I went to the gas station to buy something. I had a lot of $100 bills with me because I didn't have a card yet. The cashier literally told me, 'You shouldn't carry that many bills around. If I saw you with that on the street, I would rob you.' I was like, 'OK, thanks for letting me know?' This was six years ago. In Japan, people normally carry/use cash for a lot of things.
I'm a black South African, in my culture a woman doesn't leave the house for about a month after she has a baby. This is to avoid things like infections, bad spirits and so forth for both mother and baby. Also for the first month she doesn't do housework and must focus on the baby so usually family members come to live with them to help out. I was shocked when my English friend's aunt was cleaning the house and going out to shop for groceries a week after she had the baby and she took the baby with her. Not to mention she allowed a stranger to touch the baby which is a big no no in my culture.
In California, we have squirrels everywhere. Running around, climbing trees, getting run over.
We went to Puerto Rico for our honeymoon, where literal IGUANAS serve the same role. I've always been into reptiles and that was really cool.
Something similar can happen even in one country. In my hometown, there are pigeons in public spaces. In town where my uni is, just 200 km away, crows and rooks everywhere and no pigeons to be seen. That low key blew my mind. (But not gonna lie, iguanas sound even cooler :D).
At 21 I encountered people who took the bible as a history book. Including the creation in six days.
Blew my mind.
I was raised a catholic and we always were told that the bible contained moral stories, passed over through time.
Similar experience here. I am protestant, but from Europe (not that there are no fundamentalists in here, but they are not very common.) I would also wish that more people realized that not all Christians are like these stereotypical american churches. They aren't even a majority if you take Christians from all over the world into account!
I’ve been to Iran twice and they have this very elaborate and convoluted culture of hospitality. They say in Iran hospitality is an extreme sport.
So when you’re at someone’s house, you have to eat whatever they give you, and they will not stop offering, so you will be force fed until you’re sick. I found the only way to avoid this is to hold a full plate of food and pretend to be eating it.
If you compliment them on something, like a pretty painting on the wall, they will take the thing off the wall and give it to you to take home. Now this is where it gets convoluted, because they don’t really want you to take it. Yet if you refuse they will still act insulted. It’s all part of the show.
Recently moved to the US (9 months ago), and I am still not used to everyone asking me how I am doing. I am from Norway, and if the cashier asked how you are, you'd get embarrassed and wouldn't know how to answer.
Even weirder, they're not actually asking, it's just a greeting, after 12 years in the UK I still have to hold back on answering the question. No one really cares how you're doing!
India, when visiting a family on a business trip the head of the household interrogated me at length on why my parents hadn’t found a mate for my then-28-year-old self.
I’m gay. It was very awkward.
What is with American toilet stalls having the doors end like two feet away from the ground? Every time I took a [crap] I was half expecting to see someone poke their head under because of how much space there is
And what about the gaps running alongside the doors? You can wave to people passing by whilst doing your business. Weird!
Dutch here. When we went to Canada, everything was HUGE. Big cars on big roads, big streets and restaurants and malls. I remember driving for what seemed like hours through suburbs, and I just kept thinking, 'surely after the next turn we’re out of the city', but the city just seemed to be endless.
My dad was a US diplomat so we moved to a new country every three years or so. I had never lived in the states (born in Portugal) and 4 countries later when my dad decided to retire, we moved to the US (Maryland). Being in America was the biggest shock. From the “safeness” I felt, to the way people were. Yellow school busses. Everyone sort of being the same. It was a shock, among many other things.
I felt American my whole life living abroad, being associated with the American embassy, hanging out at the marine club houses. And when I moved to the US, I did not feel very American at all
that's....absolutely understandable. my ex was navy...we did four and a half years in Bermuda, as they were shutting the naval facilities there down. it was only four years...but man. coming back... i didn't feel much american at all anymore then, either. and there seems to be a thirty year hangover effect...
Turkish person who lived in Germany for 5 years. Germany gives immense importance to order and being precise. If you follow the rules, you'll live in harmony. When I came back to Turkey, that wasn't the case. Everything was chaotic and you needed luck and acquaintices to survive.
The only thing that really shocked me in France was how casually people talked about taboo subjects. I mostly had a huge culture shock when I came back from France. Caused me to be pretty depressed for a year.
It's because America is making taboos out of everything. In Europe we are more relaxed about most subjects.
I went to south Korea for a year when I was in the U.S. Army, and they refused to let us tip after a meal at any restaurant.
That's because it's considered extremely insulting- it's like offering someone a condescending handout when they are already being paid for their work. Someone saying "You are adequate but I feel pity for you, have five thousand won. It just doesn't translate.
Not mine but in college I had a roommate from Australia who was studying abroad in America. We went out to dinner one night and I got mozzarella sticks. He could not believe we just deep fried cheese and then ate it
I thought mozzarella sticks were like a cheesy breadstick! It's just straight up fried cheese?! Mind you I can't talk, here in nz we have deep fried Moro bars (like a denser mars bar), and deep fried ice cream! I had the former once: never again it was just too much fat and sugar I felt so crook
That Americans don’t have electric kettles. Or that I need to say electric kettle because if I didn’t people would say they have stovetop kettles.
In the Commonwealth countries a kettle is just a standard item for the house. I don’t drink coffee or tea and still own a kettle. You can get that for like $10 and they’ll still be decent.
I'm Canadian, and I was working in New Zealand. Birds indoors. This may seem minor, but it was so weird to see. When I got off the plane in Auckland, there were birds flying around inside the airport.
I know it sounds ridiculous, but my biggest culture shock is 'hugs and kisses.' I grew up in a family that doesn't show love through such means.
My sister and I grew up with one super huggy parent and one who found that more difficult. Funnily enough I've turned out to be a hugger, and my sister not so much! I know both parents love me, they just have different ways of showing it
Note: this post originally had 66 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
I had to stop reading halfway through. I'm an American and BP tends to hate on us a bit. I usually don't mind, but right now we're already feeling pretty low about the state of the nation. It's like a fat person perusing through pics of young, fit people. Yeah, we know there's a problem but I'd like to not have my nose rubbed in it constantly.
Totally sympathise. Get fed up with with the US bashing that goes on (though in the UK myself). Every country has it's quirks and flaws as well as its highlights. Lets turn the focus on a few other countries where we all know far less - as long as it's done without being harsh or patronising. I'd like to know more, not constantly criticise.
Load More Replies...
Me, a South African, visited my sister who is living in Norway. Sorry Norwegians, no offense meant AT ALL, but you guys are pretty unfriendly. I do know that South Africans are super friendly and love having a chat with strangers, but even just a smile when you walk past someone doesn't seem to be a thing there. Which makes wearing a mask in public really frustrating back at home because I'm smiling at everyone I see and I know they can't see it. :(
Fellow South African. I've realized over the years that we are invasively friendly. Like our idea of a friendly chat on the bus makes tons of foreigners feel super uncomfortable....but it's so deeply ingrained in us that we can't stop. Edit: As for the mask thing, you keep on smiling Chez, we can see the smile in your eyes even if we can't see your lips.
Load More Replies...
European in a large city of Brazil. If you have to cross the street, not only wait for the traffic light to turn red for cars, but also grab your friend by the hand, and run together as fast as you can. Because you can't be sure that every car is going to stop. You even can't be sure that someone would actually care if they killed you (one of my friend's teacher died like that. It took a long time to identify her and contact the family, because some random a**hole took advantage of the accident to steal her bag with her ID and all her money). Also, don't try to look fancy. Wear the sh*ttiest clothes you have, especially if you're white (=rich) so that you can have a chance to trick the robbers into thinking you're not a tourist, just some kind of rare Brazilian white trash. But still take a bit of money with you, because if they assault you and find nothing, they might kill you on frustration.
Oh, my God, it's a nightmare. How can anyone live like that?
Load More Replies...
American here... can someone please adopt me??? Free healthcare, no psychotic nationalism, safety, and actual politeness sound great
I'll marry you (male/female/other all fine with me) so you can come live in The Netherlands
Load More Replies...
I had culture shock when I visited my sister in law's family in Mexico. The women prepared the meal and put it on the table. The men and older boys sat down to eat. When they were done, then the women and children sat down and ate. Also, they never offered me anything to eat or drink while I was there. When my son and I went out in public, everyone stared at us because we were gringos. I never saw another white person when I was there.
Asian, first time to Italy! Met some new friends. When it's time to say goodbye, they kissed me on the cheek. I confused, so I just giggling awkwardly. Didn't know that thing is common in there, even between opposite sex.
At least you’re reading about the rest of the world and that’s a start!
Load More Replies...
My boyfriend got a bit of culture shock when we flew from Melbourne, Victoria to Brisbane, Queensland to visit my parents one year. He’d never been outside the state before, nor on a plane until that trip. His first comment upon seeing the suburb my parents lived was “Welcome to the 1950s..” I mean yeah Brissie is a bit backward compared to Melbourne but it’s not that bad? Oh and also he got to experience one of the biggest tropical storms Brisbane’s ever had in 15 years on his first trip..
My significant other and I are both from America yet both have culture shock, my family is very "say what's on your mind" and touchy, but my in-laws are very different. Things are implied instead. S.O. found my family overwhelming! And I found his to be panic inducing because I don't have access to their thoughts and feelings. But as a couple, we seem to balance out quite nicely.
One thing, amoung my travels, that struck me ... the "shelf" toilets in Germany and Holland.
I spent a semester in London in the 1980s, and just fell in love with the place. I was an Anglophile already, so not much shocked me about living there (though a lot of things were different in a "better" way). But I had terrible culture shock coming back to the U.S. and cried for weeks.
When I went to the uk I was amazed that in most houses the taps for hot and cold water are not conected, and people have carpet in the kitchens and sometimes in the bathrooms. (Not everybody). Also a bloke asked me how we boiled water in Italy sice we don't have kettles.
'Most' only really applies to old and unmodernised. Certainly, in the last couple of decades new builds and refurbs would be very unlikely to be like that. As for the bloke asking you about boiling water, either sarcasm or an idiot.
Load More Replies...
I had to stop reading halfway through. I'm an American and BP tends to hate on us a bit. I usually don't mind, but right now we're already feeling pretty low about the state of the nation. It's like a fat person perusing through pics of young, fit people. Yeah, we know there's a problem but I'd like to not have my nose rubbed in it constantly.
Totally sympathise. Get fed up with with the US bashing that goes on (though in the UK myself). Every country has it's quirks and flaws as well as its highlights. Lets turn the focus on a few other countries where we all know far less - as long as it's done without being harsh or patronising. I'd like to know more, not constantly criticise.
Load More Replies... Me, a South African, visited my sister who is living in Norway. Sorry Norwegians, no offense meant AT ALL, but you guys are pretty unfriendly. I do know that South Africans are super friendly and love having a chat with strangers, but even just a smile when you walk past someone doesn't seem to be a thing there. Which makes wearing a mask in public really frustrating back at home because I'm smiling at everyone I see and I know they can't see it. :(
Fellow South African. I've realized over the years that we are invasively friendly. Like our idea of a friendly chat on the bus makes tons of foreigners feel super uncomfortable....but it's so deeply ingrained in us that we can't stop. Edit: As for the mask thing, you keep on smiling Chez, we can see the smile in your eyes even if we can't see your lips.
Load More Replies... European in a large city of Brazil. If you have to cross the street, not only wait for the traffic light to turn red for cars, but also grab your friend by the hand, and run together as fast as you can. Because you can't be sure that every car is going to stop. You even can't be sure that someone would actually care if they killed you (one of my friend's teacher died like that. It took a long time to identify her and contact the family, because some random a**hole took advantage of the accident to steal her bag with her ID and all her money). Also, don't try to look fancy. Wear the sh*ttiest clothes you have, especially if you're white (=rich) so that you can have a chance to trick the robbers into thinking you're not a tourist, just some kind of rare Brazilian white trash. But still take a bit of money with you, because if they assault you and find nothing, they might kill you on frustration.
Oh, my God, it's a nightmare. How can anyone live like that?
Load More Replies... American here... can someone please adopt me??? Free healthcare, no psychotic nationalism, safety, and actual politeness sound great
I'll marry you (male/female/other all fine with me) so you can come live in The Netherlands
Load More Replies... I had culture shock when I visited my sister in law's family in Mexico. The women prepared the meal and put it on the table. The men and older boys sat down to eat. When they were done, then the women and children sat down and ate. Also, they never offered me anything to eat or drink while I was there. When my son and I went out in public, everyone stared at us because we were gringos. I never saw another white person when I was there.
Asian, first time to Italy! Met some new friends. When it's time to say goodbye, they kissed me on the cheek. I confused, so I just giggling awkwardly. Didn't know that thing is common in there, even between opposite sex.
At least you’re reading about the rest of the world and that’s a start!
Load More Replies... My boyfriend got a bit of culture shock when we flew from Melbourne, Victoria to Brisbane, Queensland to visit my parents one year. He’d never been outside the state before, nor on a plane until that trip. His first comment upon seeing the suburb my parents lived was “Welcome to the 1950s..” I mean yeah Brissie is a bit backward compared to Melbourne but it’s not that bad? Oh and also he got to experience one of the biggest tropical storms Brisbane’s ever had in 15 years on his first trip..
My significant other and I are both from America yet both have culture shock, my family is very "say what's on your mind" and touchy, but my in-laws are very different. Things are implied instead. S.O. found my family overwhelming! And I found his to be panic inducing because I don't have access to their thoughts and feelings. But as a couple, we seem to balance out quite nicely.
One thing, amoung my travels, that struck me ... the "shelf" toilets in Germany and Holland.
I spent a semester in London in the 1980s, and just fell in love with the place. I was an Anglophile already, so not much shocked me about living there (though a lot of things were different in a "better" way). But I had terrible culture shock coming back to the U.S. and cried for weeks.
When I went to the uk I was amazed that in most houses the taps for hot and cold water are not conected, and people have carpet in the kitchens and sometimes in the bathrooms. (Not everybody). Also a bloke asked me how we boiled water in Italy sice we don't have kettles.
'Most' only really applies to old and unmodernised. Certainly, in the last couple of decades new builds and refurbs would be very unlikely to be like that. As for the bloke asking you about boiling water, either sarcasm or an idiot.
Load More Replies...