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30 People Reveal The Biggest Culture Shock They’ve Ever Encountered 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!

zlta , History in HD Report

Final score:

232points

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Hans 3 years ago

The paradox is that they are idolized, that people decide on one person, that billions are spent in rallies, yet the trust in the state is extremely low. Where that leads becomes apparent in this pandemic situation.

52points

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.

littlebosleeps Report

Final score:

228points

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Marky Mark 3 years ago

Clearly everybody has a handgun in Japan and that is why they feel so safe (yes - this is a sarcastic comment)

168points

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.

1000bugswritten Report

Final score:

204points

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David K 3 years ago

American health insurance system is so bad. No surprise you were shocked.

129points

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.

0_1_0_2 Report

Final score:

202points

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Lauren Caswell 3 years ago

A hongi. Common greeting amongst maori people and other new Zealanders too. I'm glad you accepted it and reciprocated the hongi:)

114points

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.

dcmcderm Report

Final score:

189points

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El Dee 3 years ago

Wow! I'm just beginning to understand how deep the hate runs in the US..

105points

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.

fluffy_fluffycake Report

Final score:

174points

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giovanna 3 years ago

With this regard: I was shocked, having made friends with an American group of people here in Italy, by the nonchalance with which they used plastic cups and plates.

71points

Coming from Europe, the public transportation in USA is absolutely rubbish.

lasseft Report

Final score:

172points

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axle f 3 years ago

Coming from Michigan, USA....i think you're on to something...

70points

Holidaying in Tokyo and watching 5 year old kids walk themselves home from school and catching public transport...all by themselves.

-pewpewpew- Report

Final score:

166points

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WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago

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.

58points

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.

#10

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?

Ask_me_4_a_story Report

Final score:

150points

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Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago (edited)

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.

112points

#11

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.

T-Max1893 Report

Final score:

146points

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giovanna 3 years ago

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.

77points

#12

30 People Reveal The Biggest Culture Shock They’ve Ever Encountered 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.

skyfelldown , eitan bar Report

Final score:

134points

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Toujin C'Thlu 3 years ago

Sounds like my dream country. I hate wearing shoes

89points

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.

#13

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.

kantartist Report

Final score:

133points

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Tatjana Peskir 3 years ago

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 :-))).

96points

#14

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.

305_ps Report

Final score:

131points

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BoredPanda is awesome 3 years ago

wow, good thing he knew beforehand

25points

#15

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.

lola_92 Report

Final score:

131points

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Wendillon 3 years ago

White South African here, my mother took my brother out shopping with her the day after she got home from the hospital (he was about 3 days old)....OP's way sounds better.

54points

#16

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.

blindfire40 Report

Final score:

126points

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Romenriel 3 years ago

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).

36points

-----iMartijn----- Report

#17

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.

Final score:

124points

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Romenriel 3 years ago

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!

59points

#18

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.

mostlyemptyspace Report

Final score:

124points

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Otto Mõmmiste 3 years ago

"Your house is very pretty!"

132points

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

See Also on Bored Panda

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#19

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.

lasseft Report

Final score:

123points

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Hanneke Legerstee 3 years ago

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!

135points

#20

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.

SwissCanuck Report

Final score:

116points

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BoredPanda is awesome 3 years ago

oh, must be really awkward

25points

trainer-yellow , travel.stackexchange.com Report

#21

30 People Reveal The Biggest Culture Shock They’ve Ever Encountered 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

Final score:

115points

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Ilana Sebastian 3 years ago

And what about the gaps running alongside the doors? You can wave to people passing by whilst doing your business. Weird!

86points

#22

30 People Reveal The Biggest Culture Shock They’ve Ever Encountered 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.

yehboyjj , Tim Gouw Report

Final score:

108points

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Hans 3 years ago

Well, I also remember driving through the center of the US and reading signs like "No service next 160 miles". In Europe, you would find that sign if there was no petrol station for 50 km...

39points

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

See Also on Bored Panda

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#23

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

Scrappy_Kitty Report

Final score:

103points

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axle f 3 years ago

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...

34points

#24

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.

airplaneoutoffart Report

Final score:

102points

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Natalie Bohrteller 3 years ago

If only Deutsche Bahn was precise....

22points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

See Also on Bored Panda

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#25

30 People Reveal The Biggest Culture Shock They’ve Ever Encountered 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.

Macbee1046 , x1klima Report

Final score:

95points

POST

Haunting Spirit 3 years ago

It's because America is making taboos out of everything. In Europe we are more relaxed about most subjects.

133points

#26

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.

Imjusta_pug Report

Final score:

93points

POST

Nandi La Sophia 3 years ago

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.

114points

#27

30 People Reveal The Biggest Culture Shock They’ve Ever Encountered 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

Sarnick18 , Kim Report

Final score:

92points

POST

Lauren Caswell 3 years ago

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

50points

#28

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.

Lozzif Report

Final score:

86points

POST

Wendillon 3 years ago

I though the stovetop kettle thing was just a movie gimmick for the longest time...didn't think people actually still used them

35points

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

See Also on Bored Panda

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#29

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.

Ramone2017 Report

Final score:

77points

POST

Flisey 3 years ago

We get the odd sparrow in our supermarkets as well

37points

#30

30 People Reveal The Biggest Culture Shock They’ve Ever Encountered 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.

Ok_Worldliness1818 , Barney Moss Report

Final score:

76points

POST

Lauren Caswell 3 years ago

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

39points

Note: this post originally had 66 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

Liucija Adomaite is a creative mind with years of experience in copywriting. She has a dynamic set of experiences from advertising, academia, and journalism. This time, she has set out on a journey to investigate the ways in which we communicate ideas on a large scale. Her current mission is to find a magic formula for how to make ideas, news, and other such things spread like a virus.

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Austėja is a Photo Editor at Bored Panda with a BA in Photography.

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Austėja is a Photo Editor at Bored Panda with a BA in Photography.

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What do you think ?

POST

CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago

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.

20points

Laugh Fan 3 years ago

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.

10points

Saara . 3 years ago

"There's a problem." The biggest one being that Americans can't agree/accept what the problems are, but we still think we're the greatest.

6points

Catherine Spencer-Mills 3 years ago

Born and raised in the US - western to be exact. And I didn't read this as bashing at all. No country is perfect. And people grow up in a particular country which forms their expectations. Other countries are not your home country and things will be different. You can be polite or you can be a complaining jerk. Choices, grasshopper.

4points

Kenny Kulbiski 3 years ago

Same here. I thought it was going to be about different countries but mostly it was the same old same old. America sucks and every place else is a problem free paradise.

3points

NoodleBear 3 years ago

Yeah, I had to stop too. I’m tired of only hearing the negative aspects of our country. We have a heck of a lot to work on, but we’ve got good things too.

2points

ivan bolitekurac 3 years ago

I am not even american and i read those articles in disbelief.It is like nobody wants to live in the US,but then again many people are moving to USA so it can't be that bad.

1point

Full Name 3 years ago

Imagine being a white, straight male conservative American. That's the lowest part of the totem pole on BP.

-1point

The Queen Of Upper Butt Crack 3 years ago

Yep, throw fat people under the bus to make yourself feel better. Pot/kettle

-3points

Chez 3 years ago

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. :(

9points

Wendillon 3 years ago (edited)

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.

14points

Jules Daly 3 years ago

They see it in your eyes. I noticed this too, coming from Ireland.

6points

Marcia Cash 3 years ago

I moved from Texas to Minnesota. Minnesota was settled by Norwegians. I was repeatedly told I was nosy and aggressive and fake friendly, and that my enthusiasm was annoying. You can actually be touching the person on the bus seat next to you and they will never, ever acknowledge your existence.

2points

Fixin'Ta 3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Astrid Nineor 3 years ago

Yea, that IS weird. Now I am an introvert, but I do smile back, so I don't understand why the hyper-social people cannot be bothered to smile or nod. I think the cold messes us up.

0points

$fracarr avatar$

François Carré 3 years ago

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.

8points

Duska Radmanovic 3 years ago

Oh, my God, it's a nightmare. How can anyone live like that?

6points

Onion rings like to make your breath smelly 3 years ago

That's uncivilized. A nightmare to live in.

0points

coyager 3 years ago

François Carré easy

-3points

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POST

CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago

20points

Laugh Fan 3 years ago

10points

Saara . 3 years ago

"There's a problem." The biggest one being that Americans can't agree/accept what the problems are, but we still think we're the greatest.

6points

Catherine Spencer-Mills 3 years ago

4points

Kenny Kulbiski 3 years ago

Same here. I thought it was going to be about different countries but mostly it was the same old same old. America sucks and every place else is a problem free paradise.

3points

NoodleBear 3 years ago

Yeah, I had to stop too. I’m tired of only hearing the negative aspects of our country. We have a heck of a lot to work on, but we’ve got good things too.

2points

ivan bolitekurac 3 years ago

I am not even american and i read those articles in disbelief.It is like nobody wants to live in the US,but then again many people are moving to USA so it can't be that bad.

1point

Full Name 3 years ago

Imagine being a white, straight male conservative American. That's the lowest part of the totem pole on BP.

-1point

The Queen Of Upper Butt Crack 3 years ago

Yep, throw fat people under the bus to make yourself feel better. Pot/kettle

-3points

Chez 3 years ago

9points

Wendillon 3 years ago (edited)

14points

Jules Daly 3 years ago

They see it in your eyes. I noticed this too, coming from Ireland.

6points

Marcia Cash 3 years ago

2points

Fixin'Ta 3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Astrid Nineor 3 years ago

Yea, that IS weird. Now I am an introvert, but I do smile back, so I don't understand why the hyper-social people cannot be bothered to smile or nod. I think the cold messes us up.

0points

$fracarr avatar$

François Carré 3 years ago

8points

Duska Radmanovic 3 years ago

Oh, my God, it's a nightmare. How can anyone live like that?

6points