Around 41,000 Americans have made Spain their home. Content creator Morgan is one of them.
"I met my (now) husband at university in the US as he was an international student from Spain," she told Bored Panda. "A few years after graduation, he realized he wanted to be closer to his family and I was excited for the opportunity and adventure to live abroad, so we decided to make the move in June 2021."
But hopping over the Atlantic comes with its fair share of novelty; new places, full of new people and new customs take time to adjust to. Luckily, Morgan has managed to adapt to life in the old continent.
Meet Morgan, an American who recently settled in Spain
The content creator has been covering the culture shocks she has experienced since making the transition
@morganinspain More ✨culture shocks✨ #cultureshock #americaninspain #lifeabroad #americanineurope #spain #expatlife #livingabroad #expat #spaingoals #immigrant ♬ original sound - Kacie Rose
And they provide interesting insights for comparing the two countries
This post may include affiliate links.
Spain has a lot to offer. From tapas and wine, to bullfighting flamenco, there's a lot to experience even outside the Mediterranean Beaches and stone castles.
"In general, Spain is a beautiful country overwhelmed by its rich history and culture," Morgan said. "The people, food, and traditions are unlike anything from any other country and it's been such an incredible experience so far."
In 2017, before the pandemic transformed the tourism industry, it was the second-most visited country in the world with 81.8 million international travelers, behind only France (86.9 million) but ahead of the US (75.9 million), China (60.7 million), and everyone else.
"The one 'culture shock' that has probably impacted me the most is the late dinner schedule," Morgan said. "It's insane!"
"In the US, it's normal to have dinner around 5-7 pm. In Spain, they don't even think of eating until it's after 8 pm (and that's considered early). It definitely took some time, but I'd say I'm pretty much adapted now and don't have dinner until at least 9:30-10 pm."
Currently, Morgan lives in Madrid, the capital and most populous city of Spain. In fact, it is the most popular choice among all American expats with over 11,500 calling it home.
That makes the capital one of the few places in the country where there are more Americans than Brits, which is quite something when you keep in mind that UK nationals outnumber US nationals in Spain by almost 7 to 1.
Spent a sleepless night like this in a bar in Madrid when I was young and broke, because I had to commute between two buses and had nowhere to sleep. Sat at a table in the corner with a big book, ordered a couple of drinks, then they gently ignored me for the rest of the night. I could witness that weird moment around 6-7 AM, when the smell of beer is replaced by the smell of coffee. Great memory.
However, just because the two places are different, doesn't mean one of them is better than the other. "There are lots of things I miss about the US," Morgan said. "But there's also lots of things I don't miss."
"Regardless, it's where I'm from and it will always be my home and I'm grateful for that. I'm just fortunate enough that now I have the opportunity to experience a completely different world and am able to call Spain home as well."
You can't do that if it's "part of an offer", but yeah single cans are sold in Greece too
Most of these are just about how the US is different from the rest of the world. Only 4 or 5 are actually about customs that are idiosyncratic to Spain.
About half of these are typically Spanish and there are 17 in all.
Load More Replies...Just once i'd like to see "culture shock when i moved from Korea to Brazil" or something.
That would be brilliant! Actually I was wondering (like three years ago) how many Mexicans live in China. What’s it like for them?
Load More Replies...Most of these are just about how the US is different from the rest of the world. Only 4 or 5 are actually about customs that are idiosyncratic to Spain.
About half of these are typically Spanish and there are 17 in all.
Load More Replies...Just once i'd like to see "culture shock when i moved from Korea to Brazil" or something.
That would be brilliant! Actually I was wondering (like three years ago) how many Mexicans live in China. What’s it like for them?
Load More Replies...