Feb
15
For people coming from North American cultures, it is often hard to get used to what can feel like
opposite cultural norms in other places. I’m going to talk about two – personal space and staring.
I think that the whole personal space phenomenon only exists within the US borders (Canada may be included, too). For most other people, standing at arms distance to speak with someone is unheard of – much less practiced. For instance, in most Spanish and French speaking countries, it is customary to greet people, even for the first time, with a kiss. Right there you eliminate the possibility of keeping a “safe” distance. Once that barrier has been breached, it is likely that the rest of your conversation will be held at a very close proximity. The funny thing is, when I am in cultures with this norm, I’m perfectly fine. But, if someone dares to try the same thing while I’m in the states, I am practically offended. It’s like my mind shifts its expectations depending on the geographic location.
As for staring, it can also feel like an invasion of personal space. I remember going to Haiti on vacation as a teenager and felt so self-conscious because people kept staring at me. Contrary to American culture where when someone is caught doing this they immediately feel shame, you can actually have a staring contest (which you will surely lose) with Haitians. They are not at all bothered by being caught staring – nor do they feel the need to explain why they’re doing it. I find Venezuelans to be similar – although, they try to be a bit more discrete. It’s a good thing I’ve already shifted my norms 
Photo credits: Marc Shandro and B@man
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Posted in Cultural Assimilation, Cultural Expectations, Culture, Expat, Haiti, Social Norms, Venezuela Cultural Assimilation Cultural Dilemmas Cultural Norms Culture Expatriates Haiti Immigrants Venezuela Venezuelan Culture
Feb
07
I often read articles about American expats who have to adjust to a slower paced life while abroad.
Having had the good fortune to travel a lot growing up, I have always seen this difference as what truly makes the US unique.
In most other countries in the world, efficiency does not triumph all. I remember when I got to France and was warned by our liaison that walking while eating was faux pas; even among students . I just couldn’t believe it. Who had time to get home from classes and sit down to eat lunch – whether cooked or bought. Well, by month three, I had somehow found the time. I picked up from the locals that I could stop at the daily open air market on my home and have everything I needed to make a healthy lunch. Since we didn’t have TV – at least not the “good stuff” that I like to watch – my roommates and I often shared the tasks of cooking or just ate together. Somehow along the way, this just became the norm and I needed to re-adjust when I got back to the states.
I am now back in the re-adjustment period here in Caracas, but I am NOT complaining. I have enjoyed (enjoyed being the operative word) many more meals in my short time here with my family than I would have in the states. I pick up fresh foods at the store several times a week as opposed to stocking up for a month – a small refrigerator will leaves few options. All in all, I am slowing down.
The hardest part of this transition is changing my expectations from the service industry. No matter what you are buying here, the person selling to you is not in a rush. This may seem really rude at first, but I find that they like to give each person/customer as much time as they need; even if that need is talking about the last night’s baseball game 
Do you have any similar stories/perceptions from abroad?
Photo credits: markofphotograpy and Philipp Klinger
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Posted in Caracas, Cultural Assimilation, Culture, Expat, Getting settled in foreign country, Moving Abroad, Thoughts, Traditions, Venezuela Adjusting Abroad Caracas Cultural Assimilation Cultural Norms Expat Expatriates France Slowing down while abroad Venezuela
opposite cultural norms in other places. I’m going to talk about two – personal space and staring.
As for staring, it can also feel like an invasion of personal space. I remember going to Haiti on vacation as a teenager and felt so self-conscious because people kept staring at me. Contrary to American culture where when someone is caught doing this they immediately feel shame, you can actually have a staring contest (which you will surely lose) with Haitians. They are not at all bothered by being caught staring – nor do they feel the need to explain why they’re doing it. I find Venezuelans to be similar – although, they try to be a bit more discrete. It’s a good thing I’ve already shifted my norms 
