Culture Shock EXISTS- in various degrees, depending on the person. Culture Shock is REAL- ask anyone that's moved abroad. Culture Shock should NOT be taken lightly or underestimated- or you'll be moving back HOME within a year. So when you decide to uproot your LIFE and move to Costa Rica for a little slice of paradise, realize even the Garden of Eden had it's downside (F'in snake), and vacationing in Costa Rica is NOT the SAME as living in Costa Rica.Official definition of Culture Shock taken from the folks at WIKI:
"Culture shock refers to the anxiety and feelings (of surprise, disorientation, uncertainty, confusion, etc.) felt when people have to operate within a different and unknown cultural or social environment, such as a foreign country. It grows out of the difficulties in assimilating the new culture, causing difficulty in knowing what is appropriate and what is not. This is often combined with a dislike for or even disgust (moral or aesthetical) with certain aspects of the new or different culture."Here's our video about Culture Shock, it's a MUST SEE if you're considering the move to Costa Rica:
The video really ONLY covers the 'BASE' of things to consider about Costa Rican Culture before making the move, then there's more practical EVERY DAY considerations such as; transportation issues, the language barrier, money matters, differences in sense of humor, etc.
To minimize Culture Shock and increase the ODDS of staying longer than a few months:
* First, do your HOMEWORK: Learn/Read/Study/Ask about Costa Rica
* Be FLEXIBLE
* Learn to ADJUST and ADAPT to any given situation.
* Be OPEN with a healthy dose of Curiosity
* Keep whining and complaining down to the bare minimum
* Know YOURSELF.
A personal favorite to some of the more arrogant Gringo's amongst us: When a Tico tells you you're pronouncing it wrong, then YOU'RE PRONOUNCING IT WRONG, so quit arguing just because you passed Rosetta Stone with flying colors.
More on Culture Shock on our TravelCostaRicaNOW site- HERE.
My experience with Costa Rica and Culture Shock.
TONS of Costa Rica Travel Info and VIDEOS on our website: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 Oh, and we also have all the INFO about GAY Travel in Costa Rica. ENjoY!
