Cultural adaptation: Why do I feel so out of place?
Arriving in a completely new place is never easy. Whether you’ve done it before or it’s your first time, there is still a lot to get adapted to. Starting college in a new place, however, is even worse. Of course, college is awesome! You get to meet loads of cool people from different part of the world, with completely different cultures, and you learn lot from them. But you are also immersed into a new culture whilst (probably) living alone for the first time.
I know, it is a lot. But it doesn’t have to be. So in this article, we'll talk about the most common problems people go through and try to find solutions to them.
For starters, for most of us there is the new language barrier. For native Spanish speakers it is relatively easy, because although some of the words or slangs can be different, they can still get around. For Latin speakers, it can still be challenging because of the accent but they tend to have an advantage in the sense that it is similar, so they have an easier time getting around or learning the language. For every other language though, especially for those who haven’t studied Spanish before, it is quite hard. Although in university everyone speaks English, it is hard to be in a country where you don’t understand what others are saying. To actually be fluent in a language may take years, but in order to help you get started with your Spanish, here are my tips:
First of all I would recommend you watch a Spanish show on Netflix (La Casa de Papel, Las Chicas del Cable, Velvet, etc). Watch it with subtitles in your native language or English at first, but once you start to understand enough to get what they are saying, change the subtitles to Spanish so that you unconsciously learn some of the spelling too.
Actually attend Spanish classes that university offers and take the most out of it (I know sometimes it seems like a burden but if you pay attention and make an effort you can learn more than you think!)
Even though you don’t feel like tiring your mind from so much thinking, or you feel embarrassed by it, push yourself to speak Spanish in the street (stores, supermarkets, etc.) with strangers, and if you have a Spanish speaking friend, hold a conversation every once in a while with them in their native tongue and ask them to correct your mistakes.
Learning a new language will help you be a smarter version of yourself and will also facilitate getting job opportunities in the future. Sure, you are perfectly capable of graduating university with very basic Spanish, but why waste this opportunity? You get to live in this country for at least four years, so thrive more to learn this useful language.
Next on are the new traditions. Every country has their own standards of what is polite, how to greet people, or how to behave in general. Spanish culture can get confusing sometimes, so let’s go through some of the (dare I say weird) things they do:
Let’s start with the two kisses thing, because that’s probably the first one you’ll have to go (or went) through. Every country has a different way to greet people. In Brazil, for example, you give them a kiss and a hug (even if you’ve never met them before), while in the UK is a simple verbal introduction (with no physical contact), and in some countries in Asia you just shake hands. Within different cultures, the sense of personal space vary, and in Spain they have none (and I mean that in a good way). They are very warm and touchy, they will be friendly to you in almost any situation, and at first it can be really awkward or confusing, but give it time and you’ll get used to it.
Two, the siesta and the frustration that comes with it. You probably have experienced this first hand by now, and it is not fun at all. Sure, having an excuse to take a nap is always a plus, but what is it with all of the shops closing during the afternoon? You get out of university, you need to pass through town to get a notebook, a lighter, or even go to the supermarket, and it is all closed until 5.
Three, if we set up for 8 PM, why do people show up at 9 PM? Well, this is another thing with the Spanish - they tend to be late for everything, so don’t even bother showing up on time. Getting mad with your friends for being late is also pointless, because that won’t make them be punctual in the future. The solution here would be either to get used to it and to be late as well. Or, to set up for half an hour to an hour before you actually want to meet, so you don’t have to wait for anyone. Amongst being late, they also do everything later in here - from late meals, to around midnight pre-drinks and going out by the time a lot of people would be coming back home in other places.
Expanding on the going out late, they go out a LOT. You probably went out back home every once in a while, maybe every week, but in Spain, as you probably already noticed, they go out multiple times per week. It can get really tiring, especially when you have early classes on the next day, and at one point you just can’t take it anymore. My tip on this one is to limit going out, even though you really want to - maybe go once or twice a week when you don’t have much work. But remember - you’re here to study, so showing up to classes has to be your priority always.
Unfortunately, there is no “solution” for this category, the only thing that will help you is time. It may take a while, but eventually, you start getting used to it, and suddenly, you see yourself taking the siesta that you so much dreaded. Furthermore, most of your friends here are probably getting adapted to it too, so you’re not alone.
Another huge problem is the diet change. I don’t like the food in Spain, what now? I am a vegetarian, what is there for me to eat apart from nothing? Why am I gaining so much weight? Well, the last thing I wanted to cover on cultural adaptation is the new diet, or new types of food you’ll encounter. Spain has lots of great dishes, such as paella, pork in a thousand different ways and different shellfish options. However, it can be quite hard for those who have food restrictions. Also, if you’re used to a healthy lifestyle, you might be out of luck.
First of all, something you all need to come to terms with, is that you will gain weight. The stress of starting university and what comes along with it, with the addition of your new found drinking habits and the unhealthy eating (ordering food often, eating pre-cooked meals or living in a dorm), will be a big contribution to that. It’s the famous “freshman 15”, but don’t worry about it, it is normal and happens to most of us.
Your body is probably used to home cooked meals, or to the local food from your country. Food in Spain is greasy, often fried, very sugary and they eat carbs to the tons (potatoes for like, every meal).
I mean look at this:
Some solutions to this might be:
Cook your own food whenever you have the chance (The factory opens up its kitchen on the weekends, or you could go to a friend’s house for dinner every once in a while too.)
Embrace a healthier lifestyle - you don’t have to substitute all your pastries and candies for fruits and vegetables, but learning how to balance this is the key. If you eat poorly, or have McDonald’s as drunk food every time you get drunk, try to limit yourself to only do that every once in a while.
Keep track of your weight, sometimes not fitting your clothes anymore means something.
Join the gym or a sports club, and force yourself to go (I know I know, just walking around Segovia seems like a marathon and we’re all just a bunch of lazy people who don't feel like exercising, but it is important.)
Lastly, do not stress too much about it, because weight gain is not necessarily bad, and you should feel comfortable in your body and okay with yourself no matter what!
What advice do you have for freshers?
“The hardest part of cultural adaptation was understanding that people think differently than the way that me and my culture are used to, so sometimes there are small arguments, misunderstandings (but it always works out in the end). One of my advice for freshers is if you have any doubt about something that's going on, if any of your friends like something or not, just ask - asking if they feel comfortable with that is the key,”
- Caio Marques, a second year BBA/BIR student
“Acclimatising to a new environment, particularly if you come from a completely different culture can put a significant amount of stress on a young person, which is far from ideal with the added pressures of coursework and general social life. For many students, this is their first time away from home and learning how to be completely self sufficient can be a struggle, however learning to find what works for you takes time, but once you find your routine you’ll feel right at home! Don’t be afraid to try new foods, meet new people or throw yourself into a completely new hobby, university is the ideal place to do so. You’ll find your balance and you’ll find the people who keep you in balance soon enough,”
- Lara Hickson, a second year PLE student
“I would tell freshers to really see their friends as family. Check up on them to see if they are okay. Also, explore! Don’t just go where people are going! There are cool places that are not that hyped but are incredible! Go to new Segovia!!!!”
- Catharina Doria, a second year BCDM student
In conclusion, yes, cultural adaptation can be challenging. However, it is a big part of moving into a new country, and getting used to their way of life is important. Amongst that, you start to understand how other people think and broaden their perspective, and if you ever move somewhere else (which most of us probably will), you will have a much smoother transition.
Lastly, all I can say is despite everything, try to enjoy your experience at university, because it is supposed to be fun - and you only get to do it once.
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