ADVERTISEMENTMullets in Australia. Ice swimming in Norway. Strict rules in Switzerland. These national features are united by their ability to surprise the British, according to a new ranking of culture shocks in popular expat countries.
Moving abroad involves leaving your comfort zone. Regardless of how much you plan ahead, there’s always going to be surprising elements - that’s part of the joy of travel.
Now international health insurance provider William Russell has grouped together the most common of these surprises in the 10 most Googled destinations: Australia, Spain, Canada, the US, New Zealand, Switzerland, Portugal, Thailand, Norway and Ireland.
By examining articles on ‘culture shock’ in these countries, it’s pulled together some revealing findings - that reflect on British expats as much as their new homes.
Social interactions surprise British expats the most
The most common cultural differences related to ‘social interactions’, the researchers found, accounting for 157 of the 648 shocks studied.
Though closest to home, Ireland had the highest number of cultural shocks in this category, with social interactions comprising almost half of all those reported.
Brits were taken aback by the modesty and friendliness to strangers they’d encountered over the Irish Sea.
On the other side of the world in New Zealand, it's the quietness of people that has taken expats by surprise, as they get acquainted with Maori culture.
Food and drink surprises, from Australia to Spain
Cultural shocks regarding local food and drink were the second biggest category for those looking to move abroad, with just under 100 identified.
It’s not simply the type of produce on offer, but the timing of meals. In Spain, for example, people tend to have a lighter breakfast and eat later than in the UK.
Australia was close behind on the food shock factor, given its wildly different biodiversity. Kangaroos, considered cute exotic creatures in the British Isles, can be deemed pests and so a sensible food source Down Under.
America’s food and drink choices are the biggest culture shock for those moving to the States, the researchers add. The wide variety of food in supermarkets and restaurants and large portion sizes are key points of contrast.
Lifestyle differences on the continent, from Spain to Switzerland
Lifestyle-related cultural shocks are the third highest category, according to William Russell’s analysis.
They are prevalent in European countries, with many occurring in Spain, Switzerland, and Portugal. In Portugal, these include people being less punctual than at home and businesses closing earlier in the afternoon.
According to figures from Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, just under 410,000 British citizens live in Spain - attracted by its sunnier climate and chilled lifestyle.
ADVERTISEMENTBut the Spanish lifestyle can still catch Brits off guard, including the propensity to greet people with a kiss and be loud in public. It swings both ways, of course, with Spaniards frequently expressing surprise (and sometimes dismay) at British behaviour abroad.
In Switzerland, there are strict rules against some things that are commonplace in Britain, such as crossing the road on a red light. Chores on a Sunday, like mowing the lawn, are also frowned upon.
While the Norwegians surprise Brits with their love of open-air swimming year-round, given their freezing climate.
As for the Australian mullet, it’s likely to be less of a shock in future, as the trend makes its way to London.
ADVERTISEMENTIf you’re wondering how to handle culture shock, check out this advice from an Irish writer who won over the French, and our round-up of tips for digital nomads.