I haven't found an article or post that sums up my adjustment back into the American lifestyle. So I'm making my own! I really didn't experience all that much culture shock when I first arrived in Spain, so I figured returning home wouldn't really be that big of a deal.
Boy, was I was wrong.
Here are a few of the things that I struggled the most with after my semester abroad:
1. American Currency
Considering how concerned I was about working foreign ATMs, it was quite simple to adjust to and live off of the euro. The first time I held American change in my hand again, I felt like a kindergartner. I legitimately did not know the difference between a nickel and a quarter, which seemed odd for a person who had practically been living off of coins for the last four months.
2. Cars
Although I traveled to many cities and countries throughout the European continent, most, if not all of that traveling occurred through plane, bus, or train. I had been in a car ONCE during the entire time I was abroad, and I was a passenger in that instance. To have to drive yourself somewhere to see somebody or get what you needed was, ironically, extremely foreign.
3. Bathrooms
Americans will walk into any restaurant or public setting simply to use the bathroom, and then go on their way. In Europe, you didn't use the restroom at a facility unless you had bought something or spent time there as well.
4. Common Phrases
We drilled some simple phrases into our rote memory upon arrival in Spain, simply to ensure that we didn't act like complete idiots or walk around with AMERICAN stamped on our forehead. However, I definitely said "gracias" and "por favor" at the registers in Panera and Chipotle several times back home.
5. Work/Life Balance
In Spain, people work to live. They do what they have to do in order to live comfortably and enjoyably. In America, people live to work. For many people, their job is their life. It is astounding to see the difference.
To be continued....
