Culture shock is real, even though it might seem like an exaggerated experience. Though my computer did not allow me to view the video, from what I saw/what we discussed in class, I believe that I had a brief period of culture shock this summer in Spain. I lived in Spain for 2.5 months this summer, working at an finance internship in Madrid. During the first few weeks of my experience, I was absolutely enthralled. I was in a brand new country-- not just any country, but Spain!-- and in a new, exciting, and culturally diverse capital. There was so many museums to explore, cafes to try, foods to eat, that I filled my days with walking and traveling easily. However, after the initial excitement, a deep longing came to me for home. I missed America, and Richmond especially. I missed everything-- Chik-Fil-A, good burgers, unlimited cellular data, spicy Thai food, driving, English speakers, and everything and anything American. I never felt such a longing for home. At that point I did not want to be in Madrid any longer, as the city had lost its spark and I began to see the flaws. I desperately wanted to be home with my friends and family, but I learned that I had to acknowledge my luck in being able to do such an experience in the first place. I never expected to feel the way that I did, but I am glad I did. It taught me so much about traveling, and about life itself. I now know not to take vacations longer than two weeks as I get easily tired and homesick, and I now know that I am not really a solo traveler. I love having friends around as it makes me feel as though I am less in an alien space. I am grateful I felt culture shock, as now I feel that in my next experience in a foreign culture, I will be better prepared and ready for what is yet to come.
Comments