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Abstract

ow, that was fast.” It seems I was too used to the hour wait time in Germany.The biggest shock in the food department is the sheer volume of places I can go now. I forgot how diverse California is when it comes to food (and people but we will get to that). In addition to this, everything is open until 9 or 10 pm. That’s so late! You would be lucky to catch any restaurant open past 7 PM in Germany on any given day.Where do I start? What have I missed? Plus, there’s UberEats and Doordash. Anything I’m craving is brought to my doorstep. The possibilities are limitless.THE CONVENIENCEMost of the services I’ve used have been fast and readily available when I have needed them. The service is indicative of the “go, go, go” American culture and that’s only a distant dream in Europe.Using Uber or Lyft outside of a large metropolis in Europe? Forget about it. Calling your phone company because of an issue you’re having past 3 PM in Germany? Yeah, you’re out of your mind. These luxuries are nice and I forgot how helpful they were here.THE INDIVIDUALISTIC CULTUREAmerica’s culture revolves around the individual. Retail and general services gameplan how they can better accommodate the customer. While this is great for me, the long hours and fake politeness aren’t helpful for

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the worker.Furthermore, the blaring motorcycles, deafening Ford F-250s, and obnoxiously loud conversations outside of a cafe all scream “PUT ME FIRST!!” Americans are so concerned about about their own expression that they don’t consider how it affects the larger group around them. The quiet and considerate German culture will be dearly missed in this aspect.Another thing I noticed was the amount of trash everywhere. If you were to collect all the trash that lined the freeway in a two-mile span you would have about a half-ton of garbage. No joke. The disregard that we have for the environment is astonishing.THE DIVERSITYThere’s a plethora of different races, cultures, and languages in Southern California. The variety of people in such a small area (in comparison to the rest of the country) is incredible and I love it.There’s diversity across Germany as a whole, but it’s not near how it is here (from what I’ve seen). You’ll see a bigger selection of people in the major cities but outside of them, there’s not a lot to be seen.THE CONCLUSIONThe reverse culture shock is still in effect but it’s gradually waning. I plan on going back to Europe this time next year for a master’s program in France. I’m sure that a culture shock is awaiting me there.</article></body>

I’m Experiencing Reverse Culture Shock

This hasn’t happened before

After living in Germany for the past three years, I have returned home to Sunny Southern California. I had expectations of being home, but I didn’t think I would be subject to reverse culture shock.

The quality of life in Germany vs. The U.S. is similar with few key differences. Most of those differences revolve around culture and how people navigate through life. With that being said, there’s bound to be an adjustment period going from one country to the other.

There’s no point in beating around the bush anymore. Let’s get right to it then, shall we?

THE FOOD

This topic has been on my mind since I returned. I couldn’t wait to eat In N Out, Chick-Fil-A, and authentic Mexican food again! But much to my dismay, the food didn’t taste as good as I remembered. The positive to this though is the food comes out fast and each time I have gone out, I always remark with “wow, that was fast.” It seems I was too used to the hour wait time in Germany.

The biggest shock in the food department is the sheer volume of places I can go now. I forgot how diverse California is when it comes to food (and people but we will get to that). In addition to this, everything is open until 9 or 10 pm. That’s so late! You would be lucky to catch any restaurant open past 7 PM in Germany on any given day.

Where do I start? What have I missed? Plus, there’s UberEats and Doordash. Anything I’m craving is brought to my doorstep. The possibilities are limitless.

THE CONVENIENCE

Most of the services I’ve used have been fast and readily available when I have needed them. The service is indicative of the “go, go, go” American culture and that’s only a distant dream in Europe.

Using Uber or Lyft outside of a large metropolis in Europe? Forget about it. Calling your phone company because of an issue you’re having past 3 PM in Germany? Yeah, you’re out of your mind. These luxuries are nice and I forgot how helpful they were here.

THE INDIVIDUALISTIC CULTURE

America’s culture revolves around the individual. Retail and general services gameplan how they can better accommodate the customer. While this is great for me, the long hours and fake politeness aren’t helpful for the worker.

Furthermore, the blaring motorcycles, deafening Ford F-250s, and obnoxiously loud conversations outside of a cafe all scream “PUT ME FIRST!!” Americans are so concerned about about their own expression that they don’t consider how it affects the larger group around them. The quiet and considerate German culture will be dearly missed in this aspect.

Another thing I noticed was the amount of trash everywhere. If you were to collect all the trash that lined the freeway in a two-mile span you would have about a half-ton of garbage. No joke. The disregard that we have for the environment is astonishing.

THE DIVERSITY

There’s a plethora of different races, cultures, and languages in Southern California. The variety of people in such a small area (in comparison to the rest of the country) is incredible and I love it.

There’s diversity across Germany as a whole, but it’s not near how it is here (from what I’ve seen). You’ll see a bigger selection of people in the major cities but outside of them, there’s not a lot to be seen.

THE CONCLUSION

The reverse culture shock is still in effect but it’s gradually waning. I plan on going back to Europe this time next year for a master’s program in France. I’m sure that a culture shock is awaiting me there.