Listen to 18 minutes of real life English! Explore the surprises of returning to the US after living in Europe—From culture shocks to why we love Europe.
Introduction to Reverse Culture Shock
Calvin and I talk about the reverse culture shock upon returning to the U.S. after living in Europe.
What is Reverse culture shock? Reverse culture shock occurs when returning to one’s home country feels unfamiliar or unsettling.
Climate and Lifestyle Differences
Everyone uses air conditioning in the US, especially in public spaces. This is a big difference because in Europe, many houses don’t have air conditioning. What we did was carry our sweaters so we could use them in public spaces like shopping malls, where the air conditioning is always on.
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Consumer Culture
The abundance of options in American grocery stores and on websites like Amazon was surprising compared to Europe. Due to an excess of possessions in our U.S. home, we decided to have a garage sale. This also highlights the American tendency to accumulate things.
Transportation and Lifestyle
Vehicle Size: There are more trucks than cars in the U.S.
Patriotism: In the U.S. it is common to see the American flag almost everywhere. It is not so common in Portugal.
Customer Service and Cost of Living
Politeness: Customer service in the U.S. was notably more polite, possibly influenced by higher wages or training compared to European standards.
Rising Costs: Prices for goods and services, including dining and healthcare, increased significantly over time in the U.S.
Quality of Life and Preferences
Food: The quality gap between U.S. and European produce was evident, with local produce in Europe tasting more flavorful.
Work-Life Balance: The “hustle culture” of the U.S. was exhausting; the work-centric lifestyle is overwhelming.
Conclusion
Reasons for Preferring Europe: Lower cost of living, access to fresh product, ease of walking, and the ability to raise our children in a multicultural environment are key factors.
Advantage: Maintaining an American income while enjoying European living conditions.
