I thought it'd be fun to share with you the pictures from a birthday party during my grammar class! It seems that singing and dessert are at the center of every birthday celebration around the world. Now I wish that my birthday was during the semester....
On a serious note, I am so lucky that my classmates are my second family. We have all gone through similar experiences trying to adapt to the Spanish culture, and we always seem to understand each other despite the language barrier.
NOTE: It is so important to put yourself out of your comfort zone and meet new friends. Many people go through culture shock because they are distanced from their traditional support network. No problem! You could read a million articles that explain the honeymoon phase, then depression, then the return to normalcy. I'll make it simple for you...
Combating culture shock
- Establish a routine and find a balance: Everyone has 3 categories of things they do everyday.. basic needs (food/sleep), responsibilities (work/school), and pleasure (social/exercise.) Remember that all work and no play is not a recipe for success.
- Establish support network and reach out to your old network if necessary: it is normal to invite someone to have coffee in Spain.. it took me awhile to understand that concept.
- Take time to yourself when necessary: Don't be ashamed, everyone needs a night to themselves to catch up on their favorite tv show.
- Accept that you will have some very, very tough days. Pick yourself up as soon as possible and get back on track: one day, after an exhausting week, I got lost on my way home at night and all I wanted was to get back to my bed and pass out. I walked into a flower shopped, asked how to get home, and brought back flowers for my host mom. The magical powers of her gratitude and a hot shower solved my problems and I woke up the next day ready to get back to business.
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