As an American student studying Spanish
¡Hola a Todos!
My name is Mariela, and I’m a psychology student studying Spanish at the University of Cádiz, in Cádiz, Spain, through UML (https://www.uml.edu/international-programs/programs/university-of-cadiz.aspx)
While living here this July, I’ve had the opportunity to immerse myself in the Spanish culture, which also includes experiencing culture shocks about how different America and Spain are.
America knows Spain as a country famous for its architecture, art, and rich historical ties; however, many Americans don’t realize that Spain has a more relaxed, traditional, and warm culture.
Here are my top 5 cultural shocks I have experienced so far while living here:
1. Siesta Time
In Spain, it’s completely normal for many shops to close in the middle of the day for siesta. This break usually happens between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, giving workers time to rest, nap, or even have lunch. Spanish culture is much slower and calmer than American culture, where everything feels like it’s constantly moving without a pause. Many stores, or tiendas, close during this time. While some places like supermarkets (Carrefour) or pharmacies (Farmacias) stay open, most shops close. The majority of stores also close all day on Sundays.
2. Lunch and dinner begin later than in America
Finding lunch to eat during Siesta can be difficult; unfortunately, patience is key, because it starts no earlier than 5:00 PM, while dinner begins at 8:30 PM. This isn’t just because of siesta; it’s also because the sun sets much later in Spain (around 9:30 PM in Cádiz). Even while eating in restaurants in Cádiz, the check never arrived until we asked for it. It’s considered incredibly rude for servers to rush guests out of the restaurant due to sobremesa, a tradition where people often stay for an hour or more after finishing their meal to chat. Additionally, tipping culture doesn’t exist in Spain!
6. Having dryers is rare
In Spain, most people don’t own a dryer. In Cádiz, it’s common to see clothes hanging on balconies or strung up with ropes. In addition, washing machines are a lot more common than dryers, but it’s not unusual for people to wash clothes by hand.
8. Vending Machines have cooked meals
On the streets of Cádiz, vending machines are everywhere, and many contain preheated food! Food is first refrigerated, but once selected, it will heat up ready to eat.
10. Cars drive in small walkways
Cars are allowed to drive in alleyways across the city, as long as they drive slowly. In Spain, It’s common to see vehicles squeezing through these tight spaces to reach their destination.
If anyone ever gets a chance to study abroad in Spain, you should seriously take it! Spain has such a different culture in comparison to America, and living in it is the best part.
