Experiencing nine unexpected adjustments when returning to one's homeland from a stint in Germany during the holiday season
After moving from Scotland to Berlin in 2017, the change in way of life and customs was evident. Living abroad, as it often does, transformed the expat's way of life. However, returning to Scotland brought about a different set of challenges – reverse culture shocks.
One of the most striking differences was the feeling of being an outsider in one’s “home” culture. Despite Scotland being the expat's country of origin, cultural norms and personal identity had shifted during the time abroad. The friendly and chatty people of Aberdeen, Scotland, were a stark contrast to the more reserved German culture.
Social interactions and behaviours also presented a challenge. Communication styles in the UK felt more familiar, but the switch from the German "big beer/small beer" system to the "pint" and "half pint" system in pubs was a hurdle. On the other hand, the direct communication style in Berlin was initially daunting but became less so over time.
Bureaucratic and everyday processes also posed challenges. In Germany, paper correspondence and customer service felt more straightforward and efficient compared to what was experienced in Scotland. The availability of complimentary tap water in restaurants, cafes, and bars was another difference that stood out.
The pace and nature of life at home also presented a challenge. Food preferences, accents, and social rhythms felt different, leading to a sense of dislocation despite physical proximity to familiar places and people.
Psychological struggles such as identity confusion, social isolation, or emotional disconnection were also experienced. These struggles sometimes resulted in increased anxiety or depression associated with repatriation stress, a common phenomenon among third culture kids and long-term expats.
However, there were also cultural differences that the expat found enjoyable in Berlin. The tradition of wild firework displays on New Year's Eve was a spectacle to behold. The shopping culture in Germany was calmer compared to the UK, and the tap water in Scotland was considered amazing, cold, fresh, and tasted better than the hard water in Berlin.
Despite these challenges, awareness and support can help ease the adjustment period. Reverse culture shock often requires as much adaptation as the initial move abroad. It's a process, but with time, the expat can find a balance between the old and the new, embracing the best of both cultures.
- Upon returning to Scotland, the expat discovered that their lifestyles had undergone significant shifts due to their experience living abroad, causing a sense of dislocation despite being in their home country.
- The expat noticed differences in relationships and social interactions upon their return to Scotland, finding Scottish communication styles more familiar but experiencing challenges with the switch back to the "pint" and "half pint" system in pubs compared to Germany's "big beer/small beer" system.
