Pure Shock

July 6, 2016

I think it would be quite easy to say that driving on the opposite side of the road was the biggest culture shock I experienced; however, that would be wrong. I already knew that in England they drive on the other side of the road so it was to be expected. My culture shock came from an unknown fact and it was one that usually had me blushing out of embarrassment on a daily basis.
I never used to think that Americans were loud because we all speak the same volume usually and most people, if not all, tend to get louder with emotions such as anger, happiness, excitement and shock. However, while in London, I found out just how loud we truly are. Londoners commute in what I’d like to call radio silence. Everyone sits on the train or bus and is quiet, simply taking in the ride or they are whispering a conversation to one another. It seemed like whenever my classmates and I went anywhere we always broke the normal silence and were getting glared at for it. This was the biggest culture shock to me because it truly labeled my group and me as “those loud Americans” and it was something I simply could not wrap my head around yet something I also felt quite bad for the locals who had to deal with us.

Written By

Tyra Dukes

As a nursing major, it is very hard to squeeze in some study abroad due to my intensive curriculum. So a dialogue of civilizations was a win-win for me. I would have the ability to travel and immerse myself in a different civilization while also getting ahead on some major requirements. Both of which will help my professional career. I think it is important for everyone to be globally conscious but most importantly, health care professionals. At some point in my life, I will work with someone from a different culture so it is important that I understand, how to be culturally competent. That main skill is what I am most looking forward to from this dialogue.