How to Define Culture Shock in The Philippines

Culture shock in the The Philippines is a differenthurdle for an American, a European Rosetta Stone V3 or an Australian to handle. In July 2009 I came to The Philippines for an extended stay. My major reason was to be with my (still relatively new) family in this third world nation of over 7,100 tropical islands.I had been here for two months in 2008, so what I'm about to tell you was not as big a shock this second time around. In the event you might want to consider traveling to The Philippines, or perhaps you're thinking of an inexpensive retirement destination, you need to understand the culture shock you'll be faced with. That culture shock is caused by numerous factors which I'll enumerate in this article.While all that I'm about to tell you is true, it's also true that The Philippines is full of kind, gentle and smiling people. The Philippines is Rosetta Stone Spanish Latin predominantly Catholic, thanks to the Spanish, who ruled for centuries. Religion in The Philippines, unlike in some countries, is not considered politically incorrect. Thanks to that fact, most Filipinos are openly religious. They are also extremely generous overall. Instructions 1Huh???Realize it's a different language and all that might entail..There are also numerous (over 80) dialects within the Philippines, with each dialect being so different that it may as well be considered a different language rather than a dialect. There are completely different words for an object or action from one dialect to another. This can cause miscommunication and misunderstandings.These miscommunications can also occur If a native person speaks English. Consider that English often isn't taught in many other countries exactly the same way that we learn it in Europe, Australia or America. Body Rosetta Stone Spain Spanish language also has new meaning. Misunderstandings are common, even in my family. This is step one of understanding or defining culture shock in the Philippines2And this is December!Consider climate differences.Often there are different climates in different parts of the world. Are you really going to be comfortable where the winter temperatures are like summer in Los Angeles, but the air is much more humid? A little more culture shock for you.3This is a tricycleThink about local transportation.Driving patterns and habits can be more foreign than you might imagine.Although accidents are rare, driving in The Philippines seems haphazard at best. Traffic laws are rarely enforced.The most common private vehicle in The Philippines is the small motorcycle.Then there's the public transportation. This is how the vast majority of Filipinos get around.Even If, like most, you choose to take that public transportation, you might learn that's quite foreign as well.For example, in The Philippines there are no taxis except in the largest cities and no local bus lines. For local transportation, you'll find a tricycle is the norm.What? A tricycle? Yes, a tricycle. Remember, we're talking about a third world country where poverty is pandemic. People cannot afford $20 taxi rides here.In The Philippines a tricycle is a small, 100 to 150CC motorcycle [ Rosetta Stone Software ] with a welded-on sidecar for more passengers. To see what one looks like, see the photo in the upper left part of this step.Often times a tricycle driver travels at a speed of about 10 to 20 M.P.H. so as to conserve gasoline and traverse the rough roads without throwing off any of his passengers.Many times some of those passengers are riding on the sides and top of the sidecar.