#24 Culture Shock - What it Means to Live and Work Abroad
The rise of social media and globalization has connected people and nations, bringing them closer together than ever before. It’s understandable to adopt the idea of “we are one world.” However, after living and working in various countries and continents, I can confidently say:
We are many worlds coexisting on one planet. And culture shock is a real thing.
Today I want to share my experience of living and working abroad. Let me explain how I came to understand that despite our shared humanity, we are all very different when it comes to social behavior and culture and why a forced one-size-fits-all approach to inclusivity is a bad idea.
Same same but different
I've been teaching Pilates abroad for the past six years, and working in the tourism industry has given me the opportunity to teach Pilates to people from over 25 different countries. I began my journey in Italy, and even though I taught Pilates the same way as I always have, I immediately noticed that the dynamics and vibe of the classes were very different there.
At first, I thought Italy was just a particularly unique country (which it is, in many ways). However, as I traveled to more countries, I realized that every place has its own unique dynamic, habits, and atmosphere.
The People
The character of a country is largely formed by its people. While factors such as landscape, climate, and government play a significant role in shaping our perceptions of a place, it is the collective behavior and culture of the people that truly define a nation.
In this post, I will describe some of the extreme cultural stereotypes that I have personally experienced. However, it is important to note that these stereotypes can not be applied to every single person from a particular country. There will always be exceptions to the rule.
Breaking Down Cultural Stereotypes
Through my experiences teaching Pilates abroad, I’ve learned that social behavior can vary significantly across different cultures. Here are four distinct cultures that have particularly stood out to me in this regard:
Italian
Teaching Pilates to Italians is like leading a horde of enthusiastic kindergarteners with good manners. The classes are loud, dynamic, and playful, with a slightly chaotic yet highly intuitive energy.
I still remember my very first class in Italy (Sardinia, to be precise). At that time, I hardly spoke any Italian but wanted to give it a try anyway. The class took place in a small local yoga studio where women from the community gathered to stay fit.
No matter what Italians do, they view it as a social event - and my Pilates class was no exception. Upon arrival, the first thing to do was catch up on daily gossip and exchange information. Their rapid pace and volume made it difficult for me to understand, but it was all part of the lively and chaotic atmosphere.
As soon as I signaled that the class was starting, however, everything suddenly fell into place. Everyone got onto their mats, smiling and eager to begin. Italian women move with natural grace and passion, even if they are not particularly fit. Talking and moving go hand-in-hand for Italians - they can still carry on a conversation even while doing complex movements.
Italians are highly intuitive and don't like following strict instructions - which is quite contrary to Pilates, where precision and correct execution are essential. I had to learn to let them move and allow them to learn by experiencing and feeling things for themselves. Italians love to improvise until it feels right for them, and they can be stubborn.
Teaching in Italy was a challenging experience for me, but one that I'm glad I had. It was an opportunity to conquer a new teaching style and learn more about the vibrant Italian culture.
American
Three words: Big. Exciting. Entertaining.
Americans came to my Pilates classes expecting more than just an exercise routine – they wanted an experience. They love big, dramatic movements that have a "wow" factor. To them, only the extraordinary is worth doing. They believe in doing it big or not at all.
It took me some time to understand their preferences, but looking back, I realized that I won over many American clients by incorporating the "Jump Board on the Reformer" into our workouts. This exercise sequence checked all the boxes for Americans: it is explosive, exciting, and strengthens the body while raising the heart rate.
Americans love to be entertained. They want to have fun. And they aren’t afraid to be a bit over the top.
As an introvert, pulling off the right show for my American clients was a challenge. And sometimes, I felt more drained than they were after completing a full hour of intense workout.
Central European
Teaching classes with people from Central Europe can be described as "thoroughness on steroids." When working with Central Europeans, especially those from German-speaking countries, you'll quickly learn that order is half of life.
They arrive on time and prepared, and they tell you exactly what they want and need. They'll provide you with their medical history, expecting you to understand everything and know how to handle their specific needs.
Central Europeans love precise instructions, clear structure, and organized procedures. They can be demanding because they require a lot of information. Constantly.
They're so eager for perfection that sloppiness isn't an option. To an outsider, it can seem too mechanical, over-regulated, and strict, but that's just how they do things.
Teaching people from my home country or neighboring countries often makes me feel at home while also making me appreciate the chaos and love for improvisation of people from Indonesia, where I live now.
Southeast Asian
People from Southeast Asia are so relaxed they make turtles look like they’re in a hurry. It’s quite an experience teaching Pilates here.
To be honest, at first, I thought they were incredibly passive and lazy, but I soon learned that they're just incredibly polite and patient and don't want to interfere negatively in anyone else's life.
Southeast Asian culture is characterized by an unbelievably tolerant and adaptable attitude and a curious and open-minded approach to new experiences. They have a great sense of humor and don't take themselves too seriously but always maintain a respectful demeanor toward others.
But they can also be very distant and reserved. My personal experience is that, even after years of working with people from this part of the world, it can be hard to truly know them.
Personally, I love the calmness and respect that Southeast Asian people bring to my classes. There's no pressure to perform or impress others - people simply mind their own business and enjoy the workout.
Thought Experiment
Given the stereotypical traits I have described above, let’s imagine a thought experiment:
You are teaching a Mat Pilates class, and six people show up. These people come from different countries and areas, including Italy, Spain, New York, Germany, Singapore, and China.
This means:
Half of the group prefers a fun and intuitive experience, while the other half requires clear and extensive instructions to guide them through each movement.
One half of the group enjoys talking and communicating continuously, while the other half prefers working in silence and listening.
One half seeks the thrill and passion in every move, while the other half seeks calm and introspection.
And while one half thrives in a slightly chaotic setup, the other half can function best when surrounded by order.
So, what can I do as a teacher to make the class work?
I must adapt and compromise.
However, when the discrepancy between participants is high, my adaptation must be equally high. I have to find a way to balance both groups' preferences and needs without sacrificing the class's quality and safety.
However, teaching a class that requires that much adaptation is like trying to cook a meal with no salt. Sure, you can technically do it, but it's not going to be enjoyable for anyone involved.
Then, you might as well call it a Pilates funeral because all the liveliness and spirit have been adapted out of the class.
So what is the solution?
Unfortunately, there is no easy solution to this issue.
It's impossible to ask a passionate Italian woman to be more German or a Singaporean to move with more fire like a Spaniard. Throwing people from different cultures together and asking them to “just be more tolerant” won't work.
Trying to make an environment too inclusive would just stamp out all the distinctive cultural quirks and behaviors that give a person its flavor.
Culture Shock
As described in my previous post, I left Austria to explore different cultures and ways of living. To truly experience it, you have to live in a country. Being on holiday, even for weeks or months, just isn't the same.
Culture shock is a real thing. And despite my longing for this adventure, I must admit it was often challenging and pushed me to my emotional limits. Understanding a new culture takes time, and finding your place in it takes even longer.
It takes a lot of effort, and that can be draining. To live and work abroad involves feeling alone in a crowd, vulnerable due to unfamiliarity, and tired from missing the comfort of the familiar.
Conclusion & Advice
Living and working abroad is an amazing experience. But it is not without its challenges.
For anyone considering such a move, here are a few tips for navigating new cultures:
Be prepared to feel misunderstood and lonely. Because you will. It’s inevitable.
Respect the local culture! Don’t be that arrogant jerk who thinks they know better than the locals. You’re starting from scratch, so embrace the opportunity to learn.
Adapt without losing your authenticity. It’s a fine balance, but you can find ways to fit in while staying true to yourself.
Be honest with yourself. Your dream destination may turn out to be a nightmare, and that´s okay. Not every culture is a good fit for everyone, so don’t be afraid to move on if it’s not working out.
Be patient. Sometimes answers only come with time.
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