Learn the Business Culture in Spain by reading about xenophobia, cultural taboos, educational standards and other issues such as transport infrastructure. This site offers free and paid for business culture guides and - please complete this short survey to help us improve, Thank you! Answer (1 of 8): I lived in Spain for 7 and a half years and I moved there as a single woman with a fairly decent level of Spanish and I found it to be the hardest place to “hook up” or meet someone LOCAL of anywhere I´d lived previously and all of my foreign, Spanish speaking, female friends sai.

09 Jun 5 biggest cultural differences in Spain

Centro MundoLengua is excited that you’ve chosen to study abroad with us! Besides learning and improving your Spanish skills, you will become familiar with the wonderful culture of Spain! However, like in any new culture, you will have to face cultural differences. Some aspects are harder than others, so we’ve put together a list of the top 5 biggest cultural differences of a study abroad student in Spain.

1) Greeting: a big cultural difference

This will be the first thing you notice. In Spain, people greet each other with ¨besitos (little kisses)¨. For first timers, it can be awkward and strange, but you will get used to it. This is when you merely touch your right cheek, then left cheek with that of the other person. You don’t actually give the person a kiss, rather than simply touch cheeks while making the kissing sound. It sounds funny, but happens naturally. Women and men give besitos, women give women besitos, but men generally do not give other men besitos (only unless family or good friends). They normally shake hands and/or give a pat on the back (sometimes a half hug). Younger kids sometimes only give one besito…just go with the flow.

It’s expected to greet others like this, not only on the first occasion, but when you meet with them any other time.

For many students, giving besitos might seem like sending a romantic gesture rather than a greeting, but after two weeks or so, it will feel natural. Just don’t hesitate! When you meet someone, jump in there and get it over with! It’ll be less awkward than staring at the other person for 3 minutes deciding if you’re going to give besitos or not.

2) Eating Schedule: a considerable cultural difference

Practically every meal time in Spain is completely different from the American schedule.

Breakfast is shortly after waking up and generally consists of a coffee and toast. Breakfast time all depends on when you wake up, generally speaking between the hours of 8 and 10.

Cultural Differences In Dating Spain And Usa 2017

Lunch is where things start to get difficult. Spaniards don’t eat lunch until 3ish…yes, “3ish” meaning slightly before or after 3pm. This can be the hardest meal to get used to as Spaniards eat such a light breakfast, waiting until 3ish in the afternoon feels like you’re going to starve to death. But good news, lunch is the biggest meal!

Somewhere between lunch and dinner allows for a snack. It’s normally kids who regularly eat a snack, but feel free to grab a sandwich or some fruit if you feel like you can’t make it until dinner.

Speaking of dinner, it’s expected to eat at 10, 10:30, or later. This is the general time for natives, but since MundoLengua students live with Spanish host families, these families try to prepare dinner a little earlier (around 9-9:30) to make the cultural adjustment easier.

Differences Between Spain And America

Not only are the eating times different, the food is another cultural difference too. Click here to check out a Centro MundoLengua student blog that explores the Spanish cuisine.

3) Siesta Time

The siesta is an essential component of the Spanish lifestyle. Siesta time is taken after lunch (around 5ish to 7:30ish). It literally translates into the word “nap” but, consists of more than just sleeping. This is the time where people relax and rest up in order to finish the day. Many people go home to visit their families, watch TV, or grab drinks with friends. Expect to see some stores close down during the siesta time, but then reopen later in the evening. This is normal.

The only thing to keep in mind here is to be respectful of what others are doing their siesta time. If your host dad is sleeping, don’t wake him up. Don’t go shopping during this time (many stores will be closed). And try not to plan activities during these hours. Remember, this is relax time!

4) Being Late

As Americans, punctuality is essential; we even have a saying, “if you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late. And if you’re late, it’s unacceptable.” Spain most certainly does NOT abide by this. If meeting a Spaniard, expect them to be at least 7 minutes late (give or take). Just to give an example, when I meet my Spanish friend, he always arrives 15 minutes late. I’ve learned to accept his tardiness and plan to arrive 15 minutes later than the planned time. This way, no one is late!

Cultural differences like this are challenging to get accustomed to since many study abroad students might get nervous or impatient when both people aren’t ready to go at the planned meeting time. But don’t worry, this will only happen when organizing plans outside the MundoLengua program. Centro MundoLengua continues to operate punctually!

5) Taking your time

Spaniards enjoy taking their time no matter the event. Whether meeting for a coffee with friends, eating dinner, or just catching up with someone, make sure at least 2 hours, if not more, are set aside. The Spanish culture is all about taking life as it comes, relaxing, and spending lots of time with friends and family, so naturally, they do not want to rush any organized plans. This includes meals with your host family too. It’s rude to leave the table immediately after finishing. Just take your time eating and then hang around and chat with your host family for a little while.

Cultural Differences In Dating Spain And Usa History

At first it will feel like dinner takes 3 hours, which it does (however, not every time), but then when you embrace meal times and focus on talking with your room-mate and host family, time will fly! Same for when out with Spanish friends! Many people have grown to prefer it over the rushed American schedule. People in Spain truly enjoy the other person’s company…even for hours at a time!

Studying abroad is such an amazing experience. You get to learn so much about a culture and improve your language skills. Don’t feel scared about adjusting to the cultural differences. Just prepare yourself and embrace the change during your stay! Keep these 5 big cultural differences in mind when you come to Spain as they will be among the first you notice.

Hola amigos,

I am now halfway through my program in Valencia and have really been getting accustomed to living here! The culture shock that I experienced at first was very real and a little overwhelming, but with time and experience I have learned to value and respect Spanish culture. Here are the top 10 cultural differences that I have noticed here in Spain:

1. Eating animals that we are not accustomed to eating in the U.S.

In Spain, it seems as if there are much fewer vegetarians and vegans than there are in the U.S. because meat is a huge part of the meals here, especially ham. However, I have seen other kinds of meats that I am not used to seeing, such as rabbit, horse, and octopus. For one of my classes, we visited a local market in which the vendors were selling different products made from these animals. One of the vendors was also selling pig faces, which was honestly a little hard to look at. During this visit, our professor had us try blood sausage which was surprisingly not bad.

The city of Valencia is known for its paella. Before moving here, I thought traditional paella included seafood, but this is not the case. Traditional Valencian paella includes rice, different types of beans, spices, chicken, snails, and rabbit. I had tried snails and liked them prior to this trip but had never tried rabbit. During one of the excursions for my program, we went to a huerta (orchard) and learned how to cook paella. This paella did not include snails, but I was brave and tried the rabbit. It was a really cool experience and I am glad I was able to try new things.

2. The lack of personal space

This one may sound a little strange, but it is pretty accurate. Our program directors warned us of this difference before we moved to Valencia because of how respected personal space tends to be in the United States. However, here in Spain it is common for others to touch you, stand really close to you while speaking, or physically move you out of their way if someone is trying to pass. At first this was a little weird but I have learned that it is customary and is usually not meant in an offensive or inappropriate way.

3. The prevalence of public transportation, walking, and biking

In the U.S., I rely on my car as transportation approximately 70% of the time. Here in Spain, I have traveled by car (other than taxis) only one time, and it was when my host family picked me up upon my arrival. Rather, I get around by walking, taking the bus, or even biking. There is also a metro system here that many Spaniards use. This change in transportation was difficult to adjust to because it means being tired often from walking, having to leave earlier than usual if it is a far walk, and having to learn how to use a bus card. I have become really accustomed to the bus system, however, and walking around has allowed me to familiarize myself with the city. I also enjoy the extra exercise that walking everywhere allows me to have.

4. Smoking

Smoking is extremely common in Spain. I cannot recall a time when I left the house and did not run into someone smoking outside. This was probably the hardest change to get used to as I really do not like inhaling the smoke as I pass by. Sometimes, my hair will smell like tobacco after a night out due to the amount of people smoking. I have learned that even though I choose not to smoke, it is important to respect the decisions of others whether you agree or not. When I come across people smoking, I pass by regularly and try my best not to inhale too much.

5. Meal times

The meal times in Spain are very different from the meal times in the United States. Breakfast is the only meal time that is about the same, as I usually eat breakfast at 8:30 AM before class. The difference is that breakfast is very small. For breakfast, I will have either a yogurt or toast with a coffee. The time for lunch is much later than in the U.S., however, as lunch here is usually between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM. In the U.S., I would eat lunch around 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM. Dinner is the same way and is very late in Spain, between 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Adjusting to this took a while because I would often be sitting around hungry while waiting to eat. I have learned to keep a couple of snacks on me in case this happens, but adjusting to the meal times has become easier over time.

6. Staring at other people

This is another difference that seems a little strange, but is accurate. In the U.S., if you are caught staring at someone, it is usually an embarrassing moment. Also, some may take it as rude. However, in Spain, many people tend to stare at others whether it is walking past each other on the street, riding a bus together, or in other situations. At first, I thought I had something in my hair or on my shirt and was wondering why everyone would look at me. One of my professors who is from Spain explained that it is just common here and is not meant in an insulting manner. It is just a customary difference that most would not notice if they did not spend time living in both the U.S. and Spain.

7. Staying out until the wee hours of the morning and then taking a siesta the following day

In the U.S., a late night out usually ends, at the latest, around 2:00 AM. In Spain, the discos stay open until as late as 7:30 AM. This was a huge difference as the discos here also open later, most not opening until 12:00 or 1:00 AM. My friends from the program and I checked out a local disco and stayed out as late as 4:00 AM. I felt like a complete zombie. However, Spaniards handle staying out late by taking a “siesta” the following day. Siesta is a time typically between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM in which some people go home to relax. Many stores are closed during this time as well. I love siestas and will definitely miss my frequent naps when I return to the U.S.

8. Tipping is not as common

In the U.S., it is customary to tip an employee 20% for their service. This is not the case in Spain. Here, it is common to tip much less, around 5-10%, or not leave a tip. Often times, people will leave their spare change on the table as a tip. There was one time in Madrid where a waiter actually refused my tip because he did not want it. I felt like not tipping was rude at first but I have learned that the customs here are simply different. I usually still leave a tip, but it is smaller than what I would pay in the U.S.

9. The prevalence of fútbol (soccer)

If you think sports fans are wild in the U.S., you have to come visit Spain. I have never seen fans more dedicated to a team or a sport before. I was lucky enough to be in Valencia for a huge game between Valencia and Barcelona. Valencia, the underdogs, won the game and the entire city celebrated the win. In the streets after the game there were fireworks, chants, and lots of people dancing. I had never seen anything like it. The day after the game, the team came home and the people of Valencia filled up the entire fútbol stadium to celebrate. This was one of my coolest experiences here in Spain. You can now consider me the newest fan of the Valencian fútbol team!

Cultural Differences In Dating Spain And Usa Today

10. Paying primarily in cash

In the U.S., I pay for everything with my debit card and rarely carry around cash. Here in Spain, it is very common to pay in cash as some places will not even accept card. Also, if someone tries to pay a small amount with a card, it is regarded as strange. Carrying cash has taught me the importance of being safe with my belongings and remaining alert. This is another change that took some adjustment to get used to.

My experience with the culture of Spain has taught me so much about respect and understanding. Every day I work hard to remain open-minded and to push myself to try new things. I have loved my experience with the culture and would encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zones from time to time! Check out my blog post next week to hear some more about the classes I am taking in Spain!

Hasta luego,

Taliah