Culture Shock in Spain

Most expats moving to Spain will be familiar with the token cultural concept of “siesta”, but more often than not, this somewhat outdated gap in time is the extent of a foreigner’s Spanish foundation. Though the culture shock experienced in Spain may not be as extreme as in other locations, those relocating to the Iberian Peninsula will still likely find a lot that takes some getting used too.

Time in Spain

Many places still observe the siesta, which is a long break between 2pm and 5pm in which many people sleep or return home for lunch, but expats working in the larger cities of Madrid and Barcelona will find the siesta slowly disappearing. Spanish businessmen cannot afford to take this time out of their days, and many workers insist that a shorter lunch gives them more free time in the evening. For restaurants and other members of the service industry, the siesta, if taken, runs at a different time.

On another note, expats will soon realise that the Spanish work on their own time, meaning that hurrying someone usually just irritates that person. Having asked for the bill in a Spanish restaurant, expect to wait for a few minutes. It will not be brought immediately. All this does not mean the Spanish are rude, they just do things differently.

Language barrier in Spain

Many expats assume that because Spain is a Western European country everyone speaks English, and it’s not necessary to learn Spanish.

This is not only an attitude that the Spanish despise, it is also an outright fallacy. Though a large portion of the population does have some knowledge of English, the levels of proficiency vary greatly. Furthermore, the Spanish can be very unforgiving toward those that make no effort to even begin to communicate in the country’s national language.

Aside from these points, it’s also important to recognise that in the region of Catalunya (both Barcelona and Valencia fall in this area) the primary language used is Catalan, a French and Latin-influenced variation of typical Spanish.

A primary method of easing the degree of culture shock experienced in Spain is to learn the language, and it’s highly recommended expats master at least a few basic phrases before they move.

Politeness in Spain often does not rely on the quintessential ‘pleases’ and ‘thank-you’s that dominate the English world. Expect instead to be spoken to with short and sharp requests for either action or information. For most purposes, the please, ‘por favor’ is either overly formal, or a sign of exasperation. Spanish shopkeepers will acknowledge one with little more than a quick “Si?’ and an expectant facial expression.

Women in Spain

Women may have a difficult time adjusting to Spanish culture, especially if they come from places where catcalling has fallen away. The cities are essentially modern, but rural Spain still holds onto some of its patriarchal thinking. Staring and commenting on passing women is something of a national past-time for many groups of men. While times are changing, it’s not for nothing that the word ‘Machismo’ originated in the Spanish speaking world. However, there are few legal, educational or cultural impediments to female advancement in the workplace and the law protects female equality.

Religion in Spain

Spain is a Roman Catholic nation. While the church is not state-backed, the evidence of its reach can be seen everywhere. In many towns the largest building is the church, and the cathedrals and shrines of Spain are not to be missed when sightseeing. As much as 70 percent of the nation identifies with the Catholic Church, and as many as 20 percent are regular churchgoers.

Despite its religious background though, a large degree of social change came about under the Spanish prime minister in 2004 and beyond. Gay marriage has since been legalised, religious education is no longer a mandatory part of curriculum in public schools and abortions on demand came to be legally endorsed in February 2010, prior to this point the procedure could only be carried out for rapes and for maternal health concerns.

Bureaucracy in Spain

The structure of the Spanish government means that a high degree of autonomy is given to each of its 17 political regions. This means that both laws and culture can vary extensively from one part of Spain to another, and, as a result the bureaucracy in Spain is particularly painful.

Similarly, in business, the Spanish adopt a tedious approach to contract negotiation. The Spanish will take a lot of time arranging any deal, running over each section until it is clear that both sides understand what is required of them, and once signed, it is expected that deals are carried out to the letter.