Culture shock
in Spain

1 Look at the pictures and match them to the place names.

2  SPEAKING  Work in pairs. Discuss whether you think the following things are the same or different in Slovenia and the countries in the pictures?

3  SPEAKING  Make a list of some more things that are different in other societies. Compare your ideas with other students in the class.

4 Read and listen to the article. Choose the ways Madison says Spain is different from the US.

  Culture shock in Spain

by Núria González

If you move to another country, you can’t escape culture shock. Traditions that are familiar in one society can seem really weird to another. So what’s it like moving to Spain? I spoke to American writer Madison Forbes, who came here to Madrid two years ago.

NÚRIA: So to begin with, Madison, what’s the best thing about living here?
MADISON: I think I’d have to say the relaxed atmosphere. Everything’s a bit slower than at home. For example, I was surprised that you can sit in a restaurant as long as you like. Where I come from, the waiter will come over with the check the minute you’ve finished eating to try to make you leave.
NÚRIA: What else surprised you about Spain?
MADISON: Kissing was probably the most surprising thing for me! Back home, I might kiss my family or maybe very good friends, but not my colleagues, and certainly not anyone I didn’t know! I got a big shock the first time a Spanish friend introduced me to someone and I realised they expected me to kiss him on the cheek!
NÚRIA: Oh dear! What did you do?
MADISON: I took a step backwards – I had to apologise the next time I saw him! I think it’s great really, and also the way people say hello to you everywhere – in elevators, in cafés, and even in the doctor’s waiting room. People here are definitely friendlier than at home.
NÚRIA: What is the reason for that in your opinion?
MADISON: Maybe it’s something to do with the weather, which is another big difference, of course. It’s easier to be friendly and relaxed when the sun’s shining!
NÚRIA: And finally, which food do you like best – Spanish or American?
MADISON: Spanish food is delicious! The only problem I have is with your meal times. When I first arrived, I couldn’t believe that people would have dinner at 10 pm. I’m absolutely starving by then!

5 Read the article again. Choose the correct option.

1 Put the points in order of importance.

1 [latex]\Box[/latex] People are friendly.
2 [latex]\Box[/latex] Everyone takes part in making decisions.
3 [latex]\Box[/latex] Not much crime.
4 [latex]\Box[/latex] Everyone has enough money.
5 [latex]\Box[/latex] Plenty of entertainment, e.g. cinemas, clubs

2 Think of at least two more things you believe are important in a good society.

3  SPEAKING  Compare your ideas with a partner.

1 Look at the questions about the article above. Is the question word the subject or the object of each question? 

Choose the correct words to complete the rule.

2 Use the given words to complete the questions in the dialogue.

3 Find and correct the mistake in each question.

1 Choose an adjective from the list to describe each thing.

ordinary | typical | fascinating | dull | enjoyable | unfamiliar | weird | surprising

2 Choose the correct adjective in each sentence.

3  SPEAKING  Choose three of the adjectives from Exercise 1 and use them to make sentences about your own experiences. Compare your sentences with your partner.