Culture and Community

I was told at many study abroad orientations and meetings that I would experience pretty severe culture shock. This is true. I am constantly comparing how things operate here in Lima to how they function in the US.

But “culture shock” doesn’t do justice to the complicated mixture of emotions from my first weeks here. Not only am I living in a different culture, but I am also trying to relocate my life to a new location, no matter that the new location is in a different country. Along with any relocation comes attempts to meet new people, make new friends, establish a routine, and create a community. Along with this particular relocation also comes attempts to accomplish all of the above in a different language, and to balance American, international, and Peruvian friends.

With the intersection of both culture shock and relocation, my emotions change at the drop of a hat. One minute I am triumphant that I successfully found and bought chapstick at the grocery store, and then the next, frustrated when I have trouble understanding the Spanish of my Peruvian friends. I am excited to explore Perú, but worried that I’m only hitting the tourist spots. I am always wanting to meet new people, but am mentally exhausted from so many interactions in a new language and culture.

My first three weeks in Lima have been some of the most stressful, challenging, and frustrating weeks I have ever experienced. The main lesson I've discovered about myself in these three weeks? I value community. I seek a sense of support, of comfort with my surroundings, and a feeling of normalcy. The hardest part of this study abroad experience so far has been a feeling of floating. I'm not sure where I can go and who I can turn to. I don't know the most efficient route to Parque Kenedy or where the best bar to watch sports games is. I can't just call up a new Peruvian friend to come over and watch a movie any time I want.

I think that some people, the real adventure types, find this part of the experience exciting - thrilling, even. And that's not to say that I don't like to adventure. I do. I'm just looking forward to when I can adventure to new parts of Lima and Perú and feel as though I am returning to a strong base and a sense of comfort with myself and my surroundings.