Coming to the UK, I was under the impression culture shock would not be something I would experience as heavy. Like in the US, we speak the same language and even listen to some of the same music. Doing earlier research of the culture and even watching British shows, I thought I had an idea of what it would be like coming here. However, I learned that was not entirely the case.
One thing I knew would be different was the weather and even the food, but it was a larger adjustment than I had expected. One of the biggest shocks for me was dealing with the change in attitude within the social community. Back home, I am used to a culture where people are a lot more assertive; for example, when you go into a store at the mall or when grocery shopping, a lot of times employees approach you and are sometimes obnoxiously persistent. Another example is when people see you out, maybe at a club or a restaurant they will break into a full conversation getting to know you simply from a compliment of your outfit. They will begin wanting to know where you got it and maybe what your plans are for the night. However here in the UK, not to say that people are rude, but the culture is a bit colder. When going on the weekend trips to other cities or into town, the community does not really approach you in stores or when asking for directions it was hard to find someone who was approachable. Most of the people here keep to themselves, have headphones, or do not really make eye contact when walking by.
Now having been here, I am learning to adjust to a habit of asking more questions for clarity, as most people will help. However, it was a cultural aspect I was not aware of. I have noticed as time goes by that I fit in more and so I am more able to understand the social queues. I have understood that in some ways it is more respectful than assuming I want to be approached. It was just rather surprising to feel the culture shock and make that adjustment but something new I will have learned when returning home.