REVERSE CULTURE SHOCK: Indonesia-USA

Summary

In this engaging video, the speaker shares their experiences of reverse culture shock after returning to Indonesia from studying abroad. They humorously describe differences like the widespread presence of housekeepers, the struggle with street food hygiene, and the surprising habit of eating rice for breakfast. The speaker also highlights their love for rice cookers, a kitchen essential they embraced during their time abroad. Through these anecdotes, the video offers a relatable and lighthearted exploration of adjusting to life back home after living in a different culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reverse culture shock is a real phenomenon when returning home after living abroad for an extended period.
• 😀 Housekeepers are common in middle and upper-middle-class households in Indonesia, unlike in many Western countries where domestic help is rare.
• 😀 In Indonesia, having a maid or housekeeper is seen as a norm, and it's not limited to the wealthy.
• 😀 Street food in Indonesia can pose hygiene concerns for someone returning after time abroad, but the taste remains irresistible.
• 😀 Recycled exam papers are often used by street food vendors to wrap food, which may seem unsanitary by Western standards.
• 😀 After living in the U.S., the speaker found it difficult to eat street food without feeling ill, highlighting cultural differences in food hygiene.
• 😀 In Western countries, breakfast often consists of items like waffles and pancakes, but in Indonesia, rice is a common breakfast food.
• 😀 The transition to eating rice for breakfast again after returning to Indonesia was initially strange but eventually embraced.
• 😀 A rice cooker is considered an essential kitchen tool in Indonesia, but it is not as common in Western countries.
• 😀 The speaker jokes about making the best rice, even gifting a rice cooker to their boyfriend, highlighting the importance of rice in their culture.
• 😀 Reverse culture shock can manifest in various ways, and it takes time to adjust to the familiar world that now feels unfamiliar.

Q & A

What is reverse culture shock, as mentioned in the video?

Reverse culture shock refers to the feeling of disorientation or discomfort experienced when someone returns to their home country after living abroad. It occurs when a person has adapted to foreign customs, and upon returning home, the familiar culture feels strange or overwhelming.

Why did the speaker mention having a housekeeper as part of their experience of reverse culture shock?

The speaker mentions the prevalence of housekeepers in Indonesia, especially among the middle and upper-middle class. After living abroad, the speaker found it unusual to have a housekeeper in the home country, as it’s more common in certain social classes in Indonesia compared to other countries.

What cultural difference about food hygiene did the speaker experience?

After living abroad, the speaker became concerned about food hygiene, particularly regarding street food in Indonesia. They noted how food, especially from street vendors, was often prepared with materials like old exam papers, which became a source of discomfort upon returning home.

What was the speaker’s reaction to having rice for breakfast in Indonesia?

The speaker was initially surprised to have rice for breakfast when they returned to Indonesia. Having grown accustomed to eating waffles and pancakes while abroad, the shift back to eating rice felt strange, but the speaker embraced it as part of their culture.

How did the speaker feel about using a rice cooker?

The speaker expressed a deep appreciation for rice cookers, calling them an essential kitchen appliance. They highlighted how they used rice cookers often, and even received one as a Christmas gift, which they consider a valuable item for preparing rice easily and efficiently.

What did the speaker say about Indonesian street food vendors?

The speaker recalled how street food vendors in Indonesia often use old exam papers as wrappers for food. This practice, which the speaker found unsanitary after living abroad, is a common sight, especially near schools.

Why did the speaker mention Krispy Kreme doughnuts?

The speaker shared an anecdote about buying a Krispy Kreme doughnut in the US, but experiencing digestive issues afterward. This moment underscored how their stomach had become more sensitive to food after living abroad, and highlighted the changes they underwent regarding food habits.

What does the speaker say about the role of food in their identity?

The speaker emphasizes that food, especially rice, plays a significant role in their identity. Despite being teased for eating rice regularly, they proudly admit their love for rice, even highlighting that they have a large rice cooker to make it easier to prepare.

How did the speaker’s view on food hygiene change after spending time abroad?

After living abroad, the speaker became more cautious about food hygiene, especially when it comes to street food in Indonesia. The unsanitary preparation methods, like using old papers, became a point of concern for the speaker upon returning.

What overall message does the speaker convey about reverse culture shock?

The speaker reflects on the unexpected adjustments and realizations that come with returning home after spending time abroad. They share their personal experiences to highlight how cultural habits, such as food practices and household customs, can feel both familiar and jarring at the same time.