Common Cultural Differences in Latin America

Whenever you study abroad, you experience some cultural
adjustment. However, when you are participating in a language immersion
program, this cultural adjustment is normally greater because you are living
with a family of strangers who don’t speak your native language. By immersing
yourself in the culture, you will learn much more than vocabulary and verbs,
you will learn how to communicate.

Common Cultural Differences in Latin America:

• The never say “I don’t know” mentality: In general people in Latin America try to be as helpful
  as possible. They don’t like to say they don’t know. The most common example is
  when you are asking for directions and get pointed in the wrong one. This is
  not intentional, the person is only trying to be helpful. 
• Quiet and peaceful households, a rarity: Whether it is dogs
  barking, roosters crowing, street noise, neighbors or relatives visiting or a
  señora banging around the kitchen making a meal, much of Latin America is just
  plain noisy. Get used to it, and if you are a light sleeper bring earplugs.
• Reality check: Things don’t always work: Telephones are
  still a rarity in much of Latin America and reliable telephones are practically
  unheard of. Don’t throw toilet paper in the toilet because it will get clogged.
  Be patient because, “hey”, you are on vacation.
• Family that stays together, lives together: It is common for
  three generations of families to be living together under the same roof. It is
  a way to increase the household income and to help one another. Can you imagine
  living with all of your relatives every day?
• Respect for the elders and parents: Is required and expected
  in Latino/Hispanic families. The family shares financial and emotional support
  with one another. Together the families provide support and protection for children
  and the elderly
• Different schedules & routines: In much of Latin
  America, lunch is the big meal of the day which causes business to close for an
  hour or two each afternoon. In some countries like Argentina, dinner is eaten
  at 10:30 or 11:00 at night. When in Rome do as the Romans do.
• And don’t forget . . . Time takes time, lots of time:
  Punctuality may be a concept of the future. “Hora Latina” is different, enjoy
  it, don’t take it personally.

To read more common cultural differences in Latin America, and about cultural adjustment in general, download our free e-report AmeriSpan’s Guide to Cultural Adjustment.