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Your experience of culture shock in New Caledonia

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Christine

Hi,

Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes.

How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in New Caledonia.

What is your advice regarding the don’ts and what would you recommend to avoid any mistake?

Thank you in advance for sharing your stories,

Christine

See also

Living in New Caledonia: the expat guideNew members of the New Caledonia forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025New members of the New Caledonia forum, introduce yourselves here - 2024Expat accommodation and cost of living in New CaledoniaMoving to New Cal
Philthefrog

Hi Christine,

New Caledonia being a multicultural country, people are open mindd there and you should not expect a big shock when there.
Speaking French is definitely a plus and you may get a few difficulties if you only speak english but I believe it would be all fine. Lot's of tourists come from Australia and you could always make yourself understood one way or another.
Don'ts: being ude to people not understanding you. (like everywhere) / not respecting surrounding nature (throwing things away)

Beautiful country with fantistic landscapes and people.
If you're interested, I tried myself at making a trip vieo.. : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jU8YphC5HI

Andrea il Fainoz

Nice video Philthefrog! Are you a film-maker?  :D

Philthefrog

Thanks but no. Just amateur traveler :-)

Andrea il Fainoz

Well Christine,
I have not been in New Caledonia yet, but it is my dream. In my opinion, a person that wants to move in a Country where the language, culture, uses are different from its own, should have a really open mind, an adaptation ability and the will to face a new reality as well. Everything to say that I do not consider it as a shock, but I could say that it is an exciting experience.
Anyway this changes person by person, and if anyone has already lived there, we are glad to receive any feedback from them.
Have a nice day (or night) to you all!
Andrea