Coming to Ireland, I expected a lot of things to be different then California. Certain things are different but some are similar too. It is usually the little differences that get to me. I can't say that I'm completely over my culture shock but I learned to deal with the differences and live comfortably here.
Parking & Cars
No one really seems to care in what direction they park. Also, the cars here are all small. Rarely have I seen an SUV. I think part of the reason is that the roads are so tiny that big cars don't make sense.
Showers
Election Posters
In February, Ireland had a General Election for their government. Many people were unhappy with the financial crisis the old government & its policy caused so an election was held. Unlike election posters at home, these had the candidate's face on them.
Currency
Ireland uses the Euro (€) here.
I didn't open up a bank account because the exchange rate was good when I first arrived. Now I wish I did. In January €1 = $1.33, now €1 = $1.45. The exchange rate changes each day but it's been going up, and I've been losing money because of it. Usually I take a large amount out of the ATM to last me about 3-4 weeks. That way, I'll only get charged my $5 ATM fee once every 3-4 weeks instead of going to the ATM every couple of days.
Driving:
Like the UK, people drive on the left side of the road here.
Buses:
Most of the buses here are double decker buses. However, I have seen smaller buses like the ones back home. Another difference is that the amount you pay for each ride is based on stages. The further you travel, the more it costs. Unlike the Metro back home, where the cost to ride Bus #2 from UCLA to Downtown is 1.50, the same as the cost of UCLA to Hollywood, the prices differ between stages. If I go 3 stops, its €1.20, but if I go to the city (about 10 stops) its €1.85.
The buses also give change if you put too much money in. The only thing is you have to go to the main office in the city to get your refund.
Food:
Cookies, some of the cookies here are called 'digestive biscuits'. At first I thought they were cookies to help you go but no, they're just regular cookies.
Cost:
Fruits & Vegetables, the cost of fruits and vegetables is higher than back home. One head of broccoli costs on average €1.99 (sometimes €0.99 if it's on sale). The reason is that most of the fruits and veggies are imported from other countries.
Lack of Student Employees on Campus
Back at UCLA, I'm used to most on campus shops & restaurants to have student workers. At UCD, it doesn't seem like any of the workers are students. I think it's only in the gym that I've seen students working.
Not towing but clamping
When a car breaks a parking rule, I haven't seen any tow trucks moving them. Instead I see clamping.
No one really seems to care in what direction they park. Also, the cars here are all small. Rarely have I seen an SUV. I think part of the reason is that the roads are so tiny that big cars don't make sense.
In February, Ireland had a General Election for their government. Many people were unhappy with the financial crisis the old government & its policy caused so an election was held. Unlike election posters at home, these had the candidate's face on them.
Similarities
Classroom/Lecture Halls
The classrooms are basically like any other classroom I've been in. The lecture halls are stadium seating (like the newer ones at UCLA). Each has a blackboard, overhead, & screen for powerpoint presentations. Each has their own mic.
Commercialization: Same stores, Farmer Markets, Swap Meets, Department Stores, etc.
The Celtic Tiger period, (from 1997 to 2004), was a period of economic growth in Ireland. During this time, Irish society became more commercialized and materialistic. A lot of foreign companies and investment came into the country. Thanks to globalization, a lot of stores you will find back home are in Dublin too.
Cultural Diversity
When I first thought about living in Ireland I was afraid that I would suffer from the lack of Asian food. However, due in part to the Celtic Tiger boom and working visas, Ireland became a more diverse country. There is a growing Chinese population and so I was able to find an Asian market and didn't really suffer from Chinese food withdrawals.
While Ireland is not as diverse as California, I still ran into a lot of people from different countries.
Tourists
Like Los Angeles, and basically any big city or place, Dublin has a lot of tourists. Going to the city centre reminds me of walking around Hollywood.
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