5 Things that Give Culture Shock to a Newbie in Egypt

The struggle is real. Any Egyptian who has lived abroad in a Western society for an extended period of time and returned home to Egypt will, for sure, experience culture shock.

Us Egyptians have a culture and belief system unlike any other society – sometimes I like to call this way of doing things “out of this world”. So, dearest Egyptians, these are the five things that bother us newcomers to our breaking point. And to the newbies: Welcome to the struggle.

1. If you don’t walk in a room full of strangers and socialize, that automatically makes you “tenka”

People in Egypt expect you to see their face and smile instantly. Not just that, but you must pretend you know them and love them and socialize non-stop. Otherwise, if you don’t do that, “tenka” will be the first impression they have of you.

Later, when they learn you are a human being with a personality, they’ll admit to their harsh first impression of you. Yet, keep in mind, they claim to be non-judgmental and open-minded.

2. Everyone will claim to be “open-minded” but do not believe them. I repeat DO NOT. You have been warned…

When you first talk with someone, and they become aware you just came to Egypt and have been living in a Western country your whole life, they will try to act like they’re open-minded, but trust me they are definitely not.

I assure you though, there are individuals who really are open-minded. But those who are won’t just say it, they will show it.

3. Misinterpreting the meaning of being open-minded

Being open minded does not mean you smoke, drink, have premarital sex, support gay rights, and go clubbing all the time, simply NO. Being open-minded means you have your own values, beliefs, and strict lifestyle, but you don’t judge other people’s different approaches to life.

If you understand that there is no one right way and that your way is just your way (not necessarily the best and only way), then you are truly open-minded.

4. All the girls will tell you they hate drama and gossiping

But, let’s face it once and for all: they can’t live without it.

Females in Egypt and the Arab world can’t survive a day without gossip. No one 100% abstains from gossip but there’s a fine line between a little gossip and gossip as the only conversation. They will tell you they hate drama and gossip, and let me tell you that is the biggest lie.

5. Not to mention the disgusting sexism

It is disgusting how sexist of a nation Egypt is. Guys can come home late, but girls can’t. Males can have premarital sex and it will be because “boys will be boys” but females who do are whores who haven’t been raised right. Men can wear whatever they please and no one will even care enough to notice but women are major sluts for showing their cleavage. The list goes on and on and on…

WE SAID THIS: Read 12 Things About Egyptians that Give Foreigners Culture Shock