Cultural differences between the UK and Spain

Excessive use of umbrellas

One thing I noticed coming to Spain was just how much they like to use their umbrellas. Literally, if it is spitting a tiny bit outside, they will be there, raincoats on, umbrellas up, with facials expressions as if they are caught in the middle of a monsoon. Being British, a little bit of rain does not bother me so it´s absolutely hilarious to watch!

Friendliness

Unfortunately, I live in the south of England which is not known for its friendliness (sorry southerners but it´s true)! Because of this, coming to Spain has been a bit of a culture shock. It’s strange because people actually speak to you! It´s crazy how friendly everyone is. I walk into work each morning to a chorus of holas and whenever anybody enters the office, even if it´s just the postman, they are greeted in the same way. I was walking home from work the other day and got caught up in the international woman´s day parade where a lady just started talking to me. I ended up staying there and having a conversation with her for half an hour which would NEVER happen in the South of England. If someone says more than 3 sentences to you, you get worried that you´re speaking to the town nutter. Honestly, it’s so weird (and refreshing) just being able to speak to people without having to worry that they think you´ve lost your marbles.

Tapas

One of the things I love about Spain is that if you go to a bar and order an alcoholic drink, they have to give you a little snack to go along with it. No wonder the Spanish are able to party all night and get up the next morning to go to work. Their bars literally give them free food to help soak up a hangover!

Breaks

When working in England, you will likely have a 30 minute break during 8 hour shift. If you stay for 31 minutes, your boss will likely lecture you on how you´re taking too long for your breaks. In fact, if you stay for 29 minutes they´ll probably still do the same. However, in Spain they are more liberal with their breaks, as they trust that you will not take advantage of the situation. 

Being Late

Spain operates on ´Spanish Time´ which is a lot later than normal time. In England, if you arrive late to work often, you´ll likely be reprimanded for it and eventually fired. Here in Spain they have a much more relaxed attitude to lateness and employees regularly arrive a few minutes late to work and nobody bats an eyelid. Similarly, if you have a social engagement with a Spaniard, it is normal for them to arrive late.

Staying up Late

The Spaniards are known for their late nights, and I for one cannot keep up! Going to bed after midnight is the norm for Spanish people, and at the weekends it´s not uncommon for them to go to sleep after 3. I personally can´t cope without my full 8 hours sleep, and find staying up later than midnight a struggle.

Personal Space

Just like most Europeans, the Spaniards have a closer personal bubble than us reserved Brits. This unfortunately means that a lot of the time when I am speaking to people, I feel like they are too close to me, which is a really uncomfortable feeling. Where Spaniards naturally stand, is a place that British people reserve only for very close friends, close family and love interests. Spaniards take note: Brits like you to stand at least a meter away.

Written by: Olivia Taylor-Firth