British expats in Greece face ‘culture shock’ over personal space issues, says Canadian expat Ludmila

British expats dreaming of a new life in Greece have been warned of an unexpected cultural difference that can come as a “shock”. Newcomers to the country find the local approach to personal space quite surprising.

Expat Ludmila shared her experience: “One of the biggest culture shocks so far…right from the start was the lack of personal space that everyone here gives. It was crazy for me. I don’t know what it’s like everywhere else. but (at home) if you’re next to someone, it’s just weird.”

“You can’t be too close to someone or you’ll be considered a freak. If you get on the subway and there’s someone in the subway car, you have to go to the next subway car, because if you’re sitting in the same car, “I have some weird reasons.”

“It was definitely something I had to get used to,” she explained on My Greek Expat Journey’s YouTube channel. She encouraged those considering a move to allow time to adjust to new cultural norms.

Despite the initial shock, Ludmila expressed her overall love for her new home, saying she “won’t be going back” to Canada after “falling in love with the weather,” as she revealed. Every summer, Greece attracts scores of British tourists to its sunny shores, with hotspots such as Corfu, Crete and Santorini, reports Birmingham Live.

Other top destinations include the bustling streets of Athens and the idyllic islands of Lesvos, Kos, Mykonos, Skiathos, Chios, Thasos, Samothrace, among others. Specialists from Immigrant Invest highlighted the cost benefits: “In Greece, consumer prices, including rent, are 30% lower than in the UK. Renting a one-bedroom flat in the city center costs an average of €400 (£337). “

They also praised the country’s living conditions, saying: “Greece is one of the safest European countries and has a relaxed feel. Move to Greece and get high levels of safety, excellent educational opportunities, comprehensive healthcare options and a rule of thumb. of democratic law”.