Moving to Spain get's harder before it gets easier. Here's why...

This is the U-curve of cultural adjustment: a pattern identified by a Norwegian sociologist in the 1950s that explains what happens when you move abroad. Most people quit during the culture shock phase (usually around month 6) because they think the struggle means they've failed. But if you stick with it... keep building community, learning Spanish, staying curious... you've move right through adjustment into mastery. That's when Spain feels like home. (and when the bank closing at 2pm stops making you want to scream!) Comment on this if you're planning a move or going through the "dip" right now- you're not alone!