Traveling abroad can be hectic, due to a change in almost everything. Be enlightened on the 7 Culture Shocks That Surprised Me in the UK as a Ghanaian Traveler.
I will always remember the precise instant I realized I was no longer in Ghana. I was in the UK for the first time that morning. Even though I thought it was almost “summer,” I was shivering in my light jacket as I exited Heathrow airport. The scent of the air had changed. The sky has changed appearance. There was a change even in the street silence. My experience of culture shock started then, with small surprises, significant epiphanies, and silent moments of “Wow… this is not home.”
This essay is my candid assessment of the surprising things I observed if you’re from Ghana or any other West African nation and are thinking about visiting the UK for the first time, whether for employment, study, or simply exploration.
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A few were humorous. A few were annoying. A few were stunning. However, they all influenced how I initially perceived life in the UK.
7 Culture Shocks That Surprised Me in the UK as a Ghanaian Traveler
As a Ghanaian visitor to the UK, these are the seven cultural shocks that really caught me off guard.
The distance yet the politeness
I was immediately struck by how courteous people are in the UK. “Sorry,” “please,” “thank you,” “excuse me” – these statements are part of practically every sentence. Even if you accidently brush someone’s shoulder, they’re likely to say “sorry” before you do.
But despite all that kindness, I also noticed something else: people keep to themselves. Everyone in the UK seems to keep in their own lane, both emotionally and physically, in contrast to Ghana, where a stranger could give you food or start a lengthy chat with you at a trotro stop.
When I smiled and said hi to someone on the bus for the first time, they gave me a confused expression. I had to get used to that social distance, and it felt frigid. I came to understand that it’s not personal. Only the culture is to blame.
The Weather Obsession
In Ghana, the weather is fairly simple. It’s hot when you wake up. It may rain a little before the temperature rises once more.
However, the weather is a topic of discussion every day in the UK. At first, I thought it was humorous, but it’s true that the British can discuss the weather for hours on end. “Lovely day, isn’t it?” ouch “Bit chilly today, huh?” I’ve heard the sayings “You never know with this weather” more times than I can remember.
Furthermore, they are not exaggerating. In a single afternoon, I witnessed the weather shift from sunny to windy to rainy. One minute, I was sweating. I was wet and shivering the next day. Believe me, always have an umbrella with you.
Food Ingredients and Taste
I must admit that I missed Ghanaian cuisine every single day. If you’re used to spicy, well-seasoned dishes like jollof, waakye, or goat light soup, the food in the UK may seem bland. The “spicy chicken sandwich” I ordered tasted like boiled chicken with a hint of pepper, as I recall.
Portion sizes also caught me off guard. Meals at restaurants appeared modest but costly. You can buy enough waakye to last you the entire day back home for GH₵20. Unless you’re dining at a buffet, you’ll spend more money and still go hungry in the UK.
I eventually discovered Ghanaian eateries and African shops, which made me feel a little more at home.
Time is of the essence.
This one really got to me. We make fun of “Ghana Man Time” in Ghana, where it’s practically expected to arrive at an event thirty minutes late.
However, time is precious in the UK. You must arrive at your appointment at 2:00 PM, not 2:15, or “I’m on my way,” if you have one. Transportation operates on time. Attendance during meetings is punctual. We take delays seriously.
The lecturer had already locked the door when I arrived at a lesson ten minutes late. Lesson learned.
The Way They Treat Animals
Back home, animals are generally for food or for guarding property. Dogs are dogs. Cats are cats.
However, in the United Kingdom? Pets are almost like family. I observed people calling their dogs “my baby,” clothing them in clothes, and pushing them in strollers. I initially believed it to be a joke. However, it isn’t. Dog-friendly pubs, dog birthday parties, and pet insurance plans are all available.
I was truly taken aback by the change in culture. People treat their pets with the same respect that we do our siblings.
How Silent Is It All?
Ghana is loud, but in a good way. Street vendors shouting, loud greetings, laughter, life, and music are all there. Silence is common in the UK. particularly when using public transit.
In London, I recall my very first bus ride. Despite the bus’s full capacity, no one was conversing. No music. Don’t talk. Just individuals discreetly scrolling through their phones and the soft hum of the engine.
It was odd. even uncomfortable. However, I quickly understood that’s the way things are. Quiet areas are respected. It’s really silent in libraries. You’ll hear more laptop clicking than conversation, even at cafes.
Variety That’s true.
Here’s a surprise that was quite enjoyable. I was aware that there were individuals from a variety of origins in the UK, but I was astounded by how diverse it was.
People from all over the world, including India, Pakistan, Somalia, Nigeria, China, Jamaica, and Poland, were visible to me as I was strolling through locations like East London or Birmingham. They weren’t only tourists, either. It was where they resided. They were students, doctors, bus drivers, and entrepreneurs.
I felt less alone because of that multicultural reality. I joined a tiny local community group, made friends with other Ghanaians, and gradually began to form a circle. It served as a reminder that if you search hard enough, you can still uncover traces of home no matter how far you travel.
Concluding Remarks
It’s normal to experience culture shock; it’s a necessary part of growing up. You are stretched, humbled, and occasionally even made to laugh at yourself as a result. The voyage from Ghana to the UK was not just physical; it was also emotional and mental.
I gained knowledge about how to adapt, how to watch without passing judgment, and how to strike a balance between my past and present.
Prepare your thoughts as well as your luggage if you intend to visit the UK shortly. There will be surprises, indeed. However, accept them. You will learn more from them than from any travel guide.
And most importantly, never lose your sense of self. You don’t have to give up your own culture to learn from another.
