Living in 2 different countries can be hard for some. Though, living abroad makes you susceptible to welcoming more opportunities. It can also lead you to to invest in a business in that particular country. That is the case of Attorney Ken Duong, who chose to move from the United States yo Vietnam as a permanent place to live. He has been living in Vietnam for almost 9 years! And as an American attorney, he’s adapting to Vietnam culture. Living in Vietnam as an expat can be different. If you don’t know how to adapt to Vietnam culture, it is a whole different ball game!
Whether you are an entrepreneur who wants to invest in Vietnam or simply want to retire, understanding cultural differences is essential to succeed and live long term in Vietnam!
Here are some of the culture shock examples you will experience while living in Vietnam as an expat:
Generation Boomerang
Let’s talk about adult children living with their parents: US vs Vietnam!
In the Vietnam culture, it is common for children to stay in their parents’ house until they get married. And this is referred to as “ở nhà” or “staying home”. This practice is rooted in the cultural importance of family and filial piety. The concept of family in Vietnam is highly valued, and children are expected to take care of their parents as they age. Also by staying home, children can contribute to the family’s well-being. They can save money and build up resources to start their own family.
Other culture shock examples include the fact that Vietnamese place a strong emphasis on marriage. Getting married is a major life event in Vietnam culture that should be celebrated with other people. Therefore, don’t be surprised to have more than 500 guests come to celebrate your Vietnamese wedding day!
On the other hand, in the United States, it is more common for children to move out of their parents’ house at the age of 18. Children, then, become adults and financially independent. This is because people in the United States puts a cultural emphasis on individualism and self-reliance. In other words, we expect children to build their own live past the age of 18.
However, based on our experience, the young generation in Vietnam is adopting the Western mentality pretty rapidly. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see young Vietnamese adults moving out even unmarried. Something not unthinkable just 10 or 15 years ago.
6 Culture Shock Examples Between the United States and Vietnam You’ll Experience
Want to learn more about culture shock examples between Vietnam and the US? Check out the latest video that we made where we lay out 6 major differences! In this video, we discuss topics that vary from education orientation to culture show in the business environment while living in Vietnam as an expat. You might need to know before considering live in Vietnam long term.
Will The Differences Between The U.S. vs Vietnam Affect Your Decision To Live in Vietnam?
Attorney Ken Duong personally experienced and thinks that those culture shock examples have a significant impact, not only on business practices but also on relationships between partners and clients from both cultures. And these differences highlight the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity in today’s globalized world.
By understanding and respecting different cultural norms and practices, we can build stronger and more successful business relationships!
Want To Learn More About Vietnam Culture And Vietnamese People?
At Duong Global, we recommend you to travel to Vietnam and experience the differences compare with your home country before moving to Vietnam. We made many videos about living in Vietnam as an expat. Check out our Youtube channel for more entertaining content. And should you need to travel to Vietnam, our law firm can get your Vietnam e-visa as well. So, feel free to contact us, as we provide a reliable and speedy Vietnam tourist e-visa for tourism and business purposes!
