5 CULTURAL SHOCKS AFTER MOVING TO RWANDA

It's my birthday!
In this video I want to share with you, maybe warn you, about the 5 major cultural shocks I experience, when I moved to Rwanda.
I moved to Rwanda to follow my dream of opening my own gym and help contribute to the development of Rwanda.

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[someguyik]

I started hanging out with some Rwandans a few years ago. I was not aware of their issues with time. The first party I was invited to was at 8pm...so naturally I showed up at 8pm. No one else showed up until 9:30....

[terrimayhan]

Hey Theo, I am an American living in Rwanda. I really enjoy your videos. Your waiter impersonation has me cracking up. Of course the nicer restaurants are much better. I have found that Rwanda is such a lovely country that it was easy to get used to most of these things you mentioned. However the lateness is annoying. The way I deal with the staring is...when someone stares at me, rather than ignore them, I just look directly at them and give a friendly upnod, or smile and give a little wave. They usually act surprised, as if they didn't even realize they were staring, then they will sheepishly smile and wave back, and go on their way. Simple! I was so shy in Rwanda at first, because I am mzungu and really stick out. But I found that if I am friendly and outgoing, and just talk to people wherever I go, they are the friendliest people anywhere. And one sure way to make friends is to pull out your phone and ask them if they want to take some selfies together. Rwandans love selfies! Especially children, and ESPECIALLY rural children. They will crowd together for photos, then excitedly crowd around to see the pictures, laughing and having fun. Rwandan kids are the best. I really miss the days before lockdown. Rwanda is my favorite place to live for sure. Thanks for helping me with the Kinyarwanda lessons.

[henrysylvester-williams]

I prefer my customer service to be great. If the person is in a good mood, bad mood, sad or happy, I just want good service. So if you're angry and I get good service I'm ok. If you're happy if my service is poor, then I won't like it.

[coachremmy]

Theo i loved the part about the customer service, the acting was on point 👌🏾😜😂

[daysorless]

If I’m paying I want a smile fake or genuine 😂

[jaynemcgurrin-feshold]

Theo is delightful and explains the workings of Rwanda without being derogatory! lots of laughs.

[rulisa]

I'm coming home in a week and your vids have been very nostalgic and comforting. Thanks, Theo!

[koyubass]

Thank you for the great video as usual. I’ll be in Rwanda for a month so hope see you there!

[LiLisLounge]

I thought the staring was only because I am muzungu. It really turned me off from wanting to live there, as I didn't want to deal with that every single day.

[vokevee]

Time is an African factor hence the saying "Africanman Time"

You can start a training session for emoloyees at restaurants.

Great video mate and Happy Birthday

[jamman]

You would say they are not afraid to lie.

[itscyberqueen]

For #1 I can only think of one thing. I am shy. But I find that if I find the courage I can walk up to someone and tell them something about them that I like and it makes me feel happy inside when they smile because I was nice. It makes me feel less awkward around strangers and the other person seems delighted and less distant with me. For example, I told the hostess at the restaurant that I loved her shoes. She smiled so bright and she seemed more comfortable. I made her happy in that moment. I think she appreciated it and therefore she stopped staring at me and she was even kinder to me in her body language. I guess the point is that everyone can feel awkward and shy, but if you make them feel happy they share happiness back. Maybe it's a natural human response. If you look nervous you'll make me nervous. If you look happy you'll make me happy.

[Jack-fsim]

big respect for moving back to yr homeland

[karenheavey]

Hi Theo, Happy Belated Birthday! I love your videos so far (I have watched 2 and hope to watch many more!) I love that you are talking about culture shock and differences you’ve encountered between The Netherlands and Rwanda! I am Irish-American and I studied some Guinean and Malian music and dance in college from 1995-1998. Then I decided to learn more about the cultures that created and practice these art forms. For health reasons I couldn’t travel so I volunteered in and got to know the African refugee community in my city. Although I did have some experience with Rwandan refugee families I had more experience with West Africans - however there seems to be a lot of similarities. Your skit describing customer service could apply to many of the communities I got to know. I guess I am thinking of “smiling” and how that seems to be optional in many West African social situations (as well as in customer service). I was raised in an upper middle class, almost entirely white suburb and smiling was NOT optional in my experience. I much prefer being genuine and connecting honestly with people around me, even if that means they don’t smile at me. Ok, this is getting long and I apologize. I plan to watch and respond to more of your videos so no need to ramble on endlessly here! All the best! -Karen

[livewithcedric]

Great video and entertaining. I learned a few things. Thanks Theo

[bernadetteshiels]

Happy Birthday and please continue your frank and honest platform

[mathematical_theology]

Great informative video. You have a great personality young brother, lol Subscribed! Peace!

[saxupyourlife]

I have just come across your video and subscribed ❤

[julioconsuegra]

It is exactly the same way in so many countries in South America..water run out, light outs, food run out, customer service, tardiness..etc..

[historyasaguidinglight]

Fortunately, the traits you mentioned in your post are learned behaviors that can be modified and even eradicated by a broad and sustained awareness and educational campaign.