Traveling abroad can be hectic, due to a change in almost everything. Be enlightened on the 7 Eye Opening Culture Shocks Every Ghanaian Experiences in the UK.
I still remember the exact moment it hit me — I was no longer in Ghana. I had just landed in the UK for the very first time, and even though it was supposedly “summer,” I was already shivering in my light jacket the second I stepped out of Heathrow Airport. The air smelled different. The sky looked different. Even the silence on the streets felt strange. That was when my culture shock truly began — with tiny surprises, quiet realizations, and that thought running through my mind: “Wow… I’m really not home anymore.”
This piece is an honest reflection of the things that shocked me most. So, if you’re from Ghana or anywhere in West Africa and you’re preparing to visit the UK — whether for work, studies, or simply to explore — this might give you a glimpse of what to expect.
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Some of these moments were funny. Some were confusing. A few were downright emotional. But together, they shaped my first impression of what life in the UK is really like.
7 Eye Opening Culture Shocks Every Ghanaian Experiences in the UK
Here are the seven things that completely caught me off guard during my stay in the UK.
1. The Distance… Yet the Politeness
One thing I noticed right away — people in the UK are incredibly polite. “Sorry,” “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” seem to appear in every sentence. Even when you bump into someone, they’re likely to apologize first.
But beneath that politeness, I felt something else — distance. Unlike in Ghana, where strangers can share food or strike up conversations at the trotro stop, people here prefer to keep to themselves.
The first time I smiled and said hello to a stranger on the bus, they gave me the most puzzled look. It felt cold at first, but I later realized it wasn’t rudeness — it’s just the way the culture works.
2. The Weather Obsession
In Ghana, the weather is simple — it’s hot, or it rains, and then it’s hot again. End of story.
In the UK? The weather is practically a national obsession. It’s a full-time conversation topic. You’ll hear lines like, “Lovely day, isn’t it?” or “Bit chilly today, huh?” every single day. And the funny part is — they’re not exaggerating!
I once watched the weather change from sunshine to wind to rain — all in one afternoon. One minute I was sweating, the next I was freezing. Lesson learned: never leave your house without an umbrella.
3. The Food — and the Flavor Gap
As much as I loved exploring new cuisines, I missed Ghanaian food every single day. If you’re used to spicy, flavorful dishes like jollof, waakye, or goat light soup, UK meals can feel… bland.
I’ll never forget ordering a “spicy chicken sandwich” and realizing it was just boiled chicken with a tiny sprinkle of pepper.
And don’t get me started on portion sizes! For the price of one small meal in the UK, you could buy enough waakye in Ghana to feed two people. Eventually, I found Ghanaian restaurants and African shops that brought a bit of home back into my life.
4. Time Is Everything
This was a big one. Back home, “Ghana Man Time” means you can arrive 30 minutes late and still be early.
In the UK, time is sacred. If you have a meeting at 2:00 PM, they expect you at 2:00 PM sharp — not 2:15 or “I’m on my way.” Transportation runs like clockwork, and lateness is taken seriously.
I learned the hard way when I showed up 10 minutes late to a lecture and found the door already locked. Trust me — punctuality isn’t a joke here.
5. How They Treat Animals
In Ghana, animals are mostly for food or security. Dogs guard the house; cats chase mice. Simple.
In the UK, pets are practically family members. I saw people calling their dogs “my baby,” dressing them in sweaters, and even pushing them around in strollers. I thought it was a prank at first — it wasn’t.
There are pet birthday parties, dog cafés, and even pet insurance plans. It genuinely amazed me how much care and love people give their animals.
6. The Silence
Ghana is full of life and noise — laughter, street vendors, greetings, and music everywhere.
In the UK? Silence. Especially on public transport.
I’ll never forget my first bus ride in London. The bus was full, yet no one spoke a word. Just the hum of the engine and people scrolling quietly on their phones. It felt strange at first, but I later understood — quietness is a form of respect here. Even in cafés or libraries, you’ll hear the sound of keyboards more than voices.
7. The Beautiful Diversity
This was one of the most pleasant surprises. I knew the UK was diverse, but I didn’t expect this level of multiculturalism.
In places like East London or Birmingham, I saw people from everywhere — India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Jamaica, China, Somalia, Poland — all living, working, and studying together.
That diversity made me feel at home. I met other Ghanaians, joined a local community group, and slowly built friendships that felt like family. It reminded me that even when you’re far from home, you can always find people who understand you.
Concluding Thoughts
Culture shock is normal — it’s part of the adventure. Traveling from Ghana to the UK wasn’t just a physical journey; it was emotional and mental, too.
I learned to adapt, to observe before judging, and to balance who I am with where I am.
So if you’re planning to travel to the UK soon, prepare your mind as well as your luggage. There will be surprises — but embrace them. They’ll teach you more than any travel guide ever could.
And above all, stay true to yourself. You don’t have to lose your culture to appreciate someone else’s.
