Culture Shock 101: 5 Things A Nepali Man Noticed Immediately in the U.S.

I recently had an awesome conversation with my friend, Ayush Bharati about his first impressions moving from Nepal to the U.S. What really caught my attention were the small but striking differences that made him realize he was in a completely new world. Sometimes it’s not the big changes but these little details that highlight what culture shock really feels like.

If you’re planning to study or move abroad—or just curious—here are 5 things Ayush noticed right away that gave him some serious culture shock:

1. Zebra Crossing Signals (Crosswalk Signs)

In Nepal, jaywalking is pretty common and crossing the street isn’t always straightforward. Ayush found the zebra crossing signals in the U.S. fascinating.

“The countdown timers and clear crosswalk signs made me feel safe. Cars actually stop, and there’s a system.”

It’s a small but powerful example of how safety and order are built into daily life here.

2. Fire Alarms and Emergency Response Systems

Ayush was caught off guard by how fire alarms work and how people respond to them.

“In Nepal, fire drills and alarms aren’t really a thing. Here, the alarm went off and everyone calmly followed the evacuation rules. That was new for me.”

It showed him just how seriously emergency preparedness is taken in the U.S.

3. Express Lanes, HOV Lanes, and Highway Structure

Ayush noticed the smart design of highways and shopping lines.

“I love the express lanes at grocery stores where you can quickly check out with just a few items. Also, the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on highways were something I hadn’t seen before. They really help manage traffic.”

These features highlighted how efficiency and planning shape everyday life.

4. Speed and Measurement Differences: How Fast Cars Drive and Pounds Instead of Kilograms

One of the biggest surprises for Ayush was how fast cars go here, especially in Boston.

“Back home, driving speeds feel slower, but here in Boston and the U.S., cars zoom by much faster. Plus, everything’s measured in miles per hour instead of kilometers per hour—it took me a while to adjust. And weights are in pounds, not kilograms.”

It’s a subtle reminder of how even familiar things like speed and weight can feel totally different abroad.

5. Pace of Life: Slow and Relaxed in Nepal vs. Fast-Paced in U.S. Cities

Ayush also reflected on the overall rhythm of life.

“Life in Nepal, especially outside big cities, feels slower and more relaxed. But places like Boston move at a pretty fast pace—people are always on the go, public transport runs on schedule, and there’s a constant buzz, especially in the city.”

Final Thoughts: The Little Things Paint the Bigger Picture

What I really loved about Ayush’s reflections is that these small details—crosswalks, fire alarms, express lanes, miles vs kilometers, city pace—are all windows into what culture shock truly means. It’s not just about language or big customs; it’s about all the little daily things that make a new place feel unfamiliar and exciting.

If you’re moving abroad or welcoming friends from other countries, noticing these details can help ease the transition and build understanding.