How to avoid cultural faux pas while studying in Spain

To avoid cultural faux pas while studying in Spain, it is important to understand and respect Spanish social norms, customs, and communication styles. Here are key tips to help students navigate Spanish culture smoothly:

• Social Circles: Avoid staying exclusively within the bubble of people from your own country. Engage with locals and diverse social groups to gain meaningful cultural experiences and connections. ¹

• Greetings: Use the traditional greeting of lauded “dos besos” (two kisses on the cheeks, starting from the right) when meeting friends or acquaintances. For formal situations, a polite handshake is appropriate. A friendly “¡Hola!” is appreciated in everyday interactions. ^{2, 3}

• Respect the Spanish Schedule: Meal times are later than in many cultures. Lunch is typically around 2-4 pm and is the main meal, while dinner is usually between 9-10 pm. Avoid expecting restaurants to open early. ^{4, 5}

• Dress Appropriately: Avoid dressing too casually, especially outside beach areas. Wearing swimwear away from the beach in cities or restaurants is considered disrespectful. ^{6, 7}

• Avoid Tourist Traps: Do not frequent restaurants with photo menus or those open all day without a break. Choose local spots that close for siesta and fill up later in the evening for authentic experiences. ⁷

• Language Awareness: While Castilian Spanish is the official language, be aware that Spain has several co-official languages and strong regional identities (e.g., Catalan, Basque). Avoid politically sensitive topics related to language or regionalism. ⁵

• Communication Style: Spaniards may speak loudly or use expressive body language; this is normal and is not rudeness. Also, be cautious about arguments as Spaniards tend to avoid admitting being wrong publicly. ^{8, 5}

• Learn Basics: Try to learn some Spanish phrases and cultural etiquette through classes or local interactions to show respect and ease communication. ⁹

• Participate in Local Events: Joining festivals, fairs, or language exchanges can help immerse in culture and practice etiquette in real-life settings. ⁹

• Be Mindful of Tipping and Drinking Water: Tipping is not as generous as in some countries, and it is uncommon to drink tap water in restaurants—usually bottled water is preferred. ^{4, 7}

Following these guidelines will help avoid common cultural mistakes and enrich the study abroad experience in Spain with respect and authenticity. ^{3, 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 4, 9}

References

• 10 Do’s & Don’ts When Studying Abroad in Spain

• Living Like a Local: Spanish Customs Every Student …

• Spanish Culture and Differences to Your Home Country

• The top 10 tourist mistakes in Spain

• 8 Tourist Mistakes To Avoid in Spain

• Want to Study Abroad in Spain? Don’t Make These 10 …

• What NOT to Do in Spain: Avoid These 19 Tourist Mistakes

• Cultural faux pas in Spain - Language Trainers USA Blog

• Spanish Etiquette: A Comprehensive Guide to Cultural …

• I want to avoid faux pas while in Spain : r/askspain

• Spanish Etiquette: Cultural Do’s and Don’ts

• 10 Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid While Living in Spain

• Spanish in Spain: Conversation topics and cultural do’s …

• 15 Common Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting Spain

• 15 cultural faux pas to avoid when travelling

• What to Expect in a Spanish Classroom

• 10 Surprising Culture Shocks in Spain

• Most common cultural faux pas and how to avoid them

• Culture shocks to be aware of in Spain : r/TravelHacks

• Spanish culture: social etiquette in Spain