An American woman named Shelby who moved to Spain to study abroad revealed the one thing that still shocks her about the country, despite having lived in Seville for several years
Alice Sjoberg Social News Reporter
07:04, 19 Jul 2025
An American living in Spain has shared the one beach habit she can’t get accustomed to after having lived there for years (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
If you’ve ever moved to or visited a new country, chances are you’ve encountered some form of culture shock due to the different societal norms and the unique ways people live their lives.
This phenomenon can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and isolation as individuals grapple with adapting to unfamiliar customs, social norms, and everyday life. It’s often sparked by challenges such as language barriers, exotic cuisine, distinct social etiquette, and the lack of known support networks. Nevertheless, these initial reactions typically diminish over time, leading to adjustment and perhaps even embracing the new lifestyle.
So when Shelby, an American woman, decided to move abroad to Seville, Spain, she anticipated encountering cultural differences. What she didn’t foresee was that years after making her move permanent, she would still face elements of culture shock.
Taking to TikTok, Shelby shared a video highlighting one significant cultural aspect she finds perpetually surprising, despite having lived in Spain for several years.
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“One thing that will always shock me about Spain that I don’t think I’ll ever get used to is going topless at the beach,” she revealed in her post, while strolling along the seaside.
She recounted her surprise at a Spanish beach tradition, admitting she ‘kind of forgot’ about it due to not visiting a Spanish beach for over two years. She was taken aback when she saw a woman walking around with her chest bare, exclaiming “I was like ‘oh my God’,” and mimed covering her eyes in astonishment.
She went on to explain that coming from the US, where such sights are far from ordinary, she always finds it quite shocking at first before she remembers its more normal in Spain.
In her video’s caption, she reflected on cultural differences, noting: “What’s funny is, in most ways, I actually find Spain more conservative than the USA… especially when it comes to clothing. If I had to sum up Spanish style in one word, it would be modest.”
She expressed her doubts about getting accustomed to the practice, saying: “I don’t know, maybe I’ll get used to it some day, but I kind of doubt it.”
Shelby went on to ask her viewers if going topless was common elsewhere or something they’d consider.
The comment section of her video quickly filled with viewers sharing their perspectives.
One commenter stated: “Better to go the full Monty. No tan lines. On Spanish beaches, it’s not illegal. In many places. Same in France.”
Another person highlighted the positive impact of body positivity, stating: “I think it’s quite healthy to see normal women’s bodies in all shapes and forms, not filled up with plastic, think many young girls would benefit from it. I grew up with it , it never bothered me or anyone else in my surroundings.”
“I am from Germany and here it’s not something a lot of people do, but it’s also not completely unusual. In the south of Europe, it’s much more common,” a third viewer commented.