It was a real culture shock.

Translation language

Meaning

The experience was significantly different from what was expected, often in a surprising way.

John: 'Adjusting to life in a completely different culture was challenging.'<br>

Alice: 'I imagine it was. It was a real culture shock for me too.'

John: 'It was a real culture shock, then?'

Alice: 'The customs in that region were vastly different from what I'm used to.'<br>