I moved to Edmonton, Alberta from England for graduate studies. It was 1975. Didn't think there would be any problems, but after 3 months I told my supervisor I was going back to England. He spent 2 hours talking about culture shock. When I did go back for holidays the following summer, I realised I had moved on a year. Not as dramatic a change as some of the above examples but it did have an effect.
Music wise - the South Side Folk club was going - introduced me to Tanahill Weavers, Dougie MacLean, Stan Rogers and much more
Spent 5 years in Edmonton - so obviously didn't mind it in the end - including the winters.
Rana