Is Your Bathroom "Normal"?
We often think of our daily routines as common sense, but when it comes to hygiene, "normal" is a function of culture and geography. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why your student showers twice a day—or why they keep forgetting to tuck the shower curtain inside the tub—you’re likely witnessing a cultural habit in action.
While many of us in Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia stick to a "once-a-day" rhythm, showering for an average of five seven to ten minutes at a time, the rest of the world has a different pace:
Brazil: The average Brazilian showers 12-14 times a week. They even have the chuveirada—an "express" rinse to refresh during the day. You might say they're the world leaders in hygiene, but this cultural practice is about so much more than keeping clean.
Japan: Bathing is often a social or deeply restorative evening ritual involving public baths and soaking tubs, rather than just a quick morning scrub. Japanese people take an average of 5 showers and 6 baths per week.
Central or Northern Europe: Here, water is seen as a precious resource rather than a limitless utility. Students might take incredibly short showers that leave you wondering if they actually used soap! It is also common to use the "Stop-Start" method: turning the water on to get wet, turning it off to lather up, and turning it back on only to rinse.
Our bathrooms aren’t necessarily “normal,” either. In Japan, South Korea, Sweden, many parts of Europe, Nepal, and Costa Rica, the entire bathroom is designed to get wet. Waterproof fixtures, tile walls, and a central drain make these rooms an efficient use of space and easy to clean. If your student leaves a puddle on the floor, they aren't necessarily being careless; they may be navigating a space designed differently than the one they grew up in.
The next time you see a cultural difference in the bathroom, remember that your "standard" is someone else’s "quirk." Here are a few tips for smoothing the transition:
A quick, kind walkthrough of how your specific shower works (and why that curtain stays inside) can turn a moment of frustration into a shared laugh about how big the world really is.
Your student might not realize that hot water is a finite resource in a tank or that it carries a significant monthly cost. However, I recommend against focusing on money. Instead, try saying: "In our house, we try to keep showers to 8-10 minutes to make sure there’s enough hot water for everyone and to keep our environmental footprint small."
If you notice your student showering multiple times a day, or not at all, approach it with curiosity. You could say, "I noticed you like to shower right when you get home from school! Is that how you did it back in Brazil? I'd love to hear how it's different there." This opens a door for them to explain their habits without feeling like they are in trouble.
As with every cultural adjustment, compassion, patience and repetition are essential. A sense of humour always helps too!
