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Culture Shock

Living in a different culture exposes you to a new lifestyle, environment, food, language (possibly), and unspoken rules. Adjusting to a new culture can be challenging as people
experience mood swings from deep sadness and anger to overwhelming joy and excitement. This is normal. There is a typical pattern where most people feel very excited about their new location’s sights, smells and people. In a few weeks, the reality of how different the new culture from their home culture settles in, creating homesickness and culture shock.

Symptoms of culture shock

  • Frustration and confusion
  • Depression
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Homesickness
  • Preferring to communicate only with people back home
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Desire to isolate and hide
  • Irritations with cultural difference

Solutions for dealing with culture shock

  • Establish simple goals
  • Develop regular sleeping and eating patterns
  • Be patient
  • Maintain confidence
  • Look for help and establish support systems
  • Remember the problem is with on
  • Keep an open mind
  • Stay involved with the culture and do not become isolated
  • Practice a familiar hobby, or develop a new one
  • Seek out new friends
  • Maintain a sense of humor

There is no way to avoid culture shock. It is important to recognize the symptoms, try some of the solutions and acknowledge that every person living in a new culture experiences the feelings of culture shock. Many people returning back to their homes from living in a different culture express that working through culture shock is allowed them to recognize their cultural biases opportunity to change their personal outlooks and attitudes. Culture shock usually fades after several weeks as people get involved with people and activities in their new environment.

Sources:

  • Brockington, J., Joffa, W., Martin, P., eds. (2005). NAFSA’s Guide to Education Abroad for Advisers an NAFSA: Association for International Educators: Washington DC. (p. 303).
  • Cultural Adjustment and Exploration. (2009). Study Abroad Student Guide. Retrieved August 11, 2009 from, http://www.studyabroad.com/guides/handbook/handbook4.html#cu