Culture Shock
Culture shock
is a term that describes a set of reactions to the disorientation people
experience when they live in a culture markedly different than their own. It
is common to experience "culture shock" as you begin to adjust to
your new surroundings. While many experts identify culture shock as having
four main phases, each individual is unique in terms of the extent to which
they may experience culture shock at each stage.
STAGE 1: The Honeymoon Stage
Characterized by exhilaration, anticipation
and excitement
In this stage you are fascinated with all that is new. You are likely to
have a very positive attitude and be struck by the similarities between your
culture and the host culture. Eventually, you will experience times when you
are lost or misunderstood. Your frustration may mount thus leading you into
the next phase of adjustment.
STAGE 2: The Hostility Stage
Characterized by frustration, anger, anxiety
and sometimes depression
You are now struck by the differences between the two cultures versus the
similarities. These differences will seem to crop up more often leading to
feeling of frustration and anger. If you are trying to learn a different
language, you will become tired of speaking and listening in the new
language every day. You may feel disappointed that you do not understand
more than you do considering you have studied the language at home in the
U.S. You may begin to blame the external environment for your negative
feelings. Feelings of mistrust, anxiety, and even fear may occur at this
point. Lack of interest in academics and lack of motivation are common.
STAGE 3: The Humor Stage
Characterized by easing of tense feelings,
relaxation and openness
You begin to recover from your feeling of "crisis". You begin to
feel relaxed in your new surroundings and are able to laugh at small
mistakes or misunderstandings. You are able to interpret some cultural cues
and begin to feel less isolated. This phase may occur in small increments
making you unaware that it is even taking place.
STAGE 4: The Home Stage
Characterized by greater comfort level in your host
country and a deep appreciation for your home country
You are now able to function in two cultures with confidence. You will find
customs and ways of doing things that you enjoy and may choose to adopt some
of them. You have made a significant adjustment to your host country.
Depending on how well adjusted you have become in your host country, you may
experience reverse culture shock on your return home.
Coping Skills for Cultural Adjustment:
- Learn as much as you can about your host country
before you arrive.
- Be aware of the existence of culture shock.
Realize it is natural to miss your family, friends, and home. Talk about
these feelings with someone who you feel comfortable with.
- Keep a good sense of humor. Be able to laugh at
your mistakes.
- Try to find someone from the host culture to be
a "cultural informant". Ask questions about customs or
attitudes that you do not understand.
- Stay busy and get involved in activities that
you enjoy.
- Have realistic expectations. Do not expect to
become fluent in a month.
- Accept failure. Those who study abroad are
successful people in their own culture so are often unused to failure.
When living overseas it is natural to experience difficulties and
occasional failures. It is from these struggles that we learn and grow.
- Be tolerant and open-minded. There are many ways
to accomplish the same goal. Just because things are done differently in
your host country does not make them bad or inferior. The more
open-minded you are, the easier it will be to adjust to your host
country.
- Keep your self-confidence. Remember studying in
another country is very difficult and the fact that you choose to do
this says a lot about the type of person you are.
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