Dealing with Culture Shock

Culture is the norms, behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, values, customs, artifacts, language, and institutions of a particular group of people. It is learned and transmitted from generation to generation, unconsciously. It is cumulative and ever-changing. Culture affects everything an individual does.

Because culture is learned and internalized at such an early age, and affects everything you do, and is constantly reinforced by the people within your culture, it can be shocking to be confronted with another culture. Suddenly, the “rules” you have for behaving have changed, and you don’t know what the new rules are. They seem confusing, strange, even stupid. This reaction is called “culture shock.”

The adjustment process in a new culture is called acculturation, and has been described as a W curve involving several stages.

During the Honeymoon Period, you are fascinated with everything you see. You are excited, interested, and intrigued by everything. This time can last anywhere from a few days to a month or two.

After a little time in the host country, though, you will begin to feel frustrated with the people and the culture. This time, called the Crisis Period will be characterized by feelings of isolation, confusion, superiority, and negativity. You may have physical reactions such as being tired and depressed, gaining weight, getting acne, or a number of other small reactions. The important thing is to remember that you are not alone and that others have survived, and to talk to other people about your feelings.

You will gradually become used to the culture, and will begin to adjust your behaviors and attitudes to reflect those of the host culture. This is called the Adjustment Period . You will stop questioning “why they do that” and just do it too. You will regain your confidence and feel successful in your new location.

If you stay for an extended amount of time, you will likely go through a second dip of the conflict stage, this time even worse. Again, remember these feelings are normal, and you will resurface as a truly bicultural person.

Studying abroad is certainly a roller coaster of emotions, but there are ways to help combat culture shock and enjoy your time abroad:

• Maintain a flexible personality
• Stay motivated
• Be patient
• Be tolerant of ambiguity
• Remain open and sensitive
• Behave in a well-mannered way
• Keep a positive attitude
• Experiment with new things
• Avoid judging from your cultural perspective
• Respect opinions and values of others
• Try to engage in a familiar activity—a sport, a hobby, having afternoon tea—to keep from feeling totally alienated in a foreign country
• Work on your language skills
• Keep your sense of humor
• Avoid “little Americas” and get involved in the host culture
• Be prepared to have your beliefs and values challenged. Maintain a strong sense of self and be proud of yourself and your culture without feeling superior to another’s
• Keep a journal for an emotional outlet

Remember that your time abroad is finite, that culture shock is normal, and try to enjoy yourself!.

Learn about current events

Take some time to learn about any current events in your new country and city. Who is the leader, what important decision is the country facing, what are the national favorite sports and teams, etc.? Not only will this help you learn more about the current situation there and help you be able to interpret events, it can be a great conversation starter with local people.

Do as much as you can

This is not the time to hold back; take full advantage of this unique opportunity. Don’t come back regretting all the things you didn’t do while you had the chance. Explore and enjoy!

Write to yourself

This can be in the form of a journal or letters, or maybe by sending yourself postcards from the different places you visit. It will help you remember your feelings at the time and will give you something to look forward to reading when you return.

Meet the local people

Make every effort to meet the nationals of your host country. It is too easy to fall into the rut of associating only with other Americans. Sometimes, you make the effort with great embarrassment, to be friendly with a national only to be met by reserve and distance. Don’t give up. What you may interpret as rejection is usually only the difference in cultural patters of the host country. Go to parks, travel on trains, get away from the tourist places, and get out on your own instead of with a large group of Americans.

Don’t put things off to the end

If you wait and wait to make a trip, mend a friendship, or say goodbye, you may find yourself coming home without having done these things. Your time abroad is finite (at least for now) and waiting until the last minute to do things can leave you feeling disappointed, frustrated, and without closure.