Culture Shock
The term, culture shock, is used to describe the anxiety produced when a person moves to a completely new environment. This term expresses the lack of direction, the feeling of not knowing what to do or how to do things in a new environment, and not knowing what is appropriate or inappropriate. The feeling of culture shock generally sets in after the first few weeks of coming to a new place.
We can describe culture shock as the physical and emotional discomfort one suffers when coming to live in another country or a place different from the place of origin. Often, the way that we lived before is not accepted as or considered as normal in the new place. Everything is different, for example, not speaking the language, not knowing how to use banking machines, not knowing how to use the telephone and so forth.
The symptoms of cultural shock can appear at different times. Although, one can experience real pain from culture shock; it is also an opportunity for redefining one's life objectives. You will find yourself examining your own assumptions and your own way of life frequently as you immerse yourself in something new and different. It is a great opportunity for learning and acquiring new perspectives. Culture shock can make one develop a better understanding of oneself and stimulate personal creativity.
Culture Shock Cycle
Culture Shock is not something that you catch and then quickly get over; it is a cycle of readjustment that
may take quite a while. The cycle is marked by four basic phases. Most people experience at least two low periods
during their stay abroad. The length and severity of these low periods vary greatly for different individuals and it is
important for both students abroad and their parents at home to be aware of these phases. The four basic phases of
culture shock are:
1. Euphoria
This is the initial phase or tourist phase. You are excited about living in a new place, and at first glance it strikes you
that the people and their way of life are not that different from what you are used to. Cultural differences are viewed
as "charming."
2. Irritation and Hostility
After the initial excitement is over, you start noticing more and more dissimilarities between life in the foreign
country and life at home. Your initial curiosity and enthusiasm turns into irritation, frustration, anger, and
depression. Minor nuisances and inconveniences lead to catastrophic upsets. Symptoms experienced during this
phase include:
• Homesickness
• Boredom
• Withdrawal (e.g., spending excessive amounts of time online, only seeing other Americans, avoiding contact
with local people)
• Need for excessive amounts of sleep
• Compulsive eating or drinking
• Irritability
• Exaggerated cleanliness
• Stereotyping of or hostility toward local people
• Loss of ability to work effectively
• Unexplainable fits of weeping
• Physical ailments (psychosomatic illness)
This second phase of culture shock is the most difficult period. Many people only experience a few of these
symptoms, but it is helpful to be aware of these symptoms so that you can understand what is happening to you or
your friends, and can take steps to counteract them.
3. Gradual Adjustment
Over time you gradually will change your perspective and will adapt to the new culture. Once you begin to orient
yourself and are able to interpret some of the subtle cultural clues and cues, the culture will seem more familiar and
more comfortable. You feel less isolated and your self-confidence returns.
4. Adaptation or Biculturalism
Full recovery has occurred when you are able to function in two cultures with confidence. At that time you will find
that you enjoy some of the very customs, ways of doing and saying things, and personal attitudes that bothered you
so much in phase two. You may not realize how well you have adjusted to the new culture until you return to the
U.S., at which point you may well experience Reverse Culture Shock.
How to Cope with Culture Shock
Since culture shock is a cycle of readjustment, people who make the effort to learn as much as possible about their
temporary home country before they leave, and who arrive abroad with an open mind, often find it much easier to
adjust. To make the transition easier, remember not to wait for people around you to make the first move, but start
reaching out right away: buy a map of the city and become familiar with your own neighborhood; find out where the
closest bank, post office, telephone, and grocery store are located. Your next step might be to familiarize yourself
with some of the basic names and phrases, which appear on signs, menus, etc. Remember that not all Spanish-
speaking countries are the same, and many use different phrases for the same items. Some other ways of coping with
culture shock are:
We can describe culture shock as the physical and emotional discomfort one suffers when coming to live in another country or a place different from the place of origin. Often, the way that we lived before is not accepted as or considered as normal in the new place. Everything is different, for example, not speaking the language, not knowing how to use banking machines, not knowing how to use the telephone and so forth.
The symptoms of cultural shock can appear at different times. Although, one can experience real pain from culture shock; it is also an opportunity for redefining one's life objectives. You will find yourself examining your own assumptions and your own way of life frequently as you immerse yourself in something new and different. It is a great opportunity for learning and acquiring new perspectives. Culture shock can make one develop a better understanding of oneself and stimulate personal creativity.
Culture Shock Cycle
Culture Shock is not something that you catch and then quickly get over; it is a cycle of readjustment that
may take quite a while. The cycle is marked by four basic phases. Most people experience at least two low periods
during their stay abroad. The length and severity of these low periods vary greatly for different individuals and it is
important for both students abroad and their parents at home to be aware of these phases. The four basic phases of
culture shock are:
1. Euphoria
This is the initial phase or tourist phase. You are excited about living in a new place, and at first glance it strikes you
that the people and their way of life are not that different from what you are used to. Cultural differences are viewed
as "charming."
2. Irritation and Hostility
After the initial excitement is over, you start noticing more and more dissimilarities between life in the foreign
country and life at home. Your initial curiosity and enthusiasm turns into irritation, frustration, anger, and
depression. Minor nuisances and inconveniences lead to catastrophic upsets. Symptoms experienced during this
phase include:
• Homesickness
• Boredom
• Withdrawal (e.g., spending excessive amounts of time online, only seeing other Americans, avoiding contact
with local people)
• Need for excessive amounts of sleep
• Compulsive eating or drinking
• Irritability
• Exaggerated cleanliness
• Stereotyping of or hostility toward local people
• Loss of ability to work effectively
• Unexplainable fits of weeping
• Physical ailments (psychosomatic illness)
This second phase of culture shock is the most difficult period. Many people only experience a few of these
symptoms, but it is helpful to be aware of these symptoms so that you can understand what is happening to you or
your friends, and can take steps to counteract them.
3. Gradual Adjustment
Over time you gradually will change your perspective and will adapt to the new culture. Once you begin to orient
yourself and are able to interpret some of the subtle cultural clues and cues, the culture will seem more familiar and
more comfortable. You feel less isolated and your self-confidence returns.
4. Adaptation or Biculturalism
Full recovery has occurred when you are able to function in two cultures with confidence. At that time you will find
that you enjoy some of the very customs, ways of doing and saying things, and personal attitudes that bothered you
so much in phase two. You may not realize how well you have adjusted to the new culture until you return to the
U.S., at which point you may well experience Reverse Culture Shock.
How to Cope with Culture Shock
Since culture shock is a cycle of readjustment, people who make the effort to learn as much as possible about their
temporary home country before they leave, and who arrive abroad with an open mind, often find it much easier to
adjust. To make the transition easier, remember not to wait for people around you to make the first move, but start
reaching out right away: buy a map of the city and become familiar with your own neighborhood; find out where the
closest bank, post office, telephone, and grocery store are located. Your next step might be to familiarize yourself
with some of the basic names and phrases, which appear on signs, menus, etc. Remember that not all Spanish-
speaking countries are the same, and many use different phrases for the same items. Some other ways of coping with
culture shock are:
- Listen carefully to people and remember that they most likely are not making the same assumptions as you are. If you are not sure of what they mean, ask.
- Speak the host language as often as possible.
- If you have certain hobbies or are involved in sports at home, try to do the same abroad. This is the best way to make friends.
- Set time aside each day to do something special. Then do it. Keep active.
- Find a place where you feel comfortable and spend time there.
- Talk to (new) friends or your Volunteer Coordinator if you feel that you have problems coping; try to look at your problems one at a time, and set out to solve them, one at a time. Do not let the combination of problems overwhelm you.
- If you feel depressed, ask yourself, "What did I expect?" "Were my expectations reasonable given the national culture and local situation?" "If so, what can I do to make them come true?" "If not, how can I make the best use of my time?"
- If you develop physical problems, such as headaches, stomach aches, or have trouble sleeping, realize that these may be signs of stress, rather than physical problems. Discuss your symptoms with your Volunteer Coordinators, and try to deal with the stress.