Culture shock occurs when a person travels from the comfort of their home and familiar surroundings to a new environment. What is culture shock, and how to deal with it?
Culture shapes people’s perceptions of the world and can be looked at as the means by which societies are preserved, and a variety of human needs are met. Culture is comprised of several characteristics, including shared belief systems, habits, and customs. When we are surrounded by people who share our ideas and values, it is easy to lose sight of the enormous impact culture has on our lives. When we are exposed to a culture that is different from our own, we may experience “culture shock.”
The adjustment period can be rather stressful, especially if the two areas are drastically different, such as relocating from a small rural area to a huge city or to another nation. Moving from one location to another within the same country can also cause culture shock.
Culture shock is rarely caused by a single event, nor does it happen suddenly or without purpose. Instead, it develops gradually through a succession of situations, and culture shock might be difficult to notice while experiencing it.
Culture shock can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Communication difficulty
- Routine modifications
- Relationship alterations
- Lack of comprehension
- Disorientation due to emotion
- Values disorientation
The sensation is very strong at first and might be difficult to overcome. It’s crucial to remember that cultural adjustment normally fades with time as a person becomes more acquainted with a new location, its people, customs, food, and language. As a result, navigating the environment becomes easier, new relationships are formed, and everything becomes more comfortable.
Here’s all you need to know about culture shock.
What Exactly Is Cultural Shock?
Culture shock refers to the feelings of uncertainty, perplexity, or worry that people may have when they relocate to a new nation or encounter a new culture or environment. This is a typical cultural adjustment that occurs as a result of being in an unfamiliar place.
When people relocate to another city or country, such as while retiring overseas, they may experience culture shock. Culture shock can also occur when people go on vacation, retire, travel for work, or study abroad. Culture shock can cause a variety of symptoms that vary widely in scope and intensity from person to person. They could include:
- Suffering from homesickness
- Feeling powerless
- Feeling lonely
- Disorientation
- Inability to concentrate
- Irritability
- Sadness
- Sleep or eating problems
- Paranoia
Although the timing of each person’s adjustment process varies, most people go through particular phases before adjusting to their new environment. Cultural shock can be extremely unpleasant and cause anxiety. It is, nonetheless, possible to overcome it and grow as a result of it.
Culture Shock’s Four Stages
Individuals who are experiencing culture shock may go through four stages, which are described below.
The Honeymoon Phase
The honeymoon period is frequently referred to as the first stage. This is because people are overjoyed to be in their new surroundings. People frequently regard it as an adventure. If someone is only staying for a short period of time, this initial thrill may characterize the entire encounter. But, even though people anticipate it to last, the honeymoon period for individuals on a longer-term move inevitably ends.
The Frustration Phase
Once the novelty of being in a new setting wears off, people may get increasingly frustrated and bewildered. Fatigue may develop gradually as a result of misinterpreting other people’s actions, conversations, and ways of doing things. As a result, during this time, people may feel overwhelmed by a new culture, especially if there is a language barrier. Local habits can also become more difficult, and formerly simple chores can take longer to complete, resulting to tiredness.
The Adaptation Phase
The adaption period is frequently slow as people become more comfortable in their new surroundings. As people acclimatize to their new surroundings, their dissatisfaction levels begin to fade. Even if they don’t comprehend particular cultural cues, people will get more familiar with them, at least to the point where deciphering them becomes much easier.
The Acceptance Phase
People are more able to experience and enjoy their new house during the acceptance or healing period. Beliefs and attitudes toward their new surroundings typically improve, leading to improved self-confidence and a return of their sense of humor.
How to cope with culture shock?
Recognize your emotions.
When you are struggling with something, it is easy to become quite introspective and lose sight of the fact that others may be experiencing similar sentiments and may refer to this as homesickness. It is critical to recognize that most people who choose to relocate to a new nation and immerse themselves in a new culture will experience cultural shock. You are not alone in your feelings, and understanding this can be comforting at times. Communicating with other international students about how you are feeling may help you deal, but avoid being overly negative about your circumstances, as this may be more harmful.
Maintain contact with family and friends.
While it may be uncomfortable to think about your home life too much, it is critical that you do not overlook your relationships because they are the people who know you best. If you are feeling down, being in touch with your family and friends back home can really help lift your spirits. You don’t have to forget your old life to deal with cultural shock. It might also be a good idea for you to set a clear date for returning home to see your family. If you are unable to travel, try setting a regular time to have a video call with your family and friends.
Make a routine.
Creating a schedule will greatly assist you in coping with your experiences of culture shock. You have less time to sit around and feel lonely or homesick if you keep busy and productive. If you used to enjoy going for a morning walk to fetch coffee, consider if there is a nice park nearby where you may keep up your pattern. Make time to practice yoga in your new location if you want to do so before bed. Incorporating old habits into your new daily routine can help you adjust to your new surroundings.
Appreciate the new culture.
It can be tough to adjust if your new house has a culture that is substantially different from your old home. Routines can be bizarre, and people can do strange things to you. This can sometimes make adaptation more difficult. If you are experiencing this, consider the positive features of this new society. Concentrating on the positives can help you see things from a different angle and enjoy your new surroundings more.
Try to get involved in social events.
When you are dealing with feelings of grief and homesickness, it might be difficult to be social, but it can be quite beneficial to make new acquaintances and participate in an activity. If you used to have a pastime at home, see whether your university has a group or society that does that activity. Get involved if there is one! If there isn’t one, you could start one; there are surely others who would appreciate it as well. There will be a large number of new students at your new university; take advantage of the opportunity to get engaged!
Keep in mind that culture shock is an inevitable component of living abroad. Accepting it for what it is and finding strategies to deal with it, you can prevent culture shock from keeping you down and move on with your life in your new location.