WHAT IS A CULTURE SHOCK?

Culture shock during your stay abroad

The term 'culture shock' can be somewhat misleading since we don't experience its associated emotions, such as uncertainty, discomfort, the feeling of being foreign, or the positive stages of 'understanding' and 'feeling at home,' as a sudden incident. Instead, we go through different phases that can vary greatly in terms of duration. As a result, diagnosing culture shock can be challenging.

Not everyone goes through culture shock or experiences all of its phases. The length of each phase is also unpredictable and depends on factors like previous experiences, attitudes, self-confidence, knowledge, and more. It's possible that there may be no conflict at all, or some phases may be stronger or weaker than others. Understanding the phenomenon of culture shock doesn't mean trying to avoid it; as mentioned earlier, it's a regular and essential part of the inevitable adaptation process.

Culture shock can occur at the place where you are staying, although please be aware that most of our host families are well-experienced with foreign travelers and accommodate their needs. More typically, culture shock may occur at the place where you are volunteering, interning or doing your Working Holiday job, due to differences in the understanding of work practices.

To fully comprehend the phenomenon of culture shock, it's essential to grasp the meaning of 'culture.' Culture serves as an orientation system defined and shared by a particular nation, society, or group of people. It influences or governs the perception, thought processes, and values of the members of that nation, society, or group, ultimately guiding their behavior and helping them navigate their surroundings. This orientation system fosters a sense of belonging to a specific group or nation. However, this orientation system varies from one nation, society, or group to another.

When we come into contact with a foreign culture, we realize that our own orientation system, our familiar behavioral patterns, values, and strategies for coping with daily life, no longer function seamlessly. Suddenly, we encounter a different value system where our own criteria no longer apply. We must learn and apply unfamiliar customs, conventions, and behaviors.

Scientists have identified various typical and mostly inevitable stages of culture shock that most people experience when immersing themselves in another culture for an extended period:

The Euphoric Phase

At the beginning, we feel euphoric. Everything seems exciting and interesting. We eagerly anticipate upcoming experiences, are eager to learn, curious, and overwhelmed by new impressions.

The Phase of Alienation or Disillusionment

This phase is often followed by a sense of alienation or disillusionment. Contact problems may arise, such as language barriers or gaps in knowledge about the new culture. Suddenly, we notice things we dislike about the new culture compared to our own, and we observe certain behaviors and characteristics of local people that confuse us. Our satisfaction and comfort decline, and our overall mood worsens.

The Escalation or Culture Shock

This is the peak of culture shock, characterized by stress. We realize that our home culture cannot serve as a standard for evaluating the new culture, leaving us feeling disoriented. Possible consequences and symptoms include:

1. Feelings of helplessness and homesickness

2. Physical stress reactions like headaches, fatigue, and rapid exhaustion

3. Frustration, anxiety, overreaction, and isolation

4. A sense of loss, including friends from home, status, job, and belongings

5. Feeling rejected by members of the new culture

6. Hostility towards the other culture

7. Confusion about our own emotions, identity, and role expectations from others

8. A feeling of powerlessness and an inability to cope with the new environment

9. An increased need for sleep or hygiene

It's important to remember that the intensity, symptoms, appearance, and duration of culture shock can vary significantly from one individual to another. Recognizing culture shock as a 'normal' part of the adaptation process to a new environment can help us better cope with negative and troubling emotions. It's essential to understand that culture shock is not a personal problem but a regular process.

The Phase of Understanding or Adaptation

Following the 'crisis' phase, there is usually an 'upswing': the phase of understanding and adaptation. We begin to understand and appreciate the different behaviors and ways of thinking of the locals, and we may even start to adopt some of them ourselves.

The Final Phase 'The Feeling of Home'

In our new surroundings, some things may become more enjoyable than they were at home, while others may remain less appealing. We start to recognize the realistic advantages and disadvantages of both the new and our own culture. We feel satisfied and in balance, acknowledging that our feelings towards each culture are nuanced.

Tips to avoid Culture Shock

• Be patient and make an effort to get to know other people.

• Frequently try new and typical things from the local culture to overcome inhibitions, such as trying local food

• Keep a diary and record both positive and negative emotions, experiences, and thoughts.

• Learn and use the foreign language, even if you only speak a few words. Locals will appreciate your effort, and it will give you a sense of accomplishment.

• Take regular breaks and set aside time for reflection. Thoroughly thinking about your experiences and feelings, both negative and positive, can help you understand conflicts and avoid frustration.

• Pay close attention to the body language and behavior of locals. A common source of disappointment is a lack of understanding of others' behavior or feeling misunderstood by locals.

• Maintain a positive mindset. Continually remind yourself that the process of adapting to a new culture is a common phenomenon that everyone goes through.

• Acknowledge and affirm your personal strengths. Set realistic goals for your stay and allow yourself to experience occasional bad moods and frustrations.

• Consciously appreciate the opportunities your stay abroad offers, including how it benefits your career and personal development while broadening your horizons.

• Respect foreign traditions, even if you may not fully understand them due to differences in values. This includes respecting customs related to the role of women, attitudes toward sexuality, religion, and more.

• During longer stays, maintain intensive and regular contact with your friends, family, and colleagues back home through text messaging, emailing, or phone calls. Sharing emotions and experiences with loved ones can help prevent overreactions, boost self-confidence, and reduce stress.

• Get involved in local activities. Participating in local events and traditions allows you to meet new people, gain a deeper understanding of local customs, and immerse yourself in the local culture more quickly. If you have hobbies back home, consider practicing them in your new location with locals, such as playing sports with the locals.

Reverse Culture Shock

It is interesting that a mild case of 'reverse culture shock' often occurs upon your return home. The reason for this is that you have adapted your cultural orientation system during your stay abroad, while those you interact with at home have not undergone this process. As a result, you may find it challenging to fully understand some of their thoughts and behaviors, especially when it comes to evaluating your experiences in another culture. Fortunately, this 'little culture shock' at home is relatively easy to overcome.

Our intercultural preparation will help you quickly understand the culture of your host country and minimize the effects of culture shock.