What is Culture
Shock?
Will I get it?
If I do
- what can I do about it?
Yeah, you'll probably get it. But sometimes I think
"shock" is a bit of an overstatement.
You can expect to
feel euphoric (I finally made it!),
Angry (Why can't I
make things work, like back home!),
Depressed and
disappointed (Everything isn't exactly like I
wanted/expected it to be!),
And isolated (I don't really
know anyone here).
It's okay - this is normal. After
all this is a very big time in your life - of course you
will have some strong feelings about it!
Natural Reactions
These emotional reactions are all natural responses to
the situation you will find yourself in overseas. How
to deal with it? Get busy - personal projects, work,
travel, making friends, even volunteering. But, also
take a little time and just recognize the feelings for
what they are.
One
of the best articles about dealing with Culture Shock is
at About.com
Culture Shock: by About.com
Don't forget that you can have problems with your job,
boss, landlord, and friends back home too. Don't blame
it all on your host country!
Know that once you have lived in several countries, the
effects of culture shock diminish as you learn to have
more realistic expectations, and as you just naturally
learn how to deal with it.
Surviving Uncertainty
Part of the issue with culture shock is also the
uncertainty of your new situation - how it is going to
evolve - and your general feelings about it. Follow the
same course of treatment for culture shock! Quit moping
around the house and get busy!
Check the chart below for a better understanding of what
goes on and your choices:
