Culture Shock

If you have never been to a place, then it is hard to know what life will be like there. The term culture shock is used to describe the anxiety produced when a person moves to a new environment. It can be compared to homesickness. When you visit a new place, you are forced to meet your everyday needs, like food and language, in a totally new and different way. Some of the differences will be obvious and others will not. All of these differences, however, can cause anxiety. Your body and mind will begin to react in different ways to handle the stress. This may lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, a lack of confidence, having trouble sleeping, an inability to solve problems, or body pains.

There are many ways to combat culture shock. Before you go to a new place, try to learn as much as possible about the culture beforehand. Keep in mind though that impressions you may have could be wrong if they are based on popular media, like film, television or magazines. The Internet and guidebooks are helpful resources. People who have visited the place you are going are usually a reliable resource as well. They can offer firsthand advice on everything from using an ATM to what to eat. They will have a wealth of information that you can't find in a guidebook or movie.

It is still not uncommon to experience culture shock — no matter how much you prepare. Culture shock has several stages. These stages can come at different times, and every person has their unique way of dealing with it. Many factors, like age and personality, contribute to how a person handles culture shock.

There are typically five stages in culture shock:
1. Incubation or the honeymoon: You are excited by all the new things you encounter in your new environment.
2. Confusion: A person might start to have problems with daily life and can experience feelings of
discontent, impatience and anger. All of this happens when the person tries to begin to adapt to a new culture
that is very different from their old one.
3. Understanding: A person may begin to experience humor, feelings of pleasure, balance and direction.
4. Integration: A person begins to recognize the good and bad things about the new culture.
They also start to define themselves and establish goals.
5. Re-entry shock: This is when a person returns to their old culture. They may even not find the things the same.

Tips on handling culture shock:

The first step to overcoming culture shock is to acknowledge that it is a normal part of coming to a new place.

Look around at the people near you. Try to understand why they act the way they do.
Use techniques that have worked previously in your old culture to reduce stress in your life.
Believe that you can learn the steps necessary to be successful in this culture.
Recognize the advantage and benefit of living in two cultures.
Give yourself compliments. Think about all you have learned since arriving in the USA.
Don't get down on yourself if you are having problems with the language or understanding.
Keep a sense of humor. Try to see the value in all experiences.
Take advantage of services that are offered in your community.
Keep a journal of your experiences to look back at a later date.
Share what you are going through with friends and family by keeping in touch.
Develop a hobby.
Get out and experience the culture.
Make American friends and friends from your own ethnic group.

Remember that living in the USA can open exciting and new doors for you. Don't let the stress of culture shock rob you of this wonderful experience!

Till we meet next time..
Have a wonderful weekend