Culture Shock

Culture shock is natural, stage wise reaction (physical and emotional) to new socio-environmental realities and patterns. Culture shock often involves disconfirmed expectancies. There are four phases: the first one is “Honeymoon”, the second one is “Emptiness”, the third one is “conform”, and the last one is “Assimilation”.

Coping strategies can help people to deal with culture shock. There are some coping tools used in developing an overall adjustment strategy:

1. Study aspects of the culture before you arrive at this country. For example, study language skills, history, cultural dimensions.
2. Pay attention to family preparation and adjustment. We have to educate our family.
3. Make a goal which is realistic and be patient.
4. Avoid continual patterns of anger when disconfirmed expectancies arose.
5. Although sometimes you feel sad, frustrated or upset, keep a sense of humour. At least you can laugh at yourself when you make a mistake.
6. Do not become overly isolated. Develop hobbies and interact with other friends.
7. If possible use a “cultural informant” (someone in the host culture to talk openly). This is the easiest strategy.
8. Prevent yourself from being addicted to alcohol or narcotic consumption.
9. Flexibility, choose your “battles” very carefully and avoid unnecessary battles.
10. Do not constantly complain about the difference between the host culture and your own one. They will never be the same.
11. Expect “re-entry” or return culture shock.
12. Attempt to find culture “safe zones” where things are more relaxed and familiar. Use these but do not permanently rely on it.


Is culture shock a bad thing?

It depends, in some way it is quite natural for people to have culture shock when they come to a new environment for the first time. However, it could be harmful if he/she continuously feels culture shock. Because it will has negative effect on his/her daily study and work. Lack of awareness can lead to prolonged “emptiness” phase. We have to remember that local culture could never be the same as our own culture. Therefore it is useless to always complain about the differences between the two cultures. The point is that we should re-establish our identity in the new culture.