COPING WITH CULTURE SHOCK


Study-abroad veteran Renatha Lussa explains what is meant by ‘culture shock’ and how to cope when you encounter it.


Going to live abroad is an exciting experience that requires preparation.


I am not talking about technical issues such as how many pairs of socks you should bring with you. I am talking about the big preparation, the one that is essential to making your experience rich and positive. Before you go, get prepared to experience culture shock.


Some of you may say “Culture shock? Not for me. Where I’m going is only an hour’s fl ight from home.”


It is true that the degree of diff erence in one’s own and the host culture is important, but this is not the only variable. And let’s not forget that the concept of culture can also be used for an organization, institution or a group. As a result, even a simple reorganization may generate culture shock.


So, what is culture shock? Well, it’s a mix of emotions. Feelings of loss, confusion, stress, anxiety and impotence that comes from both the challenge of new cultural surroundings and from the loss of a familiar cultural environment.


In my experience, culture shock can be divided into four stages:


The Honeymoon


“Oh, this is wonderful. Let’s go there. Amaaazing!” You are obviously excited and have an idealised view of the new culture. Anxiety and stress may be present but your general euphoria overtakes them.


Karim Sanaz, is an Iranian student at Uppsala University in Sweden. He remembers that when he arrived in Sweden everything seemed really diff erent from his homeland. “I actually didn’t feel any sense of belonging. To me it was more like watching a beautiful movie without being part of it.”


The Crisis Phase “I am tired. No one understands me. I want to go home!” This could be something you would say just before you kick the closet with your bare foot. Reality is back.


This phase occurs anywhere from the fi rst two weeks to several months. Some of these diff erences you found so “amaaazing” in the fi rst place, start to really get on your nerves. Perhaps you are struggling to make yourself understood by locals, you feel like a child; confused and tired.


The Adjustment Phase You are still here. Well done. Understanding, acceptance and adaptation is key now. In this phase you will start to face new challenges in a positive way.


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