Getting Through it: Culture Shock

The second stage is a cruel awakening as obstacles and small crises begin to invade daily life. Communication difficulties may occur, leading to feelings of incompetence, impatience, anger, sadness, or a general feeling of discontent. This happens when a person is trying to adapt to a new culture that is very different his or her own.

The third stage happens as the person gains understanding of the new culture. A feeling of direction and positive feelings begin to return. The environment is now familiar, and the person desires to belong.

As the person realizes that the new culture has both good and bad things to offer, he or she is entering the fourth stage of integration. The person begins to feel more at home, begins to establish goals, and feels more comfortable with him or herself.

Each person has their own way of reacting in each stage of culture shock, and some stages will be longer and more difficult than others, depending on factors such as the individual's mental health, personality type, previous experiences, socio-economic conditions, level of education, ability to speak and read the language, and family or social support systems.

The Unexpected

What can really catch one off guard, is what we call "re-entry shock". Upon returning to the country of origin, one may find that things have changed; newly acquired customs are not the norm. One can even feel out of place, and a strong sense of nostalgia for the foreign country that had begun to feel like home. I have experienced culture shock, both abroad and upon returning to the United States after nearly a decade in France.

What Helps?

Although a certain level of stress will occur in everyone, there are ways to ease the stress produced by culture shock:

• Develop a hobby

• Have Patience.

• Take it easy on yourself - don't try too hard. Don't put yourself in an unfavorable situation.

• Get regular physical activity. Exercise helps relieve sadness and loneliness.

• Relaxation and meditation are also helpful.

• Maintain contact with others from your culture. A feeling of belonging will reduce feelings of loneliness and alienation.

• Learn the language and find activities that allow you to practice speaking the language.

• Allow yourself to feel sad about the people and things that you have left behind. Recognize that this is normal.

• Accept the new country. Focus on getting through the transition.

• Develop and maintain good relationships with

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