Cross-Cultural Training

Lesson 7: Culture Shock

Summary

Realize that everyone needs time to adjust to their new culture. So don’t panic and pack up if you have a series of bad days. It’s normal. Also don’t be fooled by cultures that are similar to yours and think that you won’t have an adjustment period. I sometimes think that the more similarities there are, the bigger the jolt when you begin to experience the differences.

The key is knowing yourself, knowing the culture, and having the patience (and maybe the determination) to surmount your daily challenges. Give yourself credit each time you do. I ran home and announced that I understood someone when they told me the price of what I was buying. Of course everyone else thought I was crazy, but for me, as it was the first time they didn’t have to write it down, it was a small victory. And small victories just have a way of making you feel good.

Once last word. In doing your cultural research be realistic as to whether or not the culture is one that you will ever be able to adjust to. Personally, I know that some would make me miserable and I would never make the choice of living in them.

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