Culture shock is the natural reaction to a series of transitions that occur when one is uprooted from one’s familiar cultural environment and transplanted into a new situation where the language, gestures, customs, signs, and symbols that have previously helped us to make sense of our surroundings suddenly have no meaning or have new meanings. Most of all one has lost familiar social supports (family, friends, classmates, coworkers) and is having to begin again in a world where things are unpredictable. While the term “culture shock” implies something immediate, the onset is usually gradual and cumulative.
How can I avoid culture shock?
Since culture shock is a natural response the strategy should not be how to avoid it but how to manage it. Being able to anticipate the feelings you may encounter and having an understanding of the cycle of adjustment should help minimize much of the difficulty of adjusting to life in the United States. While at times it may be an unpleasant experience to go through, adapting to a new culture provides great opportunities for personal growth and development.
What are the stages of culture shock and cultural adjustment?
Honeymoon Stage
When you first arrive, the differences you observe are new, exciting and interesting. You are optimistic and likely to focus on the positive aspects of your new environment.
Negotiation Stage
After a period of time, a few weeks or a few months, the excitement of experiencing a culture becomes tiresome and could cause anxiety. You feel frustrated by the effort everyday activities seem to require. During this phase you may feel loneliness, helplessness, sadness or depression, fatigue, acute homesickness, and a desire to withdraw. It is very important during this stage to remember that this is normal and your fellow international students are experiencing, or have experienced, this phenomenon. Reach out to them or a trusted advisor for support.
Adjustment Stage
Gradually you will grow accustomed to the new culture and create new routines to go about your daily life. You know what to expect in most situations or have developed the confidence to ask questions to seek understanding. In short, your new life starts to make sense.
Mastery Stage
You are able to fully participate in the host culture. You are not “Americanized” but you have achieved a cultural flexibility commonly referred to biculturalism.
How long will it take for the unpleasant symptoms to go away?
Sometimes the symptoms of the Negotiation Stage last just a few days, but more commonly, a few weeks or even months. Your friend may appear to adjust easily while you are suffering miserably. Several different factors, such as your pre-departure expectations, coping skills, and any past experience living overseas can affect the degree to which a person is affected by culture shock making each individual’s experience unique. Also, people often move back and forth between the stages throughout their stay.
The feelings and symptoms of culture shock will dissipate with time. There are a number of tips and tricks for hastening the adjustment process. Be proactive in getting to know your new environment. Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new whenever you have the opportunity. Keep an open mind and a healthy sense of adventure. If you find yourself in a low place where you are having difficulty coping, or you are experiencing severe symptoms of culture shock, seek counseling immediately.
In U.S. culture where individuals often live apart from the social support network of family and friends, it is normal to seek counseling in times of emotional distress. There are many caring, qualified professionals such as social workers (MSW), psychologists (PhD or PsyD) or psychiatrists (MS in psychiatry) who can listen and provide the support you need to help you through a period of difficulty. International Student Services is also available to listen and provide referrals.
Suggestions on how to make your adjustment as smooth as possible.
- Realize that what you are going through is normal. Remember that the unpleasant feelings are temporary, natural, and are common to any transition that a person makes during their life.
- Be patient and give yourself the time to work through this process.
- Take good care of yourself. Eat well, exercise, learn relaxation and stress reduction techniques.
- Maintain a sense of humor. Be able to laugh at yourself and at the predicaments you get into.
- Resist the temptation to constantly disparage the host country. Begin to consciously look for logical reasons for anything in the United States that seems strange, confusing, or threatening. Most importantly, when you are having a difficult time, do not be afraid to talk to someone, especially if you are thinking of leaving the U.S. You can always talk to family, friends, members of your host department or our staff who have a lot of experience with this process. Professional counseling is a wonderful resource, is available free to all students, and is often part of an employee’s health plan.
Reverse Culture Shock
Do not underestimate the adjustment that will be required when you return home from your sojourn. People go through a similar series of stages upon re-entry to their home culture.
Books to help you through your transition:
The following books are published in the U.S., but may be found on amazon.com or at a local bookstore or library once you arrive.
- American Ways: A Guide for Foreigners in the United States by Gary Althen. Intercultural Press; 2nd edition (2002)
- Stress Management for Dummies by Allen Elkin. IDG Books (1999).
- Transitions by William Bridges. Addison-Wesley Publishing (1980)
- Beat Stress with Strength: A Survival Guide for Work and Life by Stephanie Spera and Sandra Lanto. Park Avenue Books (1997).
- Living in the U.S.A. by Alison Lanier. Intercultural Press (1988).
- A Foreign Visitor’s Survival Guide to America by Shauna Singh Baldwin and Marilyn M. Levine. John Muir Publications (1992)
