How to Deal with Culture Shock

Sometimes, despite their preparation, people find themselves in their host country feeling homesick, bored or withdrawn. They might spend all their time with Americans or people from their home country, avoiding the host nationals. They may drink, eat or sleep too much. They might feel hostile or critical of the host culture. They are experiencing what many people refer to as culture shock.

Culture shock is used to describe some of these more pronounced reactions to spending an extended period of time in a culture very different from your own. Not everyone will experience culture shock. But for those of you who do, it is helpful to be able to recognize culture shock when it occurs, so you can take appropriate action.

Adjustment to a new culture tends to occur in stages. Initially, there is a honeymoon phase. You are in a new country, and everything is exhilarating and exciting. Perhaps you’re involved in a flurry of orientation and getting settled, getting hosted around the town or city. The sights, sounds and tastes are all a new adventure. And, at first, you may even see more of the similarities between your host country and the U.S. than the differences.

However, after some time, you realize that things aren’t the same. Maybe you are tired of the food or struggling with the language. Maybe the university seems incomprehensible and bureaucratic. Maybe you are tired of long commutes whenever you need to go somewhere. Maybe everything is much more expensive than you anticipated. Or perhaps things are less expensive, but not of the quality or variety you appreciate at home. Your initial enthusiasm has drifted away and you have entered the stage of irritability and hostility. Worse, you may just feel like you don’t really belong.

Be patient. Almost always, these symptoms disappear with time and you will experience a stage of gradual adjustment. Your sense of humor will reappear. Things which seemed strange or just inconvenient will gradually become familiar.

Lastly, there is the stage of adaptation or bi-culturalism. You have finally arrived. You have managed to retain your own cultural identity but recognize the right of other cultures to retain theirs. You have a better understanding of yourself and others, and you can communicate easily and convey warmth and understanding across the cultural barriers.

There is no one way to experience culture shock. It may be acute or barely noticeable. You may find it returns once after you thought you had already passed through all the stages. If you are experiencing the irritability and hostility associated with culture shock, there are positive steps you can take and the sooner you take them, the better.

Culture Shock Do’s and Don’ts

  • Do be aware that culture shock exists, one way or another, it won’t last forever.
  • ​Don’t sit around being critical and negative.
  • Do plan fun things to do!
  • Don’t focus on bad things.
  • Do set goals for yourself.
  • Do look for the best in your situation.
  • Do enjoy the diversity of people and cultures.
  • Don’t be judgmental.
  • Do keep a journal.
  • Don’t think of yourself as strange and abnormal.
  • Don’t be offended by characteristics of the culture which are not polite or appropriate in the U.S.
  • Do try and keep busy.
  • Don’t immediately call/write/e-mail your family/friends to tell them how miserable you are. 

Remember that culture shock can be a very valuable experience, which can leave you with broader perspectives, deeper insight into yourself and a wider tolerance for other people.

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