We all travel for different reasons: relaxation, running away from something, visiting a geographical/architectural site that we have admired in magazines, and some of us, travel to immerse ourselves in a different culture too. Being in such close contact with people that have had completely different life experiences and traditions to us can help us become more open-minded, understanding and tolerant. However, there is a phenomenon that hardly ever gets the attention that it deserves… let’s talk about culture shocks.
Let’s start with the basics. What is a culture shock? Being in an unfamiliar environment can cause people to feel anxiety, stress, fear, and confusion. It is a normal process that comes from being in a different country. Some of the problems that people encounter when moving to a different country are language barriers, information overload, difficulty adjusting to certain traditions, feelings of isolation, age gaps, to name some. Some of the most common symptoms you might experience if you are going through culture shock are withdrawal by avoiding being in contact with others, depression and loneliness, feeling overwhelmed, boredom, shyness, feelings of being lost, overcompensation, homesickness, being irritable and/or frustrated, doubting oneself. Those feelings can also be followed by a sensation of guilt for not living up to one’s expectations or the inability to fully enjoy the experience abroad.
One of the best ways to mitigate the effects of Culture Shock is to understand it. There are five known stages to the phenomenon. The first stage is the Honeymoon stage, which is characterised by excitement and novelty. The second stage is Rejection and Hostility, just like in a love relationship those quirky things that made us fall in love with a place or a person can now seem annoying and irritating. During this stage, we might encounter difficulty with the language barrier, some behaviours that are hard to understand, maybe some frustration over paperwork/bureaucracy. This stage is hard, uncomfortable and unpleasant but hang in there and use it as an opportunity to learn how to navigate those emotions with dignity and grace. Connect with people and get as much support as possible. The third stage is related to the Progressive Adjustment which comes with feeling more used to the surroundings, knowing more people, feeling like you have some sort of “local knowledge” like what is the best tide to go to the beach for a swim or where to get the freshest produce. The fourth stage is the Deep Adaptation, which is a more profound step to the third stage. You feel like you have a sense of community and of roots laid where you are. There is less of a sense of comparison between your culture and the local culture. The last stage is the Re-entry shock that happens when you move back home or you are planning to go for a visit. You have gone through all the stages of cultural adaptation and now you have changed and things might feel different and unfamiliar even in your own home. That idea presented by Heraclitus, that you can’t step into the same river twice. You might find yourself being critical of your family, friends and feeling like no one understands you. Be patient, be kind.
Overall, Culture shock is as real as global warming. Understanding how it works and what it is can help us comprehend what is happening to us at an emotional level and work on acceptance. Being mindful of all the stages can help us develop self-kindness and put a name to those strange feelings. It can also help us understand what might be happening to others in a similar situation and deepen the bonds of empathy and understanding with fellow globetrotters.
Here is some practical advice on how to prepare before you travel to a new country to minimize the cultural shock:
- Do some research. What are the cultural norms? Is there some dress code? What is considered rude? What are the etiquette norms?
- Learn the language. Locals usually appreciate people making the effort of learning the language. There are apps such as Duolingo that might help you with the process.
- Bring a journal. Document your journey and your emotional transitions too. Don’t forget to write about what you are grateful for.
- Join local groups on social media that will help you meet others in the community and start learning how to live in the country.
- Look up activities that you are interested in joining once in the destination. Local tennis club? Surfing? Nearby yoga studio? Language lessons? Book club?
- Learn how to meditate. It can help you develop compassion, tolerance, empathy and self-observation skills. Start small, baby steps and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
I cannot recommend overseas experiences enough. So pack a bag full of dreams and the world will be your oyster.
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