Here How to Deal with Culture Shock

When people turn a new page in their lives, they may sometimes encounter things they did not expect. If you are currently reading this article, you are probably experiencing it or are afraid to live it. Then you are at the right address because we will show how to overcome this fear and even turn it into a benefit.

Culture shock is a complex process that consists of four different phases and may last a long time. This process may vary from person to person and anyone's experience is unique. These stages serve as a general guide for us to understand the culture shock process. 

Let's take a look at these four phases :

1. Honeymoon

In this process, which starts with the first moment of stepping into a new culture and lasts from a few days to a few weeks. The person often feels enthusiastic. Admiration for the new culture, curiosity and excitement are at the forefront.

2. Frustration

Feelings such as disappointment, anxiety, anger, tension, restlessness come to the surface. The eruption of negative emotions is usually caused by a misunderstanding with a local or college friend, or by feelings of loneliness and/or homesickness. Little things – losing a student card, missing the bus, or not being able to explain simple things to locals – may trigger frustration.

3. Adaptation

The person begins to learn the cultural nuances, the frustration phase is slowly starting to resolve. A person is willing to learn how to adapt to the new cultural environment. They can travel on their own and even may handle the language of the country. Even when negative situations occur, the person thinks that they will overcome them.

4. Acceptance

The person feels safe, happy, and attuned to this new culture. Also shows positive reactions. It usually takes a few months to reach this stage.

Now,  take your cup of coffee and read these steps carefully.

1. Do not hesitate to ask questions. Ask for clarification when there is anything you don't understand. When you are not understood, you may have to change the form of the question you ask, check the meaning of the sentence you say, or repeat what you said.

2. Observe your expectations. Your reactions to your new life and school in for example  America may be driven by your expectations. When you feel confused or disappointed about something, ask yourself if your expectations were right. If you realize that your expectations are unfounded or wrong, your dissatisfaction will decrease.

3. Do not approach people around you with judgment. Evaluate new traditions, ideas, and lifestyles not as good or bad, right or wrong, but simply as "different" from the culture you are used to. Try to look at things from different angles.

4. Be open-minded, curious, and flexible. Try new things. Try to learn from different people and cultures in your environment. The more you discover, the more you learn.

7. Just relax and chill. It's natural to make mistakes when exploring a new culture. If you can laugh at yourself, you will feel much better and more comfortable. Other people will be more friendly to you if you can be flexible about your mistakes.

8. Be active and set goals for yourself. The most important advantages of studying in a foreign country are establishing new relationships, visiting new places, and gaining new experiences. Don't wait for something to happen by sitting at home. Become a member of a student club, sports team. Join the international students' organization at your school. You will have achieved a lot when you develop your experience.

9. Strengthen your human relations. Difficult decisions and situations should be shared, as well as happy moments. Since your family and friends are far away, it is important that you make a phone call to your friends during difficult times. Otherwise, you may feel lonely and depressed. During difficult times, your turn may be other students (especially from the same country as you), any faculty member, your academic advisor, members of the student club you are interested in, members of the office dealing with foreign students, or even your neighbor.

10. Visit the office dealing with foreign students at your school. Conversations with your counselor will help you view culture shock from a positive and healthy perspective. Find out how thousands of students have gone through these stages before you have succeeded.

11. Learn from your experience. Living in a new culture can be the most important and educational experience in your life.

The final step is us. Studylet is your bestie who stays with you with its most needy information and support!