Cultural Adjustment and Culture Shock

Culture Shock Stages

• The initial stage is the Honeymoon (or Tourist) stage, where everything is exciting and new, and the new culture is perceived as ideal or better than one's own.
• This stage can last from a few days to several months.
• During this stage, one quickly recovers from frustrations or problems, and the people in the new culture are seen as very nice.

The Shock Stage

• The second stage is the Shock Stage, where all the little problems and frustrations appear much bigger.
• One may feel worried that others want to rob or cheat them, and feel confused and lonely.
• In this stage, one may become dependent on someone from their own country who has lived in the new culture for a long time.
• Expatriates may find other expatriates and complain together about the new culture, making stereotypes of the people from that culture.
• One may miss their own country and culture a lot, and may even try to go home if possible.

The Adjustment Stage

• The third stage is the Adjustment Stage, where one learns to deal with the differences if they decide to stay.
• One may try to integrate the new culture with their own beliefs.
• Learning the language and making more friends are key aspects of this stage.
• One may have occasional crises, but develops a positive attitude towards the challenges.

The Acceptance or Acculturation Stage

• The fourth stage is the Acceptance or Acculturation Stage, where one can live with the new culture.
• Although it is difficult to be completely assimilated, one goes through important personal changes and growth as they become integrated into the new culture.
• One develops a bicultural identity.

Re-entry Shock

• The last stage is Re-entry Shock, which is the shock of coming back home.
• One may feel like a stranger in their own culture after returning from their time in another country.
• Nobody wants to relive those fascinating, cultural memories, leading to feelings of isolation.

Understanding Culture Shock

• Researchers aim to help people prepare for and adapt to new cultural environments by understanding culture shock.
• Culture shock is a normal process that most people experience.
• It's essential to give oneself time and remind oneself that it will not be permanent.
• Studying or living in a foreign country can be exciting, but also difficult, especially if the culture is very different from one's own.
• Research has shown that there is a predictable sequence of stages that people undergo during culture shock.