Preparation for culture shock

Culture shock


Experience when in a different culture is like a
roller-coasterthere are ups and downs, high
and low points
Culture shock is the sense of confusion,
discomfort, disorientation, and uncertainty
that might be felt by those exposed to a
different cultural environment.
The Iceberg Model


Time
Space
Attitudes




evident culture




deep
culture

Environment
Interpersonal
Relations
Fundamental Ideas
(Values)
Evident Characteristics
language, appearance, fashion
Friends
Co-workers/boss
Lovers

Custom
Way of living


Symptoms of Shock Culture

People who are experiencing culture shock worry
and complain about all aspects of life food,
weather, people, everything.

They worry about minor ailments and pains.

They often become frustrated and angry over
small problems, and some even refuse to learn
anything about their host cultures language.

Overall, they feel helpless and homesick and just
want to go home to see people who make sense.
What Causes Culture Shock?
Culture shock is caused by unfamiliarity with a new
environment.

This could be due to the inability to speak the language, eat
the food, make friends, get around town independently, etc.

People going through culture shock often feel like children
who must rely on natives to help them do basic tasks (i.e. go
to the grocery store, send a letter, open a bank account, take
a taxi, etc.).


Stages of culture shock
HONEYMOON STAGE
CONFLICT STAGE
CRITICAL PERIOD
RECOVERY STAGE

Honeymoon Stage

C
o
m
f
o
r
t

L
e
v
e
l


Time
Exciting
Amazing
Beautiful
I cant wait to tell all my
friends about this place!
Honeymoon symptoms
VIP feeling (everybody is nice to you,
showing you around, taking you to places)

Constantly excited

Amazed, happy, (a lot of things are different)

Curios to see more and more new and
interesting things

What is happening?
Being busy (registration, apartment, bank account, etc.)
Observing the new culture and familiarizing yourself with
your new environment
Meeting helpful and friendly people
First social contacts with members of the host culture
Seeking out new things to do and thoroughly enjoying your
new world
You may feel proud that you can are taking such a huge
challenge.



Conflict Stage (2nd week)

We would never
do that at home!

These
people are
so ___!

Conflict Indicators
Unmet expectations
Frustration
Unable to understand
Self doubt
Helplessness
Loneliness
Homesickness
Feelings of inadequacy
Depression
Confusion


What is happening?
Desire for more personal relationships with members of the
host culture.
Feeling isolated and out of place.
You may feel tired, sick, depressed, angry and / or frustrated.
Growing awareness that your home cultures behaviors may
not be accepted in the host culture.
You may have to give up, suspend, or modify your own
behavior.
High expectations remain unmet.
Blaming the host culture for your problems.
You are not excited anymore about the differences, but less
tolerant.



Critical Period

Gradual Adjustment - I am ok
You feel more relaxed about your situation

Confidence starts to grow

Ironic humour replaces anger

You choose to become an explorer in the new culture

You accept the challenge of self-reflection.

You assume responsibility for your own cultural adjustment.




Recovery Stage

Recovery Indicators
Developed greater tolerance
Became part of the community
Improved language skills

What is happening?
You begin to understand why members of the host culture do
what they do.
You have finally made friends.
You develop a greater tolerance for what is strange and new
in the host culture.
You become a mediator between your culture and your host
culture.
You are able to laugh at yourself take yourself less seriously.
HOW WOULD YOU PREPARE
FOR THE DOWNSIDES?


A good preparation should be
Reading books, internet about the cultural
differences of the host country
Talk to aiesecers who were on internship
Create a to-do list
Remember why you
went you abroad

How to overcome the downsides
Be objective

Develop a routine so you feel more like a member of the
community, not a tourist

Make friends with natives from your host country as they can help
you immensely throughout your stay

Know your weak points when you are under stress

Use your eyes and ears, but also use your brain

Solutions

Dont exaggerate
Watch yourself to not stick to your first flight or fight
reaction

First reflect, then act
Its nobodys fault - its a culture shock. Sleep it over
before you make your judgement or even start doing or
saying stupid things. Dont complain about host culture to
locals may offend them.

THANK YOUUUUUUU!



Any questions?