Office of International Student Services : Culture Shock

Culture Shock

There are customs here that are very different from what you were used to in your home country and they will surprise you. Even though you understand the language, you will still experience things that were unexpected and seem strange. That's part of the fun of living in a foreign country - learning about the culture.

By not understanding a culture fully, we are set-up to experience culture shock. It happens to everyone. The person experiencing a severe case of culture shock usually complains often to friends and colleagues about the foolishness of certain aspects of life in the host country. Your friends and colleagues will be the first to notice that you have changed and are suffering from culture shock, not you.

Culture shock does not result from a specific event or series of events; it comes from the experience of encountering ways of doing or valuing things that are different from yours and which threaten your unconscious belief that your customs, values and behaviors are right. It does not strike suddenly or have a single principal cause. Instead it is cumulative. It builds up slowly, from a series of small events which are difficult to identify.

Culture Shock Feelings Chart

Excerpts taken from the book: Coping With Culture Shock

By Kurt Piemont

Euphoria - This generally occurs shortly after arriving in a new environment for the first time. Things that are different seem fascinating. However what you notice most during the euphoria stage is similarities. You are surprised that different cultures are actually very much alike. This phase may last up to 2 months, but generally lasts a shorter period. Soon you experience the letdown.
Irritation - At this point you notice the differences between cultures and are bothered by the way things differ because you are not used to them. The differences are everywhere and even the smallest difference is bothersome. You will often complain to friends or tell people how ridiculous the host culture is.
Adjustment - Gradually, you learn to cope with the differences and accept them as a natural occurrence. You begin to understand the culture more and try to explain why things are different - an important step. You will likely not notice the adjustment because it is so gradual.
Adaptation - Finally you reach a point where you feel comfortable in the new culture and will find certain aspects that are enjoyable. You will find some things so pleasant that you are sure you will miss them upon returning home.