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The Basics
First introduced in 1954, the term "culture shock" describes the anxiety and feelings of surprise, disorientation, and confusion felt when people have to operate within an entirely different cultural or social environment, such as a foreign country. Culture shock is an entirely normal and well-researched experience that affects every study abroad student to some degree. Culture shock grows out of the challenges students may face in adjusting to a new culture. The different stages of culture shock are outlined below with several coping strategies to try before and after departure. It's important to note that while culture shock is common among many students and international travelers, it is typically mild and lasts only for a brief time. Knowing more about culture shock and various ways to handle it can better prepare you to cope effectively if you should experience similar challenges while abroad.
From Pre-Departure to Return: The Cycle
1. Before Take-Off:
The first stage of culture shock begins before you even leave the States. This includes your preparation for your journey, farewell activities, and research about the host culture. General feelings during this time include varying excitement and nervousness about your time abroad.
2. Honeymoon Phase
The honeymoon phase begins when you step off the plane into your new country and usually lasts for a few days up to a few weeks. In this stage, the excitement of experiencing a foreign culture is predominant. Maybe you run around the city with your camera in hand, call home to tell your parents how much you adore the country and its people, or regard a morning commute on the transportation system as a thrilling adventure. This phase is the high of culture shock and is sometimes described as euphoria.
3. Deepening Culture Shock/Irritability
This stage is what most people think of upon hearing the phrase culture shock. The initial excitement of the honeymoon phase has
First introduced in 1954, the term "culture shock" describes the anxiety and feelings of surprise, disorientation, and confusion felt when people have to operate within an entirely different cultural or social environment, such as a foreign country. Culture shock is an entirely normal and well-researched experience that affects every study abroad student to some degree. Culture shock grows out of the challenges students may face in adjusting to a new culture. The different stages of culture shock are outlined below with several coping strategies to try before and after departure. It's important to note that while culture shock is common among many students and international travelers, it is typically mild and lasts only for a brief time. Knowing more about culture shock and various ways to handle it can better prepare you to cope effectively if you should experience similar challenges while abroad.
From Pre-Departure to Return: The Cycle
1. Before Take-Off:
The first stage of culture shock begins before you even leave the States. This includes your preparation for your journey, farewell activities, and research about the host culture. General feelings during this time include varying excitement and nervousness about your time abroad.
2. Honeymoon Phase
The honeymoon phase begins when you step off the plane into your new country and usually lasts for a few days up to a few weeks. In this stage, the excitement of experiencing a foreign culture is predominant. Maybe you run around the city with your camera in hand, call home to tell your parents how much you adore the country and its people, or regard a morning commute on the transportation system as a thrilling adventure. This phase is the high of culture shock and is sometimes described as euphoria.
3. Deepening Culture Shock/Irritability
This stage is what most people think of upon hearing the phrase culture shock. The initial excitement of the honeymoon phase has