Culture Shock
culture shock defined
Culture Shock occurs as a result of total immersion in a new culture. Newcomers may be anxious because they do not speak the language, know the customs, or understand people’s behavior in daily life. When this happens, visitors may want to reject everything about the new environment and may glorify and exaggerate the positive aspects of their own culture. The severity of culture shock depends on each visito's’ personality, language ability, emotional support, and duration of stay.
Culture Shock is also influenced by the extent of the differences, either actual or perceived, between the two cultures.
There are recognized periods of adjustment, and although the stages in the cycle do not always occur in the same order and some stages may be skipped, on the left is the most common process.
The “Culture Shock Cycle” typically looks like this:
- Honeymoon Period:
Initially many people are fascinated and excited by everything new. The visitor is elated to be in a new culture.
- Culture Shock:
The individual is immersed in new problems: housing, transportation, shopping, language barriers. Mental fatigue results from continuously straining to comprehend the new environment. Complaints are the first symptoms.
- Initial Adjustment:
Everyday activities such as housing and shopping are no longer major problems. Although the visitor may not be fluent in the language spoken, basic ideas and feelings in the second language or new dialect can be expressed.
- Mental Isolation:
Individuals have been away from their families and friends for a long period of time and may feel lonely. Many still feel they cannot express themselves as well as they can in their native culture. Frustration and sometimes a loss of self-confidence result. Some individuals remain at this stage.
- Acceptance and Integration:
A routine (like school or internship) has been established. The visitor has accepted the habits, customs, foods, and characteristics of the people in the new culture. The visitor feels comfortable with friends, the language, and the culture of the country.
A similar process occurs when a person returns to their native country, when they need to re-adjust to being back home, although the stages are usually shorter and less intense.
why experieNcing CulturE shock is actually good for you
1. Culture shock will shape your personality significantly by teaching you to trust your gut, how to survive periods of loneliness and unfamiliarity, and give you a thicker skin.
People experience tremendous personal growth when they are facing vulnerability. Yes, being in an unfamiliar environment can be scary, uncomfortable, and confusing. However, those moments shape who you are as a person by helping you to discover your capabilities and what you are made of. Stressful situations expose character, and more often than not, help to build it too.
2. Coming into contact with a new language will force you to adapt and learn the new language quickly.
Knowing a secondary language is becoming a necessity in our interconnected world. Learning a language in a classroom is quite different than immersing yourself in a new culture and learning the language on your feet. Language and thought are connected, so by learning a new language, you will gain an opportunity to think differently as well.
3. After the effects of culture shock subside and you become more comfortable in your new surroundings, you will have an opportunity to expand your circle of friends to include people from all over the world.
One of the best things about traveling and living abroad is meeting new people and fostering friendships with others. Meeting people who have different perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences can be a transformative experience because it often shapes you into a more open-minded individual. Likewise, it also opens doors of opportunities for you in other parts of the world that would otherwise be inaccessible to you.
4. Getting to know an entirely new culture is a tremendously exciting and liberating experience.
When you travel or live abroad, you will have the opportunity to see things you may not otherwise see, and do fun and unique things that you probably can’t do in your home country. Exploring a new culture by discovering its music, trying its foods, and learning about its history and traditions not only enriches you as an individual, but also adds valuable life experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life.
5. Culture shock teaches you the valuable lesson that this world is a small place, and that despite our differences, we are all similar and interconnected.
Despite variations in cultures, languages, and ethnicities, we all share similar aspirations: to find love, enjoy what we do, protect our families and loved ones, and earn a good living. Traveling abroad truly reinforces the idea that we all share the same human experience on this incredibly beautiful planet.
DEALING WITH CULTURE SHOCK stress:
BE PATIENT. The act of acculturating is the process of adaptation to new situations. It takes time. Don't worry, it is normal and you are not alone.
KEEP YOURSELF BUSY. Re-read the information in the Staying Active Section about everything you can do to keep busy in Barcelona. Pro tip: Make a list of everything you want to see and do in Barcelona before you leave, so that as soon as you arrive, you can keep busy checking things off!
BE SELF-AWARE. If you encounter an unfavorable environment, don’t put yourself in that position again. Be easy on yourself.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. Include a regular form of physical activity in your routine. This will help combat the sadness and loneliness in a constructive manner. Go for a run, swim, or take a dance class!
MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH THE NEW CULTURE. Learn the language. Volunteer in community activities that allow you to practice the language that you are learning. This will help you feel less stress about language acquisition and feel useful at the same time.
RELAXATION AND MEDITATION. Both are proven to be very positive for people who are passing through periods of stress. Pro tip: Keep a journal of how you're feeling, what you're doing etc. - in a year's time, you'll be happy that you have your thoughts written down.
ESTABLISH SIMPLE GOALS. And evaluate your progress.
KEEP IN CONTACT WITH YOUR HOME COMMUNITY. This will give you a feeling of belonging and you will reduce your feelings of loneliness and alienation.
REMEMBER: You have up to 10 free sessions with a professional psychologist available to you while in Barcelona. You can also always request to meet with any member of our staff if there's anything you'd like to chat about. More information here.
COMFORT ZONE CHALLENGE
Have you already been in Barcelona for about a month? Are you over the first adjustment period and now you are feeling like you are up for the next challenge?
Here are some to start with:
Mastered the metro? Start taking the bus.
Never spent a moment alone? Go to a new neighborhood by yourself and explore.
Spend an entire day (or half-day, or 1 hour, depending on your level) only speaking Spanish.
Do something (safe) that you would never do at home and that will give you bragging rights.
Eat local food that you have never tried before.
Join a new club or organization that allows you to carry on a sport or hobby from back home.