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Interested in Applying for Cohort 3 in January 2026?
So you've done the quizzes and self-assessments and you're ready to launch - we're happy to have you! Time to get fully prepared...
So you've done the quizzes and self-assessments and you're ready to launch - we're happy to have you! Time to get fully prepared...
Adapting to a new environment can be more challenging than we think! Have you ever heard the advice to avoid shopping when you're hungry or sending an email when you're upset? That's because emotions are not the best tools for crafting decisions. And when you're spending extended time in a new environment, especially one where resources are significantly fewer than you're used to, the emotions will happen!
Adapting to a new environment can be more challenging than we think! Have you ever heard the advice to avoid shopping when you're hungry or sending an email when you're upset? That's because emotions are not the best tools for crafting decisions. And when you're spending extended time in a new environment, especially one where resources are significantly fewer than you're used to, the emotions will happen!
What does that look like?
What does that look like?
1. The Honeymoon Phase
1. The Honeymoon Phase
Excitement & Optimism
Upon arrival in a new country, everything feels fresh and exciting. The sights, sounds, and customs are fascinating, and there’s an eagerness to explore and embrace differences.
✅ You may feel:
✔️ Curious about the culture
✔️ Enthusiastic about new experiences
✔️ Open to learning and adapting
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind:
This initial enthusiasm may fade as challenges arise.
Staying open-minded and engaged will help with long-term adaptation.
2. The Slump (Culture Shock)
2. The Slump (Culture Shock)
Frustration & Overwhelm
After some time, the novelty wears off, and cultural differences that once seemed charming may become frustrating. Adjusting to new customs, language barriers, or different work styles can feel overwhelming.
✅ You may experience:
✔️ Homesickness or loneliness
✔️ Irritation with local customs
✔️ Fatigue from constant adaptation
⚠️ Common symptoms:
Struggles with communication or language barriers
Frustration with different social norms and expectations
Feeling disconnected or longing for home
Changes in sleep, appetite, or mood
💡 Tips to overcome Culture Shock:
Recognize that this phase is temporary. Adjusting takes time.
Engage with your surroundings. Explore the city, try new activities, and interact with locals.
Develop a routine. Having structure helps you feel grounded.
Find support. Talking to peers or journaling your experiences can help.
Learn from your mistakes. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself as you navigate a new culture.
3. The Realization Phase
3. The Realization Phase
Understanding & Growth
As time passes, you start to adjust. The culture begins to make sense, and what once felt frustrating now feels more familiar. You develop an appreciation for the new customs and start to integrate them into your daily life.
✅ You may notice increased:
✔️ Confidence in navigating daily life
✔️ Understanding of cultural norms
✔️ A shift from frustration to curiosity
💡 How to build on this stage:
Take an active role in cultural learning- ask questions, observe, and practice new skills.
Stay patient with yourself - progress happens gradually.
Reflect on what you’ve learned and how it’s shaping your perspective.
4. The Adaptation Phase
4. The Adaptation Phase
Feeling At Home
Over time, your new environment feels less like a "foreign" place and more like a second home. You’ve developed meaningful relationships, adjusted to cultural expectations, and can move through daily life with ease.
✅ You now:
✔️ Feel emotionally stable & comfortable
✔️ Have built a strong support network
✔️ Navigate local customs confidently
⚠️ Important to remember:
Cultural adaptation isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about expanding your perspective.
You may still encounter moments of frustration, but you now have the tools to navigate them.
5. Relapse & Re-adapting
5. Relapse & Re-adapting
Ups & Downs
Even after adapting well, you may experience occasional relapses of culture shock. A stressful situation or cultural misunderstanding can bring back feelings of frustration or homesickness.
✅ This may feel like:
✔️ A temporary setback in your adjustment
✔️ A return to old habits or attitudes
✔️ A moment of doubt about your progress
💡 How to get back on track:
Recognize relapses as normal—adjustment isn’t a straight line.
Use strategies that worked before, like staying engaged and maintaining a routine.
Seek support from peers who understand your experience.
6. Returning Home & Reverse Culture Shock
6. Returning Home & Reverse Culture Shock
Reflection & Reintegration
When you return home, you may find that you have changed, but your home environment hasn’t. Things that once felt familiar might now seem foreign, and it can take time to re-adjust.
✅ You might experience:
✔️ Frustration with old routines
✔️ A desire to share your experiences, but feeling misunderstood
✔️ A shift in how you view your home culture
💡 How to adapt back home:
Reflect on what you've learned and how you’ve grown.
Find ways to integrate your new perspectives into your daily life.
Stay connected to people and experiences from your time abroad.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Initial enthusiasm may fade as challenges arise.
Know that what you're feeling is normal - avoid making it mean negative things about your environment/team - you can overcome it!
Recognize that the slump is temporary - give yourself grace, reflect on what you've learned and how it's shaped your perspective.
Cultural adaptation isn’t about changing who you are - it’s about expanding your perspective.
Watch The Global Society's full video here ➡️
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