Overcoming Culture Shock after Moving Abroad

Relocating to a different country is one of the most thrilling moments a person can experience in his or her lifetime. You get to visit new locations, make new friends, and interact with people of different beliefs. However, such a journey has its flipside in most cases—culture shock. This transition adjustment stage is normal however, at most times it can prove to be too much. This therefore makes finding out how one can define culture shock as well as finding ways to deal with it quite beneficial if one has to relocate to another country comfortably, easily and even enjoy the whole process.

What is Culture Shock?

Culture shock is the disorganization or discomfort which is felt when a person travels to a different nation or culture from the one they are accustomed to. It is mostly associated with factors like language barriers, change in customs or social practices and change on the normal way of life.

Culture shock usually phases:

1. Honeymoon Stage: Everything seems cool and interesting in the beginning. You are amazed by the new environment and eager to dig into the culture.
2. Frustration Phase: When the excitement subsides, difficulties of everyday life, such as the ability to communicate, access to services, and understanding the behavior of others, may cause irritation.
3. Adjustment Phase: Little by little, you begin to cope with the new orientation, learn the rules of the game, and get used to the environment.
4. Acceptance Phase: Sooner or later, the unfamiliar culture begins to feel familiar. You may not belong completely, but have mastered the means of effective operational behavior in the new culture.

The goal is not to overcome culture shock, instead, the focus is to be able to handle it in a constructive positive manner. Below are some guidelines that can be useful in overcoming culture shock and easing one into life overseas.

1. Know The Culture In Advance Before There Is a Move

The best way to fight culture shock is to fight it in advance. Study on the traditions, language and societal practices of the country you will be rejoicing in, before going there. This will help avoid shocks

• Social Etiquette: Which behaviors are acceptable? Which actions are impolite?
• Linguistic Fundamentals: Memorize effective phrases to assist with daily discussions.
• Cultural Variations: Appreciate the underlying values and beliefs that determine peoples’ behavior in a society.
• If you do your homework, you shall be able to deal with the issue of cultural diversity when you go there.

2. Embrace Change

Culture shock is often a result of attempting to place one’s culture in comparison with another. Instead of thinking about what is different or what is not the same, concentrate on the beauty of the surrounding, and keep it warm. Do not avoid crushing and rough edges. Look at the differences in culture as something beneficial rather than detrimental. This recalibration of perspective can accentuate the positive aspects of culture shock rather than the distress it brings.

For instance:

• Food: There is no point in crying for the loss of, say, Indian food. Try something new.
• Language: Do not consider it a taboo to not be perfect in every language you try out. Stereotype the use of ‘to learn’ as more than just acquiring vocabulary.

3. Build a Support Network

One of the pillars of culture shock is the feeling of being cut off from the rest of society, and therefore, it is very important to communicate with people. Some people may find it helpful to develop a support network of locals and other travellers. People who have moved to another country for work understand your struggles, while those who lived in that culture all their lives explain that culture to you.

• Find information about Expat Groups: There should be some information localized or otherwise online about expats in your locality. Many towns have Facebook pages, discussion boards or real-life gatherings where one can meet people with similar adventures.
• Make Friends with the Locals: Do not just befriend other immigrants – there are local people who would also gladly introduce you to their way of life and practices.

4. Learn the Local Language

One of the main reasons for experiencing culture shock is the language barrier. Even if you are not proficient, dedicating some time into expressing a few words may help you a lot. Integration into a new culture requires a lot of communication, and even the slightest attempts at communication build bridges between you and your new environment.

• Take Language Classes: If language is too hard for you self studying, start with taking beginner courses or using language apps to practice.
• Speak with Locals: Do not be shy to talk to the locals and practice speeches. They are always happy to assist you, even if you make a mistake.

5. Give Yourself Time to Adjust

It is important to note that culture shock will never be fought in a day. Allow and appreciate yourself. There is nothing strange or out of the ordinary in the beginning stages of feeling like an outsider. This will gradually change as one integrates into the new culture over time. Small accomplishments should be acknowledged, such as learning a new expression or becoming more proficient in navigating the city by bus.

6. Stay in Touch with the Family

And while it is equally necessary to adopt the new culture, one can still find solace in the need to stay in touch with home as a way of easing the transition. Make sure you talk to other family members who happen to stay behind every once in a while so that they do not feel so distant.

In this case, however, try not to overdo it with the communication with home, so that you do not fully concentrate on the new environment. You will manage to remain stable as you adapt into new dimensions.