- Recognize culture stress,
don’t
deny it. Those who feel they are immune to it
may get it even worse!
- Learn to strengthen your emotional security through
self-acceptance. God made you special with your
gifts and talents.
- Set goals that
are realistic, within the context of your new home.
- Allow time for weekly relaxation and recreation.
Pack a few books of healthy humor. A good laugh
may help in difficult moments.
- Get to know your
host culture. Try to appreciate unfamiliar ways
of doing things
as
another way to deal with life’s problems and
joys.
- Improve your communication skills. Study the language
and observe non-verbal forms of communication.
- Don’t isolate yourself. Culture stress will
pass as you learn to bond with people and appreciate
the host culture’s ways to cope with
life and its challenges.
- Record your observations and reflections in a field
journal. This will give you a wealth of
insight when you debrief with friends and co-workers,
and when you return home.
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