In this chapter we will focus on culture shock—a psychological upset that stems from unfamiliar cues and unmet expectations in a new culture. Can you think of some of the symptoms of culture shock that you already recognize from previous experiences or from your reading?

Why Do We Experience Culture Shock?

Our culture determines what feels normal, right and real to us. When we go into a new culture we are trying to process new experiences through our original cultural system which has not yet learned how to read the new cultural clues. Behaviors have different meanings. Take a basic thing like eating, for example. Besides personal taste, cultural values guide our decisions what, how and when to eat, and with what instruments. To us the new foods we encounter may look, taste and smell strange. In addition there are new customs and often also a new language. Given the many new and unknown factors you are experiencing, it is easy to feel frustrated, out of place and ill equipped to deal even with seemingly simple situations. The resulting condition is culture shock, a temporary condition of stress and disorientation a person experiences on the way to becoming bicultural.

Causes
Anthropologists tell us that some of the causes for the experience of culture shock are:

The severity of culture shock depends upon several factors like your personality, the extent of the differences between the cultures, and the way you deal with new situations.

Symptoms
Some of the more common symptoms include the following:

Four Phases

During the process of becoming a bicultural person most people go through four phases.

Initial High (A)—During this phase you usually feel excited, maybe a bit fearful about being in a new country. Your level of satisfaction is high. You are finally there! It's the honeymoon phase of your missionary stay.

Frustration (B)—Sooner or later it hits you. You are here to stay. The different tastes and sounds will not go away. Some of these strange things begin to get to you. You can't seem to understand anybody. Misunderstandings seem frequent now. Your patience is wearing thin. The satisfaction level is low. You feel like going home.

Recovery (C)—The good news is that culture shock is temporary. Your efforts to make friends are crucial and pay off. You begin to laugh again. Some of "their" strange ways begin to make sense when viewed from their viewpoint. Bonding begins to occur.

Acceptance (D)—You begin to feel comfortable again. There is a sense of satisfaction about your work. You are accepting the local climate, food, dress, and customs. You function without anxiety. You make friends and enjoy them. Eventually, you will miss them!

"Danger Zones"

Life in a different culture appears full of potential for cross-cultural misunderstandings and stress. Other "danger zones" are:

Concerns about climate, food, living conditions, and hygiene are often high on the initial anxiety list. These are usually not the most problematic areas of trouble because we do eventually adjust to different climates quite readily and we can learn to eat new food. The list for cultural blunders, however, seems endless. But don't despair. As you bond with the people of your host culture you will become more familiar with the cultural clues. Soon you will develop a new sense of security and belonging.

Practical Tips

Here are a few tips to help you deal more effectively with culture stress.

Transition

Transition is an integral part of our life. Some transitions are developmental—a part of normal growth patterns. Some transitions are thrust upon us by circumstance—societal change or personal loss. Other transitions we choose—marriage, education, or career moves. Moving and living internationally intensifies normal transitions and increases the frequency and number of adjustments required. Each of the stages of transition is a normal, and necessary, part of the cross-cultural adjustment process.

Stage 1: Engagement
We have a sense of belonging and security, position and reputation, friends and responsibilities. We are engaged and committed to our lives and community.

Stage 2: Leaving
A sense of disengagement begins, often subconsciously, leading to a relinquishing of our roles and a loosening of ties. The feelings of withdrawal, exclusion, even rejection can lead to criticism, conflict, and sadness. During this stage reconciliation of relationships needs to occur and proper good-byes said.

Stage 3: Transition
Feelings of chaos, grief, and inner disorientation are at the heart of the transition process. Problems are exaggerated, normal routines disrupted, misunderstandings and ambiguities abound. Grief and self-centered behavior results. Realistic expectations, an understanding of the transition process, and appropriate self-care can ease the frustration and anxiety.

Stage 4: Entering
As we observe and learn about our new culture we make mistakes and feel marginal and vulnerable. Our feelings are easily hurt and ambivalence and fear make even simple actions feel risky. A trustworthy "mentor" can lessen uncertainty and help us begin to feel tentative acceptance.

Stage 5: Re-engagement
Developing a sense of belonging in a new community requires a willingness to reach out to people, an acceptance of differences in people and situations, a commitment to participation and involvement. The support of others who have made cross-cultural transitions is helpful during this time. (Source: David C. Pollock, Interaction.)

1. The process of adaptation is similar to other experiences of change or transition you might have had, e.g. moving to another state, into a different house, changing schools, or losing a friend. Recall a transition experience in your life and describe how you adjusted to it? What were the major challenges you experienced? What helped you to cope with it?

2. How are you preparing yourself for culture shock? List some of the things you plan to do when you will face culture stress. What are a few items you will pack to create your own new sense of "home"?