Culture Shock

Culture Shock

Culture shock is often defined as, “a condition of anxiety and disorientation that can affect someone suddenly exposed to a new culture.” It is important to know that experiencing culture shock is completely normal. We all experience some sort of culture shock when we go to a new, different place. Everyone tends to compare what they already know to what is new and different.

At home, you know what to expect, what to wear, what foods to eat, and how to talk to people.  In a new country, many of these small matters can become real problems. You will have to think about everything that is new and different. Culture shock affects people to varying degrees and may or may not be a big problem for you. If you have few expectations and keep an open mind, then these new things can be an exciting learning experience. If you have fantasy experiences or a closed mind, then you will have a difficult time adjusting and experience more culture shock than other students. Remember to be patient with yourself and the people around you.

Culture shock is not all bad. It can make you more alert and inquisitive and give you motivation to learn more about the place you are now living. It can encourage you to look for new ways of thinking and acting, so you have a better chance of getting what you want. It also can make you a more flexible person. Culture shock is not an illness that requires medical treatment. Normally, it passes with time.

If you struggle with culture shock for a long time, tell an adult, tell a teacher, tell a Weiming team member. We are here to help.

Below is a general outline of the phases of culture shock you might experience:

Some ways to deal with culture shock include: 

Some ways to deal
with culture shock: 

  • Learn as much as you can. Learn about the local culture's history, basic information, rules, politics, problems, heroes. Become familiar with the city you live in, visit sites of interest， and research the places and people around you.
  • Look for the logic behind the things in the local culture that seem strange, confusing or wrong. Cultures develop over time according to their own logic, look for that thread of logic.
  • Try to find the value in the strange things you encounter. Maybe keep a journal or blog to write and think about your experiences.
  • Avoid thinking of the local culture as inferior. Once such a judgment is made everything will serve to confirm that judgment. Look for the truth and exaggeration in every critical thought about the local culture. Writing often helps.
  • When you encounter a difficult cultural situation find a sympathetic local person to discuss it with. Your RAs and ISCs will be happy to talk with you.
  • Forgive people.
  • Trust yourself!
  • Learn as much as you can. Learn about the local culture's history, basic information, rules, politics, problems, heroes. Become familiar with the city you live in, visit sites of interest， and research the places and people around you.
  • Look for the logic behind the things in the local culture that seem strange, confusing or wrong. Cultures develop over time according to their own logic, look for that thread of logic.
  • Try to find the value in the strange things you encounter. Maybe keep a journal or blog to write and think about your experiences.
  • Avoid thinking of the local culture as inferior. Once such a judgment is made everything will serve to confirm that judgment. Look for the truth and exaggeration in every critical thought about the local culture. Writing often helps.
  • When you encounter a difficult cultural situation find a sympathetic local person to discuss it with. Your RAs and ISCs will be happy to talk with you.
  • Forgive people.
  • Trust yourself!

Adapted from Kalamazoo College Center for International Programs “13-14 Culture Shock; Responses and Advice”