Difficulties Of Culture Shock

When moving to a new place, we are bound to face a lot of changes

. Though people experience culture shock in different ways, the most common feelings are: loneliness, anxiety, extreme homesickness and not wanting to be around people who are different. Difficulties adjusting often don't show up right away. In some people, the excitement gives way to frustration as time goes on and they still have trouble understanding their new surroundings. So how do we deal with the frustration and fears? How can we begin to feel comfortable in our new surroundings?

The anxiety that comes with moving to a new place has to do with not knowing what to expect in a new environment. The first stage of culture shock is discomfort and rejection: the traditions of the new country seem bad because they make us feel bad. Some of the symptoms of culture shock are: excessive concern over cleanliness of drinking water, food and dishes, fear of physical contact with locals, desire to be around people of ones own nationality, great fear of being cheated, robbed or injured and refusal to learn the language of the host country. In some rare cases culture shock might cause depression and even nervous breadown, so it is very important to search for help if needed. Family and friends, counselors and new friends may help understand the culture better or at least be someone to talk to when we feel lonely.

The second phase of culture shock is regression. The home environment is suddenly worshipped, all problems and difficulties are forgotten, and only the good things are remembered. It usually takes a trip home to bring one back to reality.

Another important point worth considering is the attitude of others to a person suffering from culture shock. If the foreigner is frustrated and has an aggressive attitude to the people of the host country, they will sense this hostility and in many cases respond in a hostile manner. In other words, their response moves from a preliminary phase of ingratiation to aggressive ridicule and on to avoidance. But the difficulty is that culture shock has not been studied carefully enough for people to help the one suffering it, so the individual continues to be considered a bit queer until he or she adjusts to the new situation.

In the course of time, the visitor makes the adjustment and accepts the customs of the country as just another way of living. We cannot change the environment but we can change our attitude towards it. Power and water shortages, traffic problems and delays dont seem that drastic anymore; we no longer project our discomforts onto the people of the host country and their ways, and get along under a new set of living conditions. Gaining knowledge of what people mean when they say certain phrases or act in a certain way does help to feel better. With patience and understanding, one can be reasonably sure that time will soon set things right.

by: Worldcup tickets Collector

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