Culture Shock


In life, we may once in a while have to move from the usual places that we are used to. We may have to move to settle in a new country that most of the times may be so different from our own. We are forced to move either for short terms or extended periods. We are either on vacation or on job assignments and sometimes to study. The thought of having to move makes people panic. Culture Shock is the effect that we suffer from having to relocate. The experience is different depending on individuals and depending on the location that they are moving to. The time that is taken by individuals before they settle is also a primary concern. Cultural shock is caused by many things. The most known causes of shock are the weather in the new location, culture, values, customs, mode of dressing, landscape and the food. These aspects may make you feel like you are in the wrong place. It is good to note that cultural shock is not suffered solely by people who have moved from one country to another. Even moving within the same country could cause cultural shock. Cultural shock is known to affect people a lot. In most cases, it reduces productivity.

Symptoms of Cultural Shock

Different people will behave differently when facing a cultural shock. The first sign of cultural shock is feeling homesick. This may not be easy to note. Many people will, however, look sickly. One may lose the interest in a lot of things even those that they are fond and used to doing. The other things that may help you know if you are suffering from cultural shock include having sleeping problems, missing your culture, feeling insecure or as a target, getting angry pretty fast and having obsession for unusual stuff. Many people will want to spend a lot of time cooking or cleaning things.

How to Deal with Culture Shock

The most crucial and good thing is to make sure that you are physiologically prepared. The best way you can do this is by making sure you read a lot of stuff about the place you are moving to. You should also move or relocate having a humble attitude. By this, you will be eager to learn new stuff. This will help you not to feel bored. It will also help you to settle pretty fast. It is also good to try and keep off your worries. You can do so by trying to talk to people that you know around your new place.