How to Avoid Cultural Shock?

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Ol`gita
Major: International Economic Relations
Status: Workygirl

I am fond of chocolates, flowers, friends, loud music, watching movies, taking pictures and traveling!!!

How to Avoid Cultural Shock?
Olya Bezvushko

Cultural shock is a kind of complex emotional stress that occurs when people move from one culture to another. It happens when we understand that some basic presumptions we make about life and the way we live no longer seem appropriate in a new environment. The necessity to deal with different language, new unspoken rules and unusual physical surrounding can motivate some degree of culture shock and the bouts of depression that usually accompany it. So you’d better develop a strategy how to deal with it before you face it moving international.

Start with simple recognizing the problem. You may be surrounded by people who speak different language, you might have a hard time understanding the local sense of humor and the way people take in information in that area, but you do not need to consider cultural shock as a bad thing. Recognizing that you are experiencing it can help you deal with it. Some scientists and psychologists believe that without going through cultural shock at some point, it is impossible to adapt completely to the new situation.

Firstly, it can be useful to talk to another person who has had a similar experience. Find expatriates from your country and share your difficulties. Communicate with others who have traveled. Very often the knowing that others have survived culture shock can calm you down.

Secondly, spend some time alone. Discover the place you live, take a walk in the city, find some interesting shop or café. You will find out that it is possible to live in this new place with all necessary conveniences. The shock fades once you begin to learn more about a new culture and its people.

Take things slowly. Venture out to meet people and explore everything slowly. Read about the history and traditions of your new locations, go sightseeing, taste new dishes and find a new favorite among them.

Moreover, try to remember time before you came to the US, the reasons why you wanted to do participate in the program.

Open yourself to people from other countries, they face the same inconveniences that you do, therefore they will understand your new feelings. You should give preference to people who actually love the city or town you are in. Avoid the company of people who complain about the country a lot. Their friendship is very toxic and will prevent you from settling down well.

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