Living abroad can be an exhilarating experience that encourages new world
views, increases cultural curiosity and supports willingness to explore unfamiliar
terrains. However, it may also invite a sense of feeling a little lost in the world.
Culture shock generally moves through four different phases: honeymoon,
frustration, adjustment and acceptance.
The honeymoon stage. The first stage of culture shock is often overwhelmingly
positive during which travelers become infatuated with the language, people and
food in their new surroundings.
The frustration stage. At this stage, the fatigue of not understanding gestures, signs
and the language sets in and miscommunications may be happening frequently.
The adjustment stage. Frustrations are often subdued as travelers begin to feel more
familiar and comfortable with the cultures, people, food and languages of new environments.
The acceptance stage. During the acceptance stage, travelers have the familiarity and are
able to draw together the resources they need to feel at ease.
Though it can be one of the hardest part of traveling, culture shock is just as integral to the
experience as food, people and scenery. By recognizing it for what it is and finding ways to
cope, you can prevent culture shock from ruining an otherwise fantastic experience abroad.