Culture Shock

Culture shock is an extreme response to an international transition. There are other "surprises" that are less severe. It is helpful to think of common reactions when going abroad in these terms:

Culture "Surprise": Usually occurs early in your stay in the new culture when you begin to be aware of superficial, novel, and startling differences. It often characterises the "honeymoon" phase of adjustment.

Culture "Stress": A mild response to "stimulus overload”. “Culture Stress" is often seen in travellers abroad. One becomes tired and withdrawn. Annoyance builds as daily reality becomes more difficult.

Culture "Irritation": Often manifests itself in terms of “Item Irritation” and is usually traceable to a few observable behaviours that are common in the culture, and to which an individual reacts particularly strongly (a personal “hot button”). These may include use of language, public displays of affection, drunkenness, etc., or other overt behaviours to which an individual has a strong negative response.

Culture "Fatigue": A fairly short-term response to "stimulus overload.” This occurs when you begin to respond to the behaviour of the "new" culture and are stressed by trying to deal with lots of new cultural information all at once. It can occur soon after arrival or within a few weeks. It can hit you quickly and is often accompanied by "Language Fatigue”. Language fatigue occurs when, trying to use a second language constantly, you become tired physically and psychologically.

Culture "Shock": Culture Shock comes from the natural contradiction between our accustomed patterns of behaviour and the psychological conflict of attempting to maintain them in the new cultural environment. While the time of onset is variable, it usually occurs within a few months of entering a new culture and is a normal, healthy psychological reaction. While culture shock is common, relief is available. There are ways to minimise its effects - the first of which is to accept that it is a real phenomenon - and to learn to recognise its sometimes vague, if persistent, signs in yourself as well as others.