What are the main reasons behind culture shock?

What is it? When we live in a foreign country we experience disorientation, confusion and anxiety caused by our interaction with local people who have different values and ways of thinking. All of this causes psychological stress, and our reaction to that stress is called Culture Shock.

What advice would you give on how do you cope with culture shock?

8 Tips to Overcome Culture Shock

• Realize that adjusting takes time.
• Focus on the positive.
• Understand your academic expectations.
• Accept that you will be homesick.
• Do not compare yourself to others.
• Get to know a variety of students.
• Find ways to relieve stress.
• Keep an open mind.

Where does culture shock happen?

Culture shock can occur when people move to a new city or country, go on vacation, travel abroad, or study abroad for school. A cultural adjustment is normal and is the result of being in an unfamiliar environment.

What are the benefits of being exposed to different cultures?

You learn to become more social, flexible, open minded, and independent. Exposure to multicultures or diversity will lead to better judgment; you will meet people of different religions, color, race, educational background and many other things. You will also learn fun skills such as cooking among others.

Is the way we express ourselves a reflection of our culture?

The way we express ourselves is often a reflection of our culture. This is probably most easily observed in the sub-cultures within one particular nation. For instance, one of my Chinese friends told me that he can tell which part of China someone is from just by the way they speak.

What does it mean to experience a new culture?

Experiencing a new culture is like stepping into a whole new world; you’re exposed to different languages, smells, colors, sights, sounds, and people. Taking the time to travel to a different part of the world and a new culture will completely change your life. It’ll be an exciting and thrilling experience that you will never forget!

What is “culture shock”?

Most people who live in a foreign country for some time go through an adjustment period during which “Culture Shock” is experienced. Once culture shock is understood, its effects can be minimised dramatically. Adapting to a new culture can be difficult, especially when moving abroad.