Stages of Cultural
Adjustment
The Honeymoon
This stage is full of
excitement and great expectations. Everything is new and
intriguing. You love this place! But alas, it won't be like
this forever. This stage can last from anywhere from a week
or two to a few months or longer.
Culture Shock
All of a sudden, you find
yourself wondering just what the heck you are doing
here. And why is everybody acting so strangely? Eventually,
you start to focus on the differences between the culture
you are familiar with and the new one you've found yourself
in. During culture shock, you may experience homesickness,
withdrawal, compulsive eating/drinking, family tension and
conflict, headaches, irritability, boredom, need for a lot
of sleep, inability to work effectively, crying a lot,
stomach aches, and others.
Not everyone
will experience a severe case of culture shock or face these
symptoms. Just do not be surprised if you do experience some
culture shock. It's very normal. Do not forget that others are
feeling the same way, and that a lot of people are here to help
get you through it. Before you think you may want to go home,
give it a chance. Chances are you will get over this bump and
move on to the next step of the roller coaster. Hang in there!
Surface
Adjustment/Gradual Adjustment
The worst is
over, and you are on your way to feeling better. You are feeling
more comfortable, and the new culture becomes more familiar. You
are making more friends and picking up on cultural clues that
you missed before. Keep smiling! You will make it!
Unresolved Problems
There are some things that you will never get
used to. It could be the food, the weather, the lines at the
post office, whatever, but it is okay. You never will like
everything,
and you are learning to deal with it.
Feeling at Home, Adaptation,
Biculturalism
Congratulations! You are able to function
comfortably and successfully in two cultures.
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