I.

Introduction
Culture shock is a term used to describe the anxiety and emotions (such as surprise, disorientation,
confusion, etc.) that a person feels when operating in a culture or culture. completely different social
environment. It arises from difficulties in adapting to a new culture, which is the cause of the difficulty
in perceiving what is appropriate and what is not. This situation is often coupled with aversion (for
ethical or aesthetic reasons) towards certain aspects of the new or different culture.
Culture shock can occur when people move to another city or country, such as when retiring abroad.
Culture shock can also occur when people go on vacation, travel in retirement or for business, or study
abroad for school. For example, international students studying abroad for a semester in another
country may experience a cultural adjustment due to an unfamiliarity with the weather, local customs,
language, food, and values.
Although the timing of each person's adjustment process can be different, there are specific phases that
most people go through before they adjust to their new environment. Culture shock can be quite
stressful and lead to anxiety. However, it's possible to overcome it and grow as a result.
II. Content
1. Common stages of culture shock
“There is wisdom in turning as often as possible from the familiar to the unfamiliar: it keeps the mind
nimble, it kills prejudice, and it fosters humour.” This quote from philosopher George Santayana still
holds true today. “Unfamiliar” often goes hand in hand with “scary”, however, new places can, and do,
offer a positive experience, despite the initial culture shock that expats experience. There are ways to
lessen the impacts of culture shock and understanding what the stages are is one of the most effective.
Culture shock is often split into four stages: honeymoon, uncertainty & doubt, adaptation, and
acceptance.
State 1: The Honeymoon Stage

As the name suggests, the first few days and weeks in a new place can be compared to newlywed bliss.
You are discovering your new surroundings, meeting your neighbors, trying new foods, and learning
some basic phrases in a new language. It’s fun! It’s exciting! We experience this phase when we travel,
a two-week holiday gives us that honeymoon feeling and just before the next stage creeps up on us, we
get to go home. This obviously is not the case when we move to a new country. Sadly, the honeymoon
period is a short-lived phase and soon the uncertainty and doubt will set in.

State 2: Uncertainty and Doubt

At this stage during your expat journey (normally around three months in), frustration sets in. This is
arguably the hardest stage of the culture shock cycle. The language barrier, as well as cultural
differences begin to get on your nerves. The realization that this is your new life can lead to feelings of
sadness, uncertainty, doubt, anxiety, frustration, and even anger. During this stage, very simple things
can trigger these emotions. You may find yourself saying things like “Why is everyone always late?”
or “Why does everything require so much paperwork?”.  You may not be able to remember your way
home without looking it up or locals may not seem as friendly as before. At this point, you start to long
for your old friends and family, you start to idealize your old life. Luckily, this stage comes to an end
eventually, and you will start to adapt to our new home.

State 3: Adaptation

Routine, routine, routine — life gets easier at this stage! Having a routine is the most effective way to
get out of the uncertainty and doubt of culture shock. With a structured week, you will get used to
having lunch earlier than you normally do and organizing your rubbish into different bins. You will be
more comfortable and familiar with the new language, people, and culture.

It is important to remember that this is a gradual and non-linear process, you might even go back to
relive the uncertainty and doubt stage when you start to feel homesick. The seemingly snail pace of
culture shock is frustrating, and you may not notice a change in your mental state until you look back
and remember how much of an effort it was to go to the supermarket and remember the right things to
say to the cashier. Now? You’re a natural at letting them know that you don’t need a receipt and that,
yes, you would like a bag.

State 4: Acceptance

Finally, you reach the last stage, the one you have dreamed of! Acceptance of your new life is where
you wanted to get to: you feel comfortable in your host country, you are no longer isolated, and have a
strong sense of belonging. This doesn’t mean you understand every custom and quirk of a new country,
but you have accepted you don’t need to in order to feel at home. It is important to note you may not
feel the same euphoria as in the honeymoon phase, but the acceptance stage is long-lasting and more
stable. Like every other expat, you get there eventually, you just have to be patient and enjoy the
journey!

Culture shock is tough. Everyone goes through it when they move away from home, so don’t believe
those Instagram posts of your friends floating seamlessly from country to country with an ease you can
only dream of. They are struggling too! However, culture shock doesn’t have to be a bad thing. You
will learn so much about yourself as you go through this cycle and it allows you to experience, and
hopefully enjoy, your host country to the fullest. When you come out the other end, you can look back
and be truly proud of yourself, of what you have achieved, and how you have integrated into your new
home.

2. How to Overcome Culture Shock

 Be open-minded and learn about the new country or culture to understand the reasons for
cultural differences.
 Don't indulge in thoughts of home, constantly comparing it to the new surroundings.
 Write a journal of your experience, including the positive aspects of the new culture.
 Don't seal yourself off—be active and socialize with the locals.
 Be honest, in a judicious way, about feeling disoriented and confused. Ask for advice and help.
 Talk about and share your cultural background—communication runs both ways

III. Conclusion
Culture shock or adjustment occurs when someone is cut off from familiar surroundings and culture
after moving or traveling to a new environment. Culture shock can lead to a flurry of emotions,
including excitement, anxiety, confusion, and uncertainty .
Although culture shock may have a seemingly negative connotation, it is a normal experience that
many people go through when moving or traveling. While it can be challenging, those who can
resolve their feelings and adjust to their new environment often overcome culture shock. As a result,
cultural adjustment can lead to personal growth and a favorable experience.
References
1. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%E1%BB%91c_v%C4%83n_h%C3%B3a
2. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/culture-shock.asp
3. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/culture-shock.asp