Culture Shock and How to deal with it

 

 

What is culture shock?

Culture shock is the feeling of uncertainty, confusion or anxiety that people experience when visiting, doing business in or living in a society that is different from their own. Culture shock can arise from a person's unfamiliarity with local customs, language and acceptable behavior, since norms can vary significantly across cultures.

Culture shock is usually most intense at the beginning of a stay abroad – in a good way. At first, people are usually thrilled to be in their new environment, and they see it as an adventure. If someone is on a short stay abroad, this initial intrigue may define the whole experience. However, if someone has moved to the new locale on a more permanent basis, this "honeymoon" phase will eventually wear off.

After the initial glee of being in a new environment dissipates, people may actually grow frustrated with their situations. This can be the most difficult period of culture shock as fatigue sets in with not understanding various gestures, signs and language. The inability to effectively communicate is usually the prime source of frustration. This is when depression or homesickness and longing for the familiar and comfortable become

 

Stages of culture shock

The five stages of culture shock are:

1. The Honeymoon Stage - You are very positive, curious, and anticipate new exciting experiences. You even idealize the host culture.
2. Irritability and Hostility - You start to feel that what is different is actually inferior. The host culture is confusing or the systems are frustrating. It's a small step from saying that they do things in a different way to saying that they do things in a stupid way. You may blame your frustrations on the new culture (and its shortcomings) rather than on the adaptation process.
3. Gradual Adjustment - You feel more relaxed and develop a more balanced, objective view of your experience.
4. Adaptation of Biculturalism - You feel a new sense of belonging and sensitivity to the host culture.
5. Re-entry Shock - You go home and it isn't what you expected it to be.

Tips for dealing with culture shock

• Make a list of things you want to accomplish while you are here and follow through with them. As you are settling in to life in Italy, remind yourself to be patient. Don’t expect perfection. Keep an open mind and try not to be judgmental!
• Get out there! Make friends and try to meet locals.
• Take up a hobby that will help you learn more about the local culture and people.
• Volunteer in community activities that will allow you get involved and perhaps practice your Italian.
• Give yourself time to adapt, and allow yourself to feel sad about the things you have left behind.
• Join / involve in an international community who can give you practical advice.
• Take up a hobby that will help you learn more about Florence and Italy. 
•  Decorate your room with objects that remind you of home.
• Stay in touch with family and friends.
• Establish simple goals and celebrate each success.
• If there's something you did at home to help relieve stress, keep doing it!
• Find ways to live with the things that don’t satisfy you 100%.
• Try not to be too hard on yourself and stay confident—most of all, keep your sense of humor!

Hope this article helps!

 

From different sources.