Culture shock is a phenomenon which can occur when you are travelling abroad, no matter how prepared or experienced you are. There are five stages of culture shock, each with its own characteristics.
These five stages of culture shock are:
- the honeymoon stage
- the frustration stage
- the adjustment stage
- the acceptance stage
- re-entry shock
These stages are all different for different people in terms of length and severity, but the major feelings and effects are the same. How you deal with the different stages of culture shock are up to you, but there are a number of things you can do to make the process a bit easier.
Our favourite ways to deal with culture shock are:
- Don’t invalidate your feelings. Culture shock is a real thing, so be kind to yourself.
- Keep in touch with family and friends back home.
- Try to learn the local language – even if only a few words or phrases.
- Go on adventures you wouldn’t be able to have at home.
- Focus on the positives.
Above all, know that having these feelings doesn’t mean you are failing or not coping. Experiencing culture shock is totally natural, and it will eventually pass.
Read more: How To Deal With Culture Shock