DAY29 - The 4 Stages of Culture Shock

Passage 29

Living abroad can be an exhilarating experience that encourages new world views, increases cultural curiosity and supports willingness to explore unfamiliar terrains.

However, it may also invite a sense of feeling a little lost in the world.

Culture shock generally moves through four different phases：honeymoon, frustration, adjustment and acceptance.

 

1. The Honeymoon Stage

The first stage of culture shock is often overwhelmingly positive during which travelers become infatuated with the language, people and food in their new surroundings.

 

2. The Frustration Stage

At this stage, the fatigue of not understanding gestures, signs and the language sets in and miscommunications may be happening frequently.

 

3. The Adjustment Stage

Frustrations are often subdued as travelers begin to feel more familar and comfortable with the cultures, people, food and languages of new environments.

 

4. The Acceptance Stage

During the acceptance stage, travelers have the familiarity and are able to draw together the resouces they need to feel at ease.

 

Though it can be one of the hardest parts of traveling, culture shock is just as integral to the experience as food, people and scenery.

By recognizing it for what it is and finding ways to cope, you can prevent culture shock from ruining an otherwise fantastic experience abroad.

 

"It is better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books."

"知世故而不世故，才是最善良的成熟"