Culture shock isn't a clinical term or medical condition. It's simply a common way to describe the confusing and nervous feelings a person may have after leaving a familiar culture to live in a new and different culture. When you move to a new place, you're bound to face a lot of changes. That can be exciting and stimulating, but it can also be overwhelming. You may feel sad, anxious, frustrated, and want to go home.
Symptoms :
Symptoms :
- feelings of anger, discomfort, confusion, frustration or irritability and loss of a sense of humour;
- withdrawal, spending excessive amounts of time alone, spending time only with other foreigners and avoiding contact with locals;
- negative feelings about the people and culture of the host country;
- compulsive eating and drinking or a need for excessive amounts of sleep;
- and boredom, fatigue and an inability to concentrate or work effectively.
Coping Strategies:
- Admit frankly that these impacts exist.
- Learn the rules of living in your host country.
- Get involved in some aspect of the new culture.
- Take time to learn the language.
- Carry a small notebook and jot down a couple of new words each day.
- Take care of yourself.
- Travel.
- Make friends and develop relationships.
- Maintain contact with friends and family back home.
- Do something that reminds you of home.
- Avoid idealizing life back home.
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