culture shock college essay

Essays About Culture Shock: Top 5 Examples and 7 Prompts

Writing essays about culture shock promotes awareness, improves character, and fosters meaningful interactions; reading our top examples and prompts to get started.

Two things stood out when I visited Thailand: the beautiful tourist destinations and the country’s food. I enjoyed the meals and snacks, especially  Roti Sai Mai . It’s a sweet candy floss rolled into a salted roti sheet. My peers, however, liked eating Nhon Mhai or silkworms sprinkled with pepper and soy. I knew the country had exotic foods, but it still shocked me. 

Culture shock happens when one is unfamiliar with the environment and culture of a place they’re visiting. People who usually experience this are international students, migrant families, and first-time travelers like myself. An effective way to promote awareness of its  symptoms and stages  is through writing essays about the subject.

5 Essay Examples

• 1. What Is the Culture Shock? By Anonymous on EduBirdie.Com
• 2. Long Essay on Culture Shock by Prasanna
• 3. Cultural Shock and Adaptation by Anonymous on GradesFixer.Com
• 4. Culture Shock — What Is It by Anonymous on IntervarsityChicago.Org
• 5. My Experience of Culture Shock in the United States by Anonymous on GradesFixer.Com

1. Culture Shock: Defined

2. symptoms of culture shock, 3. the phases of culture shock, 4. how to overcome culture shock, 5. factors and effects of culture shock, 6. is culture shock normal, 7. my personal experience of culture shock, 1. what is the culture shock  by anonymous on edubirdie.com.

“Culture shock is the result of national culture. Everyone has a culture which he or she grows, works, and lives. Because of that difference, people are having trouble to adapt new culture.”

In this essay, the author uses students studying abroad as an example to explain culture shock. They mention that culture shock is inevitable even if students prepare themselves for the problems they may face when moving to another country. As a result, students become unfocused and stressed and develop psychological problems.

According to the writer, culture shock is an insurmountable problem, but there are ways to reduce its impact, especially on students. It includes orientation programs from universities, research about the new culture they will encounter, and human interaction. You might be interested in these essays about city life .

2. Long Essay on Culture Shock  by Prasanna

“Traveling to a foreign country is one of the best ways to step outside your monotonous life. The fear of facing unfamiliar situations holds many people from stepping out of their comfort zone. When you reach a new country, you will have the opportunity to see and experience things that you were longing for, have fun and enjoy the atmosphere that you can’t do in your home country.”

Prasanna describes culture shock’s many benefits that significantly improve one’s life. For example, it assists in breaking routines so one can adapt to others’ customs. It leads to individuals being more flexible and expanding their horizons. 

Culture shock also helps build self-confidence and overcome challenges. People make new friends and create new experiences by exposing themselves to unfamiliar cultures, places, and groups. The new knowledge about a foreign place dramatically influences one’s personality and promotes self-growth. Ultimately, Prasanna believes that culture shock is difficult at first, but one becomes comfortable with the changes around them as the day goes by.

Looking for more? Check out these essays about globalization .

3. Cultural Shock and Adaptation  by Anonymous on GradesFixer.Com

“… The differences of how people live, their beliefs, values are rather obvious. We not only find no evidence of convergence – we actually find that the gap between the value system of rich and poor countries have been growing, not shrinking, during the past 20 years.”

This essay contains various quotes from people knowledgeable about culture shock, such as Michael Minkov, the author of  “Cultural Differences in a Globalizing World.”  The writer says that traveling abroad is more than just enjoying the sights, festivities, and food. It’s about learning and understanding how its people live — the travelers’ difficulties in understanding these lead to culture shock. Since this is a broad and sensitive topic, the author believes that people should learn about the culture and its differences to know its causes and develop effective methods to overcome them.

4. Culture Shock — What Is It  by Anonymous on IntervarsityChicago.Org

“Culture Shock is the disorientation and change that is experienced after an international relocation… You will feel as if you are in the wrong place; everything will appear abnormal and you will often find things hard to comprehend.”

The author defines culture shock as mental confusion brought on by moving to a foreign country, locale, school, and workplace. Various factors contribute to culture shock, and its effects differ from one person to another. For students and employees, culture shock makes them unproductive and tired. 

The essay further explains that the usual cause of culture shock is homesickness. People feel various indicators like insomnia, anger issues, irritation, and many others. Their advice to readers dealing with culture shock is to look for its causes to handle it properly to avoid adverse effects. You might also be interested in these essays about culture shock .

5. My Experience of Culture Shock in the United States  by Anonymous on GradesFixer.Com

“Many of the customs of the new culture may seem odd or uncomfortably different from those of your home country. Being in a new and unfamiliar place can be challenging even for the experienced traveler, and it is normal to feel frustrated and isolated.”

Being from Kazakhstan and using a Hollywood movie as a basis for American life, the author has no idea that pursuing their dream of living in The Land of the Free will give them culture shock. The writer discusses three significant differences between their home country and America.

First, compared to their native land, where people only befriend those they trust, Americans are approachable and make easy friends with strangers. Second, privacy and personal space are nonexistent in America. Lastly, Americans’ ideas of equality spill into how they talk and dress.

7 Prompts for Essays About Culture Shock

Use this prompt to discuss culture shock by talking about its literal meaning, experts’ views, and your idea of it. Then, pick what’s consistent across these varying explanations to create a comprehensive definition of culture shock. Add relevant citations from reliable sources to strengthen your statements and make the essay more informative. 

If you find this topic complex, simplify it and write a five-paragraph essay instead.

Some common symptoms of culture shock are feeling isolated, bored, and irritated. However, it differs in the stage, cause, or degree of culture shock a person has. For this prompt, briefly discuss the definition of culture shock and then identify its symptoms. Expound on each stage’s indicators and how long a person typically goes through these symptoms. The essay must also explain how these signs differ from one individual to another.

There are  four stages of culture shock : honeymoon, frustration, adjustment, and acceptance. Explain each stage and focus on what causes an individual to transition from one phase to the next. Add how long each stage lasts and what feelings are involved. Include examples so readers can better understand each stage.

Certain situations do not allow an individual to return to a familiar environment to get rid of culture shock. In this prompt, center your essay on ways to help people cope with culture shock. Search for effective ways to adapt to the changes, such as developing new hobbies and making friends in the new place. 

Climate, language, social roles, values, and unspoken rules are some factors that contribute to culture shock. For this prompt, briefly explain culture shock and list its common causes to help the reader verify if they’re experiencing this phenomenon. Then, discuss how these factors lead to culture shock by offering examples and include some of its positive and negative effects.

To write this prompt, you need to find reliable references such as demographic statistics to determine the number of people experiencing culture shock worldwide. After gathering data, analyze and discuss your findings. 

Remember to answer the question prompt and summarize your conclusions at the end of your essay. Here’s an example statement: Based on research , 85% of international students experience culture shock, and their top problem is adjusting to the country’s language.

Share a story of your travel or move to another location where you experienced culture shock. Write about the reason for your transfer and describe where you came from versus where you moved to. Include how long you stayed in the place and what culture shock symptoms you felt. Add how this experience affected you and your expectations whenever you visit a new location. If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips !

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Essay on Culture Shock

Culture shock is defined by the University of Florida Interactive Media Lab as “the uncomfortable feeling of uncertainty that many people experience when immersed in unfamiliar surroundings where they are unsure of the acceptable norms of behavior, or what to expect from other people.” This phenomenon can occur when traveling or moving to a new city, state, or country. While it’s not something that can easily be avoided, being prepared and knowing what to expect can make the experience one that is both beneficial and not life shattering.

Travelers to new and foreign places are most likely to experience culture shock as their surroundings can change dramatically from what they’re used to at home. However, other populations can also suffer from culture shock. That includes students who have recently moved away to attend college or those who relocate for their job.

There is a variety of signs that a person may be suffering from culture shock. They include losing the ability to pick up on the social and language cues of the people in their new environment as well as a difference in the values and morals that one finds important and valuable. Other things that one might experience include feelings of depression, anxiety, fear or anger. Feeling disoriented is also to be expected. Losing a feeling of satisfaction with life and the ability to appropriately interact with peers and coworkers are other things to be on the lookout for.

According to Global Perspectives, there are four stages to culture shock that one must work through to before a resolution is discovered. People can move through these stages in any order, but typically must go through each of them before coming out the other side and feeling satisfied and successful in one’s new environment, whether it’s short term or long term.

The first stage is called the honeymoon stage and refers to the initial positive feelings associated with trying something new and living or traveling in a new place. People often become infatuated with their new surroundings during this stage and love everything that has to do with it, including the people, food, entertainment, and living environment. For some people on shorter trips, this honeymoon phase describes the entire trip and the other stages don’t come into play because one isn’t in the new place long enough to transition through them all.

The frustration stage, which can also be called the disenchantment phase, sets in when one begins to become frustrated or irritated with the inability to interact with locals, whether due to the differences in customs or the language barrier that crops up when traveling or living abroad. As the ability to cope declines, a person will feel increasingly angry, frustrated, and hostile about the new situation and the difficulty that comes with trying to shop, dine out, and meet new people when different languages are spoken and different customs are followed.

When one moves into the adjustment phase, he or she is becoming more familiar and comfortable in the new surroundings and is getting better at navigating the new location. People may begin to pick up on the language and social cues and start to meet new people. Shopping, eating out, reading street signs, using public transportation, and making new friends become easier during this stage, which is usually a positive one for most people.

The acceptance stage can take weeks, months or even years to get to, but is characterized by the ability to thrive in a new place, despite the differences in customs, culture and language. A person in this stage begins to realize that these differences will likely stay in place, but they don’t have to be a barrier to success and fulfillment in the new home or workplace.

Though culture shock can be uncomfortable or even unpleasant at times, experts say that there are benefits to feeling and experiencing it. According to experts at Work the World, culture shock can help a person gain a better understanding of why their home customs, values and traditions are so important and meaningful to them. At the same time, going through the stages of culture shock also gives people confidence that they can thrive anywhere, as well as improving their feelings toward and interactions with people in a variety of cultures. A greater level of maturity and a clearer perspective on the different parts of the world are other positive aspects of going through culture shock.

There are a few tips to help one get through culture shock, including trying to immerse oneself in the new place while also surrounding oneself with what’s comfortable and familiar from home. This might be cooking favorite foods or wearing favorite clothes. Staying in touch with family and friends at home, as well as building a new social network can also help make the transition smooth and positive.

The very word “shock” gives the phenomenon of culture shock a negative connotation, but the experience can actually be very valuable and important.

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Culture Shock Essay Writing Guide

By: Henrique Bertulino

First and foremost, what is a culture shock essay?

Culture Shock Essay

A culture shock essay is a paper that describes the emotions, reactions, and observations an individual experiences when exposed to a new cultural environment different from their own.

Such essays explore the disorientation, confusion, surprises, anxieties, excitements, and learning that occur when adjusting to new norms, values, beliefs, behaviors, and ways of life in a different culture.

The Purpose of Culture Shock Essays

How to write an essay on culture shock, the stages of culture shock, key areas to describe, coping strategies to describe, culture shock essay example, final thoughts, what if i don't have a big, shocking event to describe, do i focus on others' behavior or my reactions, do i share positive reactions only, how do i conclude my learning journey.

Culture shock essays serve several academic and personal purposes, including:

• Helping individuals make sense of intense cultural adjustment experiences through writing. Putting emotions and reactions into words can clarify one's feelings and observations during confusing transitions.
• Educating others on the various stages, emotions, and coping strategies for adapting to unfamiliar cultural settings. These personal accounts provide insight for those planning to enter new environments on what to expect.
• Building cultural awareness, empathy, sensitivity, and skills for better adjusting to diversity. Openly describing culture shock promotes understanding and compassion across differences.
• Assessing one's own ethnocentrism, prejudices, privileges, and norms by contrasting another cultural experience against one's own ingrained perspectives. This reflexivity helps develop a more flexible, open worldview.

Capturing your insights gained and the emotional journey faced during cultural adaptation on paper can serve as a profoundly clarifying and transformative exercise. Choose a distinct cultural immersion experience and consider the following guidance to effectively compose such a reflective piece:

• Choose a cultural immersion experience: Focus your essay on a time you experienced a culture distinctly different from your own through study abroad, overseas work or schooling, military deployment, immigration, or an extended stay with a new family.
• Consider contrasts and sharp initial reactions: The crux of a culture shock college essay is contrasting initial perceptions with realities discovered through cultural immersion and disorientation. Analyze the gap between an assumption held before arriving and a local custom that surprised you.
• Describe your emotions across time: Share what first drew you to the new location. What aspects eventually frustrated or confused you? When did you settle in, and what realizations, locals, or experiences enabled your adaptation? Analyze your mental ups and downs.
• Highlight places you struggled: Share stories of misunderstandings, confusion, navigating local customs, or communication issues that challenged you deeply. Consider dining, friendship, or transit difficulties. Envision these scenes vividly.
• Spotlight cultural mentors or guides: Who assisted your cultural learning? How did they interpret the confusing aspects of local life? Recall how such guides responded to your mistakes with patience and instruction.
• Analyze implications: What stereotypes or assumptions did the experience shatter for you? How did immersion change your self perspective and worldview? What wisdom on life or diversity did you glean?
• Learn the language: Sprinkling in bits of local dialect or concepts when relevant enhances an essay’s richness. But define the terms for general readers. Discuss if language barriers impacted your adaptation.

With deep analysis of your emotions, shifting reactions, and ultimate inspirations or lessons learned through cultural immersion, your essay can profoundly impact and educate readers facing their own cross-cultural journeys.

Essays about culture shock often follow a loose narrative structure aligned with the commonly observed stages of cultural adjustment:

Culture shock academic essays provide detailed examples of emotional reactions, surprises, challenges, and cultural learning across aspects of the new environment, like:

• Communication dynamics such as language barriers, sociology, etiquette and non-verbal styles
• Societal customs, norms, taboos, and etiquette in areas like business, dining, friendships or romance
• Food, cuisine, dishes, dining setups, rituals, and levels of hospitality
• Transportation systems and norms around commuting, driving, and rules
• Social relationships, friendship-building approaches, dating norms, personal space
• Recreation activities, interests, norms around sports/arts/leisure pursuits
• Values, beliefs, worldviews, mindsets, humility, and power dynamics of locals
• Housing/shopping/finance differences such as appliances, stores, bureaucracy
• Government authority, legal system, dealings with police or bureaucracy
• Religious diversity, rituals, norms, and influence on culture

By using vivid scenarios to describe experiences across these aspects, readers gain an insider's perspective on the confusion, learning rollercoaster, and emotional work of cultural adjustment over time.

A core element of an essay about culture shock is articulating the coping strategies and learning that aided cultural adaptation, such as:

• Reframing one’s mindset with patience and curiosity
• Observing norms around greetings or transactions
• Asking locals to explain confusing references
• Bonding with fellow immigrants and dealing with discomforts
• Balancing immersion with familiar downtime outlets

Sharing not just the confusion but also the personal growth and coping methods used to advance one’s understanding of a culture’s complexity reveals insight valuable to readers facing their own transitions.

Below is an excerpt from an essay by a student from America describing her experiences joining a summer academic program in South Korea:

"When I first arrived in bustling Seoul, I was astonished at how glitteringly modern and technologically advanced everything appeared compared to my small U.S. hometown. Stepping out of the subway into a tangle of neon signs blanketing food stalls filled with steaming dishes I'd never encountered, fast-talking figures dressed in sleek styles, and rushing crowds, I instantly realized I had cultural misunderstandings to reconcile between my assumptions of traditional Asia and contemporary Korea...

In my first few weeks, I fixated daily on all that felt wonderfully foreign, from hurtling cityscapes of concrete towers clashing with majestic palaces to long treks through outdoor markets cluttered with squid and unfamiliar fruits. I soon lived for escaping my rigid academic program to explore spicy foods, noraebang karaoke, and cultural sites. As the months stretched on, though, the sheen of excitement wore off as I encountered mounting logistical troubles...delicate social dynamics that seemed to exclude me as a loud foreigner, academic rules I couldn't decipher, and communication breakdowns while simply trying to order food or make friends. Stumped by difficulties I avoided admitting, I often feigned sickness in my room, feeling depressed and doubly aware of sticking out...

Over time, through Korean friends gently correcting my mistakes or explaining why lines seem so confusing (yet efficient), I slowly learned to appropriately navigate unfamiliar contexts. After accidentally offending a friend, I realized the importance of understanding how humility, formality, and quiet subtlety enable cohesion in crowded Korea despite chaos. Now fluent in not only language but social rituals, I move confidently between the Korea in my memories and the one before my eyes, equipped with hard-won skills for transitioning cultures..."

This excerpt demonstrates core elements in cultural shock essays: contrasting assumptions with observations, detailing emotional ups and downs, highlighting key areas of difficulty from communication to academics, and describing personal growth and realizing cultural complexity over time. While not encompassing this student's full experience, it reveals the profoundly disorienting yet insightful journey of cultural adjustment through first-hand perspective.

Essay writing about culture shock provides insightful windows into the growth-enhancing yet intensely destabilizing power of intercultural experiences. By openly detailing their struggles and triumphs in adapting to unfamiliar environments, essay writers gift readers with an empathy-building understanding of what connects our shared human experiences across differences. Such essays reassure that, however stressful initially, embracing cultural adjustment leads to experiential learning and life-long skills for flexibly bridging divides. Through courageous self-revelation, they help shrink our vast world to show how much we truly have to learn from each other.

Brown, L., & Holloway, I. (2008). The initial stage of the international sojourn: excitement or culture shock? British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 36(1), 33–49. 10.1080/03069880701715689

Pollock, D. C., & Van Reken, R. E. (2017). Third culture kids: Growing up among worlds. Nicholas Brealey Publishing.

Holmes, Prue. (2006). Problematising Intercultural Communication Competence in the Pluricultural Classroom: Chinese Students in a New Zealand University. Language and Intercultural Communication. 6. 10.1080/14708470608668906.

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The Stages of Culture Shock – How it Occurs and How to Overcome it

• July 30, 2024

Believe it or not – culture shock is a legitimate thing that has been studied by professors across the globe. It is a universally recognised four-stage process that many international students experience when moving abroad to study. Although it’s not just experienced by people moving abroad. It’s also perfectly normal to feel the effects in a similar way just from moving to a new city. 

Everyone is unique and may experience culture shock differently (including not at all depending on your previous experience). But there’s no denying that moving somewhere new can be a huge change in your life. Everything can feel unfamiliar and disconcerting. The best thing you can do when moving to a new city is to understand what culture shock is, so you can feel more prepared to deal with it if it occurs.

Here’s what you need to know about the stages of culture shock, how it occurs and how to overcome it to have the best studying experience in London .

Why do we Experience Culture Shock?

Before we get into the stages of culture shock and how to overcome it, let’s take a quick look at how it occurs. It’s totally normal to experience culture shock when moving to a new country as we step into an unfamiliar setting. We can experience culture shock for several reasons, but it’s usually narrowed down to a combination of two things:

• The specific challenges we face when we first move and;
• How we deal with the loss of our familiar surroundings. 

That means that our personal experience of culture shock and how severe our feelings are can vary depending on our individual circumstance. For example, if your new city is similar to where you lived previously, your culture shock may be mild or non-existent. Or, if you’ve moved to a new country before, you may already have long-term coping mechanisms to help you adapt to different environments. Despite this, the most important things that affect the severity of our emotions are how prepared we are for the change and how strong our social networks are.

The Four Stages of Culture Shock

There are four culture shock stages that you could experience over the course of 12 months. That sounds like a long time (and it might feel like it), but how you feel during that time isn’t entirely bad. When you first move somewhere new, it can be great fun. And there’s no better feeling than when you have finally overcome the confusing emotions. It’s important to remember that while we all may experience these stages of culture shock, some of us may go through the process quicker and with less stress than others. Your experience will be your own and there is no right or wrong way to encounter these feelings. 

Here are the four most common stages of culture shock.

1. The Honeymoon Stage

Also known as the ‘tourist’ stage, this can be the most enjoyable stage of culture shock. This often includes the feelings of excitement that you have as you look forward to the new journey you are starting. During this stage, you may feel open to exploring and trying new things. You may experience some anxiety and stress about your new city, but, during this stage, you may tend to view these feelings positively. Generally, you enjoy the buzz of the new city and all it has to offer when you’re in the honeymoon stage.

2. The Negotiation Stage

This may be the worst stage of culture shock, not least because it happens immediately after the high of the honeymoon stage. For some people, it can occur just hours after moving. For others, it can happen up to six months after you’ve been living in your new city. In this stage of culture shock, you may feel exhausted and constantly tired of the discoveries you have been making. You may also feel frustrated by how different things are from what you are used to. The aspects of your new life that you found endearing at first, may feel irritating or confusing when you’re in the negotiation stage.

3. The Adjustment Stage

This is an important stage in your recovery from culture shock. It’s also a stage that you can reach quicker the sooner you recognise why you feel the way that you do. In this stage, you start to learn how to manage your feelings. You begin to problem-solve to understand how you can overcome those irritated or confusing thoughts in your day-to-day life. During this stage, you may still experience problems and negative feelings. However, you may also begin to understand more about why things are so different and maybe even why it makes sense in this culture.

4. The Adaptation Stage (or Acceptance)

This is the final stage and is also known as the acceptance stage of culture shock. This is when your problem-solving starts to work and you become successful at managing your new environment. Although you may never fully accept the new culture, you’ll feel like you have successfully adjusted, and you have stable ways of feeling good while living day-to-day life. Once you reach this stage, many people can permanently say goodbye to culture shock and feel happier and more secure in their environment long-term.

How to Overcome Culture Shock

Coping with culture shock can be tough for students as they might be facing this challenge for the very first time in their life. The only way to overcome culture shock is to learn long-lasting adaptations (or coping mechanisms) to deal with your new environment. For students, the two specific most highly advocated ways to overcome culture shock is to be prepared for it and have a strong social network around you. If you can recognise that how you feel is because you are culturally shocked, then studies suggest that you are more likely to be successful in overcoming it. Likewise, if you talk about how you feel with others, you can feel more supported and not alone.

Although everyone experiences these stages differently and will have individual ways of dealing with issues faced, here are some useful tips that are widely recognised to help you overcome culture shock.

Remember That How You Feel is Normal

As we mentioned earlier, the stages of culture shock are real and countless researchers have delved into the ins and outs of why and how it happens. It’s important to remember that how you feel is normal and someone else has probably felt the same way that you have. That’s why it’s so important to…

Reach Out to Someone

Try not to isolate yourself and make sure you talk to someone about how you feel. Culture shock is highly common amongst students moving abroad. That means that some of your classmates are likely experiencing similar feelings to you. Or it means that your new friends might have gone through a similar overcoming process when they first moved.

When you feel low, it can be tempting to isolate yourself and spend more time alone to reflect. But we all know that spending time with good friends boosts our mood and that sharing our feelings with people we trust can help us feel better. So, reach out to a friend for help and try not to spend too much time alone. If you need a helping hand, read our post on how to make friends in London for tips on reaching out and building a support network in your new city.

Find Things That Help You Reconnect

London is well-known for its diversity, and you can find the evidence everywhere you go – from worldwide street food to imported drinks in supermarkets. To help you overcome your culture shock, find things that help you reconnect with your home – like a restaurant that sells your favourite cuisine, or a café to study in that has a homely feel to it.

Keep an Open Mind

As best as you can, make efforts to keep an open mind about your new city and the way that it works. Try and remember that how you feel now might not last forever. By keeping an open mind, you may feel more able to embrace the new culture and start to understand it better – even if you never fully accept it.

Explore Your New City

Take advantage of everything that your new city has to offer and venture outside often. When culture shock occurs and makes you feel like you want to hide away indoors, try to push yourself to leave your student accommodation, so you can actively practice your problem-solving techniques.

How Long Does Culture Shock Last?

Culture shock is a unique and unpredictable experience and its duration can vary from person to person. While some may overcome culture shock within a few days, for others, it might last for weeks or even months. The key is to be patient with yourself, seek support from others, and embrace the journey of discovery in your new cultural surroundings with an open mind.

Beware of Re-Entry!

Something that isn’t often talked about with culture shock is re-entry. Just because there are four stages, that doesn’t mean that you’ll move from one to the other and then finish. It’s possible to move around the stages, especially if a crisis occurs or you face a problem that you haven’t experienced before. The good news is that it’s usually easier to bounce back into acceptance again after a crisis, since you’ve been successful many times before.

Help is Available

There are so many advantages to studying in London and countless reasons to study abroad in London . But culture shock can be a difficult thing to experience. Hopefully after reading this, you’ll have a better understanding of how culture shock occurs and how you can prepare for it. But despite how prepared you are, you may still feel like you need some extra support. If you’re struggling with overcoming culture shock, or if you think how you feel may not be culture shock, help is available. Read about the student wellbeing support we offer at UWS , or visit Mind for UK helplines t hat you can access for support.

• Living in London , Student Life

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The concept of a “culture shock” is a very real thing, as well as an extremely important component to social growth within certain individuals removed from their original birthplace, or culture they are used to. It is not a surprising reaction–both modern psychology and history both indicate that human beings do not adapt well to unfamiliar social situations. This rings true for everyone, but children most prolifically, as they are the most impressionable of all. This especially proved to be true with my interviewee–though her strong will has allowed her to persevere over the horrors involved in her individual culture shock.

Schmidt clearly outlines the model for a general case of culture shock in a four, and occasionally five-step process. Keeping in mind the principles of the honeymoon, horror, humor, and home stages while preparing interview materials–which seems at face value as an extremely logical and pragmatic progression–I figured I would use communication and social norms to judge my ethical responsibility when approaching the interview as a whole (Schmidt, 2007). As it turns out, these models are not necessarily universal.

This naturally involved evaluating the interviewee; first deciding what stage I could most attribute her to as to not cover any subjects she was not comfortable speaking about–especially due to her particular situation. To my surprise, she was very open about the culture shock she had experienced individually, and seemed to be inside the “home stage”–where the individual is comfortable with both their past as well as their present, and has come to terms with–or “recovered” from their culture shock (Schmidt, 2007). What I found while conducting the interview itself was something different altogether from my expectations–which again draws the conclusion that her individual situation created an individual result.

A background on my interviewee is absolutely essential to understanding the profound culture shock she encountered throughout her young life. The only way to describe what this strong woman has endured is a multi-pronged culture shock–being forcibly removed from her home due to bloody Civil War’s as a refugee–not just once, but twice–and in her most impressionable years as a child. My interviewee was living in Liberia during the Civil War taking place in the late 1990’s primarily. When rebel forces threatened her homeland near Monrovia, she fled with her family–along with many other Liberian refugees–across the border into the country of Sierra Leone.

The Civil War followed her across the border–in the early 2000’s Sierra Leone exploded with violence worse than what was even seen in Liberia. The warring factions, neither better than the other, tore the country apart–enlisting child soldiers and funding campaigns with slavery and the illegal diamond trade. Her family was again forced to relocate after just three years in Sierra Leone–this time far away from West Africa, closer to Liverpool. This was very temporary before my interviewee and her family found their final destination in London.

Operating under the auspices that she was indeed in the “home stage” of culture shock, I asked a question I believed would elicit an answer that would monopolize much of our interview. When posed with the seemingly simple question of what was the hardest thing about moving, or the most difficult relocation from her situation, I received an answer I certainly did not expect. “Definitely moving from Liverpool to London was the most difficult for me…”, she responded. This was naturally shocking considering the forced relocations she had to deal with in her young life. Upon a little more conversation, she went on to state that her chaotic childhood left her without any knowledge of what it was like without it. In Liverpool she knew her situation was temporary as well–it was not until coming to the realization that she was indeed settled in a safe environment that a true shock of any kind set in.

“Balloons,” she went on to say, “they just sounded differently. It was not for a while after I moved to London that I stopped ducking when the popped. Cars too–when they make that loud echoing popping sound…” before briefly trailing off. I decided not to press that issue too much more–I knew I was dealing with sensitive material, and ethically I could not continue to prod further. This was when I realized that I had perhaps misjudged my interviewee a bit, and quickly changed direction.

I chose a simple question, and asked what the word “culture shock” meant to her. She responded quite eagerly about the differences between West Africa and the UK–specifically referring to her “smart phone”, which she stated may have been impossible to have because she is female, overlooking the cost issue. There was clearly an underlying issue of feminism when she was speaking in this regard, so I allowed her to continue. She explained to me the demographics of where she came from–between the influence of tribal beliefs, the male-dominated rebels, and how she would never have reached the goals she has indeed reached in her life as a female in either Liberia or Sierra Leone. Knowing she was a college student now, I inquired about the education where she came from. She responded somewhat dejectedly that though a vague possibility for a man, it would have been unheard of for a female.

I asked how education in London had impacted her life, and she became ecstatic. “Where do I start?” was her first response. The movement from West Africa to London, she explained, opened up doors she had never imagined possible. Specifically citing her multicultural studies, she has become fascinated with other cultures–as if her own was not diverse enough. Enjoying history, she explained that she was not privy to any of the materials in her books at home. “At first, I felt out of place of course. I felt behind–dumb even. I just decided to take advantage of my situation and learn as much as I could…”.

Economically, she outlined her situation very clearly–although her Father works very hard, there was no way she would have the quality of life she has in London had she not defected from West Africa. She offered the information that whether it was Liberia or Sierra Leone was beside the point, which I found interesting as a concept. She said that moving to Sierra Leone was nothing–she was moving with family, friends, and many others like her. Her life was no different in Sierra Leone. London, however, initially struck her with the fear of the unfamiliar–attempting to harness the three parts of the triangle model was overwhelming; she claimed trouble balancing new cultural norms with her own feelings and experiences. This, she claimed, came with nothing but time–though claiming she now thought most of these issues were nowhere besides her own head citing her new brilliant life.

Culture Shock Interview

Question: So, where are you originally from?

Answer: Originally I was born near Monrovia in Liberia, and I lived there with my family for a few of my earlier years. Unfortunately this was not the safest environment–well, it became very unsafe very quickly. Even as a child I remember my Father leaving a machete by the front door just in case.

Question: In case…can you elaborate at all?

Answer: Yes, just in case. Neither the government or the rebels had a plan–or any sort of conscious either. People disappeared–they were just killed senselessly, or else forced to fight. My parents decided to move to Sierra Leone across the border along with many others at the time. Liberia brought its problems to Sierra Leone, and the war followed us. At that time, there was only survival–we settled in Freetown temporarily. Moving through Guinea, my family ended up in the UK–living closer to Liverpool.

Question: That must have been an incredible difference in lifestyle. Was it a difficult adjustment?

Answer: You know, to Liverpool, not so much. We stayed inside a lot–we also knew it was temporary. Definitely moving from Liverpool to London was the most difficult for me though.

Question: Why?

Answer: Hmmm…Balloons… they just sounded differently. It was not for a while after I moved to London that I stopped ducking when they popped. Cars too–when they make that loud echoing popping sound…

Question: What has education in London done for you?

Answer: Where can I start? The doors that opened up for me were unthinkable for someone like me. I was naturally thrilled, but it also illustrated how different I really was and this was scary.

Question: How did this affect you?

Answer: It pushed me harder! I love learning about other cultures, so I decided to learn as much about Britain’s as I could. I observed social situations–and there you go. I mean at first, I felt out of place of course. I felt behind–dumb even. I just decided to take advantage of my situation and learn as much as I could to compensate at bit I suppose.

Question: Lastly, what does culture shock mean to you?

Answer: See my phone? First of all, for a female to even own a phone where I come from is unheard of. Second of all we could never have afforded even one phone! I go to school now–coming here, I felt like I was so behind because girls do not go to school where I come from. Men dominate everything–and of course this isn’t every case–but from tribal leaders to the government, and especially the rebels can be cruel to women. This is what I am saying–Liberia, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe–anywhere in West Africa–it makes no difference. I was alarmed by my freedoms when I moved to London more than anything, and it took awhile to get used to it.

Works Cited

“Cultural Shock.” Personal interview. 15 Oct. 2013.

Schmidt, Patrick L. . In Search of Intercultural Understanding . Montreal: Meridian World, n.d. Print.

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18 Culture Shock Examples

Sourabh Yadav (MA)

Sourabh Yadav is a freelance writer & filmmaker. He studied English literature at the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University. You can find his work on The Print, Live Wire, and YouTube.

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Chris Drew (PhD)

This article was peer-reviewed and edited by Chris Drew (PhD). The review process on Helpful Professor involves having a PhD level expert fact check, edit, and contribute to articles. Reviewers ensure all content reflects expert academic consensus and is backed up with reference to academic studies. Dr. Drew has published over 20 academic articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education and holds a PhD in Education from ACU.

Culture shock is what people experience when they are exposed to a culture vastly different from their own.

It is the feeling of disorientation and discomfort a person feels when moving from a familiar to an unfamiliar place. This can mean immigrating to a new country, shifting to a different place in one’s own country, or transitioning to a different type of life. 

Different cultures have different languages, food habits, social norms , etc. These differences between the home culture and the new culture are what cause culture shock. It can lead to feelings of isolation, a sense of frustration, sleep disturbances, etc. 

Definition of Culture Shock

The term “culture shock” was coined in the 1960s by the anthropologist Kalervo Oberg. He defined it as

“the psychological disorientation that most people experience when they move for an extended period of time into a culture markedly different from their own.” (1960)

Another definition comes from John Scott, who defines it as

“…the experience of those suddenly immersed in a culture very different from their own” (2014).

Above, Scott extends the term to include physical and cognitive reactions too, along with psychological ones.

Generally, the term culture shock has a negative connotation, although some scholars argue that it also has benefits for individuals. Gary Weaver argued that there are three main causes behind culture shock: loss of familiar cues, the breakdown of interpersonal communications , and an identity crisis (1994). 

When individuals have spent a considerable amount of time in a new culture, they may also experience reverse culture shock upon returning to their home culture. They get so immersed in the new ways of life that the old (once familiar) ways of life begin to feel alien. 

The title of Thomas Wolfe’s novel— You Can’t Go Home Again —aptly describes this feeling. Reverse culture shock usually consists of two parts:

• Idealization: When a person is in a new culture, they constantly reminisce about their time in the home culture. All the bad fades away, and only good memories of the past remain, creating an idealized version of home.
• Expectations: Because of their idealization, individuals imagine that their home is a perfect place that will never change. But when they return, they realize that nothing is the same. Even without them, the world has moved on, and this realization causes psychological discomfort. 

Examples of Culture Shock

• Being offended by perceived rudeness: Some countries are more upfront than others, which can come across as rudeness. For example, Russians are known for being blunt whereas British people are not. This may cause confusion and frustration when communicating across cultures.
• Not knowing how to greet strangers: You may find that the rules and norms around greetings are different. You get confused about whether to kiss someone on the cheek, shake their hand, or bow! This can start to make you anxious and uncomfortable when meeting other people.
• Not understanding workplace norms: If you got a job overseas, you may find that the norms around what’s acceptable in the workplace can be confronting. For example, if you got a job in Japan, you may find yourself staying back at work a lot later in the evening than you’d have liked.
• Struggling to navigate the bureaucracy : Commonly, migrants to a new country find it really hard to rent a house, get a phone plan, figure out how to pay taxes, and so on. We tend to focus on and be annoyed by things that were easy at home, but hard (or more expensive!) in your new country.
• Difficulty with language: One of the top causes of culture shock is language problems. If you need to learn a new language, communicating becomes very hard and your self-confidence may suffer.
• Punctuality issues: Different countries have different expectations around punctuality. If you come from a country where a meeting time is a rough guess, and you’re going to a country where punctuality is very important, then you may find yourself stepping on toes.
• Struggling with food and eating: Traveling overseas means you are unlikely to find the exact ingredients you wanted in the shops anymore. Even things that are labeled the same may taste different. Before you know it, you may find that you really miss the food back home.
• Accidentally engaging in taboos: Different cultures have different taboos . You may be a little shocked by the expectations overseas. I remember when I first moved to Canada, I was annoyed by the tipping culture. I missed home, where tipping was never expected. But it’s taboo not to tip in North America . Now, I’ve adapted so much that I tip when I visit Australia, even though it’s not expected at all!
• Struggling to adapt when returning home: We also have the concept of reverse culture shock , when you get home and have to adapt all over again. Sometimes, it’s hard. You’ve changed and so have your friends, which makes re-adjusting hard. You may even miss being overseas!
• Being confronted by new gender norms : My wife was pretty confronted when we traveled Asia and she found out women weren’t allowed in certain temples, and when they were, they were told how to dress. Here, she had a bit of culture shock about how gender norms were different.
• Being confronted by others’ expressions of emotions: You may find different approaches to the expression of emotions, which can be confronting. I remember being really offended by the rudeness of people in Vietnam who pushed in front of me when waiting in line. I still get angry thinking about it! At the time, I spoke up – “wait your turn! How rude!” Interestingly, they got angry at me for expressing my emotions in public. How shameful of me!
• Inability to navigate traffic: You may move to another country and expect it’ll be easy to catch the bus, drive around town, or rent a motorbike. But anyone who’s been to Asia will realize the roads are crazy there! You might feel overwhelmed by the prospect of having to drive or navigate the streets in your new home.
• Struggling to make friends: You may find the the people are just a bit different from you. This can make it difficult for you to make friends.
• Not understanding informal norms : Some rules in a society are implicit, or hidden. In high context cultures , you’ll need to use implicit and nonverbal situational cues to understand what’s expected of you at any time.
• Feeling uncertain about gift giving norms: You might get overwhelmed and even angry when trying to figure out what’s expected of you. For example, when invited over to someone’s home for dinner, do you bring a gift? And what? These little frustrations add up and exacerbate your culture shock.
• Loneliness: It takes time to make new friends. Culture shock is often strongest when you’re new to a country and don’t have a good group of social contacts who can help you through.
• Homesickness: Homesickness is one of the biggest signs of culture shock. It’s that sense that you just want to be home where you’re comfortable and with friends.
• Struggling with a new climate: An under-examined feature of homesickness is dealing with the weather. For example, many Australians in Canada complain about the long, cold winters, and end up returning to the warm beaches of Australia because they just can’t handle the weather.

Four Phases of Culture Shock

Although culture shock is experienced differently by different individuals, the phenomenon generally involves four phases. 

While addressing the Women’s Club of Rio de Janeiro in 1954, Kalervo Oberg proposed his four-phase model of cultural adjustment:

• Honeymoon phase: During the first phase, the differences between the home culture and the new culture seem quite fascinating. The individual sees this new way of life in an almost romantic light, getting enthralled by the change in weather, food habits, and social customs. The individual is open-minded and confident about trying new things. After the first few weeks, like all honeymoons, this phase ends.
• Negotiation phase: After the first few months, the individual sees the differences in a more realistic sense. Instead of excitement, they now induce anxiety and frustration. Differences in public hygiene, safety, and food quality increase the sense of discomfort. There are physical challenges too: the circadian rhythm gets disrupted (causing insomnia) and the glut flora has to adapt to different levels of bacteria in food/water. The biggest challenge is communication as people often feel incredibly lonely in this phase.
• Adjustment phase: After six to twelve months, the individual learns to cope with the differences and adapts to the new environment. They know what to expect in most situations, and the new ways of life start to feel normal. They develop routines and slowly create social support systems. The new culture now starts to make sense, and they are able to appreciate its positive qualities with a positive mindset. We call this “ cultural adaptation .”
• Adaptation phase: In this final stage, people are able to fully participate in the host culture. This does not mean complete conversion as they may still carry values and practices from their previous culture (like accents). However, they are confident about their footing and begin to thrive in the new culture. This phase is also called the bicultural stage as individuals can expertly navigate the differences between two cultures.

When you might get Culture Shock

• Going on vacation: Going on vacation to a foreign country can cause culture shock. While it is often an exciting experience, it can also get overwhelming. Because of the language barrier, one finds it difficult to communicate with the locals, especially while navigating or buying something. Plus, there may be security concerns that one is not cautious about in a new culture; for example, pickpocketing or scamming.
• Living in a foreign country: While vacations are short-lived (and often don’t even go past the exciting “honeymoon phase”), living for longer periods can pose greater challenges. The most fundamental aspects of one’s life, such as grocery shopping or commuting, can be quite different from what one is used to. Socializing is the biggest challenge because of the language barriers and differences in social etiquette.
• Studying abroad: Students living alone in a foreign country face significant culture shock. Without parental support, they can feel more anxious in adjusting to a new culture, especially when the patterns of communication are significantly different. Young et al. point out how this can have long-lasting effects on students, so universities must provide well-rounded programs to help them face these challenges (2014)
• International business: Traveling abroad for business can be quite hectic. There are physiological challenges as one needs to adjust to the different working hours, food habits, etc. Plus, there is a need to get acquainted with the communication style and customs while also keeping in mind the business regulations. So, while international business can be a tremendous opportunity, it can also involve culture shock.
• Retiring abroad: A growing number of people are now choosing to retire abroad, which can cause culture shock. Many people, especially in First World countries, retire abroad to gain new experiences and enjoy a lower cost of living. However, this has its difficulties. They need to adapt to a new legal framework for paying taxes, getting long-term visas, etc. Moreover, after leaving behind their family and friends, it can be quite difficult to find a new social circle given the communication barriers.
• Moving to a new city: Culture shock, besides affecting those who move abroad, can also impact those who move to a different place in the same country. For example, when someone from a rural place moves to a large metropolis. They need to adjust to the new weather patterns, food habits, transportation systems, etc. There are also different local customs and societal norms that one has to learn and adapt.
• Working in multicultural environments: Working in a multicultural environment can cause culture shock. It involves adjusting to communication styles and customs across cultures, which is especially difficult in large, multilingual countries like India. Most MNCs are in Bangalore (a city in Southern India), where people from all over the country work. Northerners find it particularly difficult to adjust, as informal communication amongst colleagues (say inside jokes) often takes place in the local language.
• Volunteer work: Volunteer work can often involve going to and living in vastly different social settings, which can cause culture shock. Whether in the same country or abroad, it requires one to adapt to a new way of life far away from family & friends. The culture shock also affects the volunteering work, including the style of communication, the delegation of work, how volunteers are perceived by the locals, etc.
• International adoption: While most instances of culture shock occur when one travels elsewhere, international adoption is an inverse situation: somebody else travels to you. Welcoming a new family member from another culture can be difficult, as they have their own beliefs and practices. The adopted child may face identity issues and a sense of displacement. Communication also poses a huge problem.
• Returning home from abroad: Returning home after living abroad for a long period can cause what is called reverse culture shock. This involves returning to a familiar but changed environment, which is often quite difficult as the individual may have grown accustomed to the customs and practices of their host country. Reconnecting with their old social circle and readjusting to different living conditions can be rather challenging.

Culture shock refers to the experience of moving to a culture that is different from one’s own. 

It is the discomfort one feels after being suddenly exposed to an unfamiliar environment. Different cultures have different languages, food habits, and customs, and these differences are what cause culture shock.

There are four phases of this phenomenon: honeymoon, negotiation, adjustment, and adaptation. While moving to a different culture is a daunting task, individuals ultimately learn how to adapt to the new environment and are able to participate fully in it. 

Oberg, Kalervo. (1954). Culture Shock . CiteSeerX 10.1.1.461.5459. Presented to the Women’s Club of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 3 August 1954.

Oberg, K. (1960). “Culture shock: Adjustment to new cultural environments”. Practical Anthropology , 7(4). American Society of Missiology.

Scott, John. (2014). A Dictionary of Sociology . Oxford. 

Weaver, G.R. (1994). “Understanding and coping with cross-cultural adjustment stress”. In Culture, Communication, and Conflict: Readings in Intercultural Relations. Ginn Press.

Young, Jennifer T.; Natrajan-Tyagi, Rajeswari; Platt, Jason J. (2014). “Identity in Flux: Negotiating Identity While Studying Abroad”. Journal of Experiential Education . Sage Publications. 

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A Review of Culture Shock: Attitudes, Effects and the Experience of International Students

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In light of increasing globalization and the rising trend of international study, this paper reviews prominent literature as well as benchmark studies on culture shock, focusing on the experience of international students. First, it takes a look at concepts of the phenomenon, both negative and positive. This is followed by a discussion of the physical and psychosocial effects of culture shock, prior to detailed discussion of international students and their cultural adjustment problems. A number of suggestions are provided for educational institutions as well as international students regarding how best to manage and overcome culture shock.

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Marsh, L. (2012). Unheard Stories: Narrative Enquiry of the Cross-cultural Adaptation Experiences of Refugee Women in Metro Vancouver [Master’s thesis]. Colwood, BC, Canada: Royal Roads University. Retrieved 20 May 2022 from https://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item?id=TC-BRC-511&op=pdf&app=Library&oclc_number=1032911558

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Yusra Mustafa, 620 Ferguson Rd. Milton, Ontario, Canada

Yusra Mustafa is a linguist and dedicated ELT professional with seven years' experience teaching English and linguistics. She was first in her master's class (English), going on to enroll in an MPhil program (English linguistics), which she completed in 2019. Yusra has publications in Critical Discourse Analysis, ELT and sociolinguistics, but her main areas of interest are cross-cultural communication and education-abroad programs. The former is the topic of her MPhil dissertation. She has presented her papers in international conferences. As part of her current job as lecturer at COSTI, she is among the frontline workers who help newcomers adjust to life in Canada.

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Culture Shock Essay | Essay About Culture Shock Its and Stages and Experience 700 Words

January 12, 2022 by Prasanna

Culture Shock Essay: Culture shock refers to the impact one has to experience when moving from their known country, culture, family, and friends to live in another country and social environment that is unfamiliar. This impact includes feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and confusion. It is also a kind of disturbance a person may feel when going through an unfamiliar way of lifestyle due to immigration or a visit to a new country. Even the most open-minded people and travelers face culture shock when moving between different cultural environments. Being exposed to a different language, weather, people, and an entirely new culture can be both an uncomfortable and overwhelming experience.

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Long Essay on Culture Shock

Positive impacts

Culture shock doesn’t seem to be a pleasant experience when someone has to struggle to make himself fit into a new environment which is really tough. But as time passes, it can provide a powerful and positive impact on one’s life. Exposure to a new culture is a very positive thing, especially for young people. It gives the opportunity to learn how to adapt, interact and present yourself within an entirely new culture, and thus develop a global mindset. Culture shock can have several benefits that are described as follows:

Breaks the routine

We often get stagnant in our daily ways of doing things. Travel to a new country can change many aspects of that daily routine and break the monotony. You might find that timings, meals, recreation activities, or social interactions are quite different from what you’re used to. If you’re flexible enough to adapt to these changes, then you will enjoy the experience of finding a new place and culture. The break from the daily routine can broaden the horizons by knowing what you might do differently.

Builds self-confidence

When you are in a new country, you will initially face a lot of difficulties but you can also learn from them. Gradually you will be able to communicate by building your language skills and getting along with others. In the long run, you become more self-confident and satisfied as you keep on overcoming the challenges. An unfamiliar environment can be uncomfortable but those situations shape your personality by helping you discover your capabilities to handle stressful situations.

Make new friends and community

As you step into the new institution or community, initially all may seem strangers but gradually they become friends. In the early stages of culture shock, people often feel lonely and confused as they try to adjust to a new environment.  But you will be able to break down cultural boundaries and find new friends in the office, college, and neighborhood. You may come across people from different parts of the world, who may be eager to host you on a visit to their home country. Meeting people with different outlooks, backgrounds, and experiences can develop you into a more open-minded individual. It may also open doors of opportunities for you in other parts of the world that would otherwise be inaccessible to you.

Keeps on learning

Being in a foreign country, you will be constantly exposed to new people, places and ideas. You can learn about new styles of dance, music, art forms, foreign histories, foods, fashion and so much more. This can lead to new hobbies and interests that help you connect to that place and culture.  You get to know about new concepts and ideas that really come to influence your personality. Learning a foreign language becomes easier when you fit yourself in a new culture which is not possible otherwise. Learning a new language will also help to think differently as well.

In the early stages of culture shock, it may seem very difficult to adjust to daily life in your new community. But with time, you become comfortable with your new routine and the company of other people in your community. Traveling to a foreign country is one of the best ways to step outside your monotonous life. The fear of facing unfamiliar situations holds many people from stepping out of their comfort zone. When you reach a new country, you will have the opportunity to see and experience things that you were longing for, have fun and enjoy the atmosphere that you can’t do in your home country. Exploring a new culture by discovering its culture and traditions, trying new foods and dresses, and learning about the history not only enriches your knowledge but also adds valuable life experience that you will remember till old age.

Short Essay on Culture Shock

Culture shock is experienced by people when moving to a new country or city that has completely different cultural and social surroundings as compared to the present one. Culture shock can occur when people move to a new place for different reasons, be it on vacation, traveling, studying or doing jobs abroad. People often get the feeling of disorientation when they move to a new environment and face difficulties while trying to adjust. However, experiencing culture shock helps to shape one’s personality significantly by teaching how to build confidence and adaptability, handle periods of loneliness and unfamiliarity, and remain strong when they are facing vulnerability.

How to overcome Culture Shock?

Efforts must be taken from both sides to help adapt to the new cultural and social environment. Some of the ways are to learn the local language, learn about the local food, customs, and practices. Moreover, patient and helpful behavior from people in the community during the initial periods of adjustments can help the newcomer to feel more comfortable and confident. Both should realize that adjusting to a new environment takes time. Once a person accepts the difference and acknowledges it, then the process of integration becomes easier. Therefore mutual respect and tolerance must be maintained among them. The best way to overcome cultural shock is to start learning about the new culture before moving there.  Always try to focus on the positive aspects of the new experiences and learning. Keep an open mind and avoid comparisons. Find ways to relieve stress and socialize with friends and colleagues. By acknowledging the difference and respecting the diversity, the effect of cultural shock can be avoided to a great extent.

Experiencing culture shock has a positive long-term impact if you are ready to face the initial hurdles with perseverance and confidence. It teaches us the valuable lesson that despite our differences in cultures, languages, and ethnicities , we can connect to each other . We all share similar aspirations to find love, enjoy what we do, protect our family, and earn a good living. The culture shock truly reinforces the idea that we all share the same human experience in this beautiful world.

FAQ’s on Culture Shock Essay

Question 1. How does culture shock influence young adults positively?

Answer: Young people have the mindset to accept and adjust to new ideas so a culture shock can help to build their self-confidence and independent attitude.

Question 2. How to avoid culture shock?

Answer: An acceptance of difference and diversity in cultural and social environments between countries help to avoid the initial impact of culture shock.

Question 3. What are the reasons for experiencing culture shock?

Answer: Culture shock is experienced out of anxiety, uncertainty, and confusion when someone moves from one country to another with a completely different cultural setup.

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LEVELS OF CULTURE SHOCK IN STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITY

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• JOMSIGN Journal of Multicultural Studies in Guidance and Counseling 5(2):78-86
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