Navigating Culture Shock: A Guide to Adapting to New Environments

Moving to a new place, whether for tourism or employment, carries mental and physical challenges. Culture shock can challenge even the strongest and most well-traveled people, even if they have done everything they could to prepare. Culture shock is a normal, human reaction, and there are many ways to ease the mental stress of culture shock so you can relax and enjoy your time abroad.

Things You'll Need

• Address book or cell phone or computer with reliable Internet connection
• Good books of your choice
• Photo album of family and friends

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Instructions

Combating Culture Shock

• 1

  Find things about the new culture that you enjoy and can relate to. During the first few weeks, also known as the "honeymoon phase," almost everything might seem to fall into this category. Take note of what stands out as authentic.

• 2

  Establish and record simple goals. For example, if you are facing a language barrier, give yourself a certain amount of time to accomplish certain tasks alone, like ordering food in a restaurant or giving directions to a taxi driver. Go easy on yourself, and keep your goals realistic.

• 3

  Avoid awkward or compromising situations. If you find yourself in an unfavorable situation, don't get into that position again. Don't try too hard; you can't always change a bad environment.

• 4

  Allow yourself to feel sadness for the people and things that you have left behind. Be patient, as acculturation takes time. Maintain contact with the new culture by continuing to enjoy the things you did during your "honeymoon phase."

• 5

  Use your photo album and hobby to distract you when you feel lonely or alienated. Open your address book and call someone at home. Emails, Skype, instant messaging programs and social networking sites are all useful.

• 6

  Integrate a physical activity into your daily routine. Exercise is a great way to alleviate stress and occupy your mind.