Culture Shock

The term, culture shock, was introduced for the first time in 1958 to describe the anxiety produced when a person moves to a completely new environment. This term expresses the lack of direction, the feeling of not knowing what to do or how to do things in a new environment, and not knowing what is appropriate or inappropriate. The feeling of culture shock generally sets in after the first few weeks of coming to a new place, but it can come in cycles.

The symptoms of cultural shock can appear at different times. Although, one can experience real pain from culture shock; it is also an opportunity for redefining one's life objectives. It is a great opportunity for leaning and acquiring new perspectives. Culture shock can make one develop a better understanding of oneself and stimulate personal creativity. If you feel that you are experiencing culture shock, please come and talk to the Director of International Programs.

Symptoms:

• Sadness, loneliness, melancholy
  
• Preoccupation with health
  
• Aches, pains, and allergies
  
• Insomnia, desire to sleep too much or too little
  
• Changes in temperament, depression, feeling vulnerable, feeling powerless
  
• Anger, irritability, resentment, unwillingness to interact with others
  
• Identifying with the old culture or idealizing the old country
  
• Loss of identity
  
• Trying too hard to absorb everything in the new culture or country
  
• Unable to solve simple problems
  
• Lack of confidence
  
• Feelings of inadequacy or insecurity
  
• Developing stereotypes about the new culture
  
• Developing obsessions such as over-cleanliness
  
• Longing for family
  
• Feelings of being lost, overlooked, exploited or abused