concept of culture shock essay

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6.1: Introduction to Culture Shock

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Introduction to Culture Shock

In your reading of this textbook thus far, we have discussed many theories and principles to help you understand many dynamics of intercultural communication. But understanding intercultural communication is not the same thing as experiencing it. To experience intercultural communication, one needs to get off the couch and set foot into a new and unfamiliar culture. When a person moves from to a cultural environment that is different than their own, they often experience personal disorientation called culture shock. Culture shock refers to the anxiety and discomfort we feel when moving from a familiar environment to an unfamiliar one. In our own culture, through time, we have learned the million and one ways how to communicate appropriately with friends, family members, colleagues, and others. We know how to great people, when and how to give tips, whether to stand or sit, how much eye contact to make, when to accept and refuse invitations, how to understand directions, whether others are being sarcastic or not, how holidays are and are not celebrated, how to shop for and prepare food, and generally how to communicate verbally and nonverbally in any given social situation. When we enter a new culture, many of those familiar signs and signals are gone, leading us to feel helplessly lost in many circumstances.

The ABC's of Culture Shock

Culture shock is first and foremost an emotional response to a change in our culture environment. But it also impacts how we act and how we think. The ABC's of culture shock refer to the affective, behavioral, and cognitive changes brought on by culture shock. The affective dimension of culture shock refers to the anxiety, bewilderment, and disorientation of experiencing a new culture. Kalervo Oberg (1960) believed culture shock produced an identity loss and confusion from the psychological toll exerted to adjust to a new culture. The behavioral dimension refers to confusion over behaviors of people in the host culture. We don't understand why people are behaving they way they are in certain situations and we are not sure how to act appropriately. The cognitive dimension refers to our inability to interpret our new environment, or understand these "bizarre" social experiences.

Underlying Factors

Over the past several decades, there have been numerous peer reviewed, scholarly studies documenting the effects of culture shock. The research suggests that nearly everybody who enters a new culture will experience some form of culture shock, but not everybody experiences culture shock the same way. How long culture shock lasts and the degree to which it is felt will vary according to several underlying factors. One of the most important factors is motivational orientation . Some people travel willingly and are excited to enter a new culture. Students who decide to study abroad, travelers who want to explore the world and families who go on vacations provide few examples. These groups generally have a high motivational orientation and generally have an easier time adapting to culture shock. By contrast, others enter a new culture reluctantly or unwillingly. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are 70.8 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. These include refugees, asylum-seekers, and internally displaced people. To put that number in perspective, that is 1 out of every one hundred people on the planet. This is the highest number in human history and it is only expected to grow as war and conflicts continue, and catastrophic climate change threatens to make many parts of the world uninhabitable in the near future. These people generally have a low motivational orientation as they do not want to leave their home cultures but do so because their very survival depends on it.

When I was in graduate school in San Francisco, I took a semester off and traveled for 4 months through several Asian countries. On that trip, I met a German woman while on a boat from Sumatra to Malaysia. We traveled together up to Thailand before parting ways. Months later, she came to visit and later moved into my apartment in San Francisco. Eventually we married, and have been together ever since. But back in those days in San Francisco, we had a roommate who saw our relationship develop firsthand. He wasn't having much luck with the dating scene in San Francisco and decided that he, too, would like to meet a "European girl." So he set off for a month to Thailand and India, hoping he would find "the girl of is dreams." This anecdote speaks to another underlying factor, personal expectations . People with high expectations for their cultural experiences tend to struggle more with culture shock. Those who travel with an open mind and heart, who take the experiences as they come in a more spontaneous way tend to adapt better. Needless to say, my former roommate did not find his ideal partner and returned home sharing more stories of frustrating experiences rather than enriching ones.

When we travel to a new culture, the cultural distance between our home culture and host culture impacts our level of culture shock. This distance can be physical, but more importantly, cultural distance refers to the degree of difference in culture between the known, home environment and the new one. When we travel to destinations where people speak a different language, have different racial features, practice a different religion and have significantly different customs and traditions, we typically feel a greater degree of culture shock. As someone born and raised in Northern California, I experienced much more culture shock when I traveled to India than when I visited Vancouver, Canada.

Another factor that influences the degree of culture shock is sociocultural adjustment , which refers to the ability of the traveler to fit in and interact with members of the host culture. The level of sociocultural adjustment largely rests on the hosts attitudes toward visitors to their culture. One attitude of hosts towards tourists is retreatism. Retreatism basically means that hosts actively avoid contact with tourists by looking for ways to hide their everyday lives. Tourists may not be aware of this attitude because the host economy may be dependent upon tourism. Such dependence could possibly force the host community to accommodate tourists with tolerance. Hawaii is a place that depends heavily on tourism and often uses various forms of retreatism to cope with the tourist invasion. Several students have mentioned that other than people who worked at restaurants or on tourist excursions, they didn’t see many locals when vacationing in Hawaii. Another attitude of hosts towards tourists is resistance . This attitude can be passive or aggressive. Passive resistance may include grumbling, gossiping about, or making fun of tourists behind their backs. Aggressive resistance often takes more active forms, such as pretending not to speak a language or giving incorrect information or directions. In the summer of 2019, Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau pledged to reduce the number of tourists, cutting cruise ships and limiting expansion of its airport. These actions came in response to an incredible surge of tourism. As The Guardian reported in 2016, the number of visitors making overnight stays in the city increased from 1.7 million in 1990 to more than 8 million in 16 years. That’s an astonishing increase for a city that is not as big as other European equivalents, such as Paris or London, and where many of the major tourist sites such as Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell are in residential areas where space to expand simply doesn’t exist. Further, traveling can be expensive, and travelers are often—but not always–more economically and socially privileged than their hosts. This dynamic can lead to power imbalances between hosts and tourists. Not all host attitudes are protective or negative. Some communities may capitalize on tourism and accept it as the social fabric of their community. Other communities actively invest money to draw tourists as a way to create economic well-being. This attitude is called revitalization. Residents do not always share equally in the revitalization, but sometimes it does lead to pride in the re-discovery of community history and traditions. Dolly Parton’s “Dollywood” located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee was created as a way to revitalize a community that she loved much as eco-tourism is a revitalizing force in Costa Rica.

Of course, individual personality attributes play a factor in how well one copes with culture shock. Generally speaking, people with greater tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity respond better to unknown and unanticipated experiences that occur when encountering other cultures. Those who are inflexible or set in their ways tend to struggle more with culture shock. Experience matters here. First-time travelers are likely to experience more culture shock simply because of the novelty of the situation. Experienced travelers have experienced culture shock in the past and have developed coping mechanisms when they find themselves in that situation again. In 2017, I found myself hopelessly lost walking inside the Medina in Fez, Morocco. The Medina is a walled city formed in the 9th century. It is home to the oldest University in the world. The Medina consists of over 9,000 unmarked narrow alleyways. I had been walking for nearly 2 hours trying to get back to my guest house. I asked dozens of people for help, but due to language and cultural barriers, I was having no luck. I had been warned that tourists shouldn't walk through the Medina alone at night, and as night began to fall, I started to wonder if I would ever find my way out of that incredibly complex labyrinth. Fortunately, this wasn't my first rodeo, as the saying goes. I had previously traveled to 47 different countries on 5 continents. I hiked a volcano alone in the middle of the night in Panama, trekked to the glacial source of the Ganges River in India, sat beside burning human bodies at cremation ceremonies in Nepal, and endured harrowing bus rides on roads cut from cliffs in the Andes of Bolivia. Drawing on those past experiences I didn't let culture shock get the best of me and eventually found my way back home.

Travelers and Tourists

How one travels into a new culture can significantly impact the degree of culture shock one experiences. While the words "traveler" and "tourist" may seem synonymous, to those in the travel community, the implications differ greatly.

Travelers are intellectually curious. They desire to explore new places, taste new foods, meet new people, and immerse themselves in cultures that are different from their own. Travelers prefer to ride in local busses or trains, eat in local markets, and stay in small guest houses, run by local families. Travelers take an interest in their new surroundings by learning the language (or at least a few phrases) and customs of the new culture. Travelers typically travel alone or in small groups. Travelers are spontaneous. They may have a general travel plan, but are willing to deviate from it as opportunities and diversions arise. Travelers attend local festivals and gatherings and share in the traditional celebrations of the host culture.

Tourists are more interested in cultural exploitation rather than cultural exploration. A tourist would rather spend all day on a tourist beach than exploring a local, hidden beach. Tourists are more comfortable eating familiar foods at multinational restaurant chains like McDonalds or KFC. Tourists stay in large hotels specifically designed for tourists. They appreciate all-inclusive resorts like Club Med and often miss sleeping in their own bed. Tourists appreciate the convenience of air-conditioned tourist busses and look to spend their days with other tourists on guided tours. Tourists would rather go on a group tour rather than venture out on their own. Tourists like to follow a strictly regimented plan, with little opportunity for deviation. That way, they can see as many famous sites in as short amount of time as possible. Tourists tend to engage in culturally simulated cultural experiences rather that authentic ones. For example, tourists will go to performances held in the ballroom of their hotels where the only other guests are other tourists. The performance usually entails locals dressing up in traditional garb, singing and dancing for tourists, before returning to their day to day lives. Typically, the only locals that tourists meet are those who work in the tourism industry and serve them.

Tourists generally have a filtered exposure to the other culture, while traveling in national groups largely isolated from native communities. Because of the short time frame and the lack of in-depth exposure to the new culture, tourists normally have an unproblematic relationship to the culture, often experiencing it in a positive light, if perhaps somewhat exoticized. On the other hand, some studies have shown that tourists may have ethnocentric views reinforced. That may occur because tourists, living in an "environmental bubble" (Cohen, 1972), see only selected aspects of a culture. The aspects of the culture encountered (food, dress, festivals) do not provide a comprehensive understanding of the culture as a whole, as they represent outward manifestations of the culture, not its hidden values and beliefs. The result can be that tourists and representatives of the host culture do not see each other in their entirety as human beings:

The mass tourist travels in a world of his own, surrounded by, but not integrated in, the host society. He meets the representatives of the tourist establishment — hotel managers, tourist agents, guides —but only seldom the natives. The natives, in turn, see the mass tourist as unreal. Neither has much of an opportunity to become an individual to the other (Cohen, 1972, p. 175).

This example applies to mass tourism. Cultural tourists, interested primarily in historical and artistic aspects of a country or region, may gain a fuller picture of the culture (Cohen, 1972). It's more likely in that case that the tourists will have prepared for the visit through some degree of study of the history and geography of the region. Optimally, that would include learning basics of the language as well.

Stereotypical images of a culture may be perpetuated through a desire on the part of the host country to accommodate tourist expectations. That may in fact be a practical necessity, if the tourist industry constitutes a major contributor to a region's economy. Hua (2013) provides the example of how topless dancing, a traditional aspect of Zulu culture, has been affected by the tourist industry (see sidebar).

Topless Zulu dancers: Only for tourists?

Naidu (2011a, 2011b) investigates the 'topless' dance tradition of Zulu girls in a cultural village in KwaZula Natal, South Africa, and perceptions of indigenous cultural bodies in tourism. In the cultural village reported in Naidu's study, a small number of Zulu-speaking girls took part in a Zulu dance as 'ethnic' performers. As unmarried virgins, they wear no tops, only beaded skirts and some jewellery when dancing. However, although 'topless' has been a tradition for Zulu girls, things are very different now. As reported by two girls interviewed by Naidu (2011b), girls nowadays do not have to dance 'topless' to show that they are unmarried. Instead, they only do it at home and when there is a special celebration. Nevertheless, the girls feel that this is what tourists want to see and dancing 'topless' is a business exchange, despite the fact that they find it somewhat awkward when dancing in front of and posing along with tourists (Hua, 2013, p.88)

Tourism may have a complex relationship to a host culture, sometimes reducing culture to a commodity. Some scholars have pointed to positive aspects of tourism (Jack & Phipps, 2005), as at least one widely available means for cross-cultural contact. The TED talk on tourism by Aziz Abu Sarah argues that tourism can play a positive role in peace-keeping. Tourism, in fact, may lead to activism. Baldwin et al. (2013) give the example of the founding of the TOMS One for One shoe company, which donates a pair of shoes to poor Latin-American families for each pair sold. The founder got the idea and incentive for the company while traveling through Argentina.

Of course the characterizations of "traveler" and "tourist" are not mutually exclusive categories. There are many overlapping and gray areas. But in general, the distinction between traveler and tourist is a matter of orientation. Because travelers are more willing to get out of their comfort zones, they are more likely to experience a greater degree of culture shock. At the same time, the opportunity for personal growth and enrichment is much greater when people visit other cultures as travelers rather than tourists. Culture shock, while difficult, should be welcome as an opportunity for growth and development.

Study Abroad

Culture shock has been studied extensively in connection with study abroad programs (see Kinginger, 2008; Salisbury, An & Pascarella, 2013). Large numbers of students internationally go to study at a university in a different country for a time ranging from a short-term summer or winter program (4 to 6 weeks) to a semester or longer. Students may participate as part of a group, through an exchange program, or independently. The European Erasmus Exchange Program has enabled large numbers of students from European countries to study and receive university credit at other universities in Europe. The kind of experience one has through study abroad varies considerably depending on the manner in which it is organized. Going abroad with a group from one's own culture, and attending special university classes together, limits the exposure to the target culture and its language. Organizing independent study abroad experience is more difficult, as one must arrange oneself for university registration, selection of courses, and housing. In the process, however, one is likely to gain greater socio-cultural competence and more integration into the target culture and language. On the other hand, independent students lack the support system available to groups.

Whether one engages in study abroad independently or as a member of a group, individual disposition/personality and the local context will determine the degree of success and personal satisfaction. Hua (2013) points out that many study abroad experiences result in an increase in oral proficiency in the target language and in intercultural understanding and competence. However, that varies tremendously depending on the individual. One might have the kind of limited exposure described here:

Her daily routine included attendance at required classes, after which she would go immediately to the study abroad center sponsored by her home university where she would stay until closing time, surfing the English language Internet and exchanging emails and Instant Messages with her friends and family in the U.S. Outside of service encounters, framed in various ways in her journal as threats to her well-being, she made little effort to engage speakers of French, limiting her use of the language to her courses. (Kinginger & Belz, 2005, p. 411)

In fact, the issue of technology in study abroad is controversial. Some have advocated a restricted use of technology while abroad, so as to maximize real-life contact with the members of the target culture (Doerr, 2013). Some programs go so far as to forbid use of phones while participating in the program (Godwin-Jones, 2016). On the other hand, online access to home communities can be a tremendous help in psychological adjustment and in recovering from culture shock. Maintaining a blog, diary, or reflective journal provides a mechanism for sharing the experience and reflecting on what one discovers, as described in the last section of this chapter.

In addition to study abroad, there are other avenues for university-age students to have meaningful longer-term encounters with a foreign culture. There are opportunities to engage in volunteer services abroad, through government agencies, NGOs, or religious groups. One method that has a long history, particularly in Europe, is to serve as an "au pair", living with a host family and helping with childcare and other light domestic work. Working abroad in other capacities is possible as well, although finding appropriate jobs and obtaining necessary work permits, depending on the country, may be difficult. All these options carry with them the advantage over being a tourist or student in that they tend to offer more complete integration into the everyday life in the foreign country. Living with a host family or entering into a working environment automatically supplies contacts with members of the culture. Particularly attractive are internships abroad, which, in addition to supplying cultural and work experience, offer the possibility of future employment.

Contributors and Attributions

Intercultural Communication for the Community College , by Karen Krumrey-Fulks. Provided by LibreTexts. License: CC-BY-NC-SA

Language and Culture in Context: A Primer on Intercultural Communication , by Robert Godwin-Jones. Provided by LibreTexts. License: CC-BY-NC

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 !

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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Culture Shock: A literature review

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What Is Culture Shock?

Understanding culture shock, the 4 stages of culture shock, how to overcome culture shock.

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Culture Shock Meaning, Stages, and How to Overcome

Investopedia / Ryan Oakley

Culture shock refers to feelings of uncertainty, confusion, or anxiety that people may experience when moving to a new country or experiencing a new culture or surroundings. This cultural adjustment is normal and is the result of being in an unfamiliar environment.

Culture shock can occur when people move to another city or country, such as when retiring abroad . Culture shock can also occur when people go on vacation, travel in retirement or for business, or study abroad for school. For example, international students studying abroad for a semester in another country may experience a cultural adjustment due to an unfamiliarity with the weather, local customs, language, food, and values.

Although the timing of each person's adjustment process can be different, there are specific phases that most people go through before they adjust to their new environment. Culture shock can be quite stressful and lead to anxiety. However, it's possible to overcome it and grow as a result.

Key Takeaways

• Culture shock refers to feelings of uncertainty, confusion, or anxiety that people may experience when moving to a new country or surroundings.
• Culture shock can occur when people move to a new city or country, go on vacation, travel abroad, or study abroad for school.
• A cultural adjustment is normal and is the result of being in an unfamiliar environment.
• Culture shock is typically divided into four stages: the honeymoon, frustration, adaptation, and acceptance stage.
• Over time, people can become familiar with their new surroundings as they make new friends and learn the customs, leading to an appreciation of the culture.

Culture shock occurs when an individual leaves the comfort of their home and familiar surroundings and moves to an unfamiliar environment. The adjustment period can be fairly intense, particularly if the two locations are completely different, such as going from a small rural area to a large metropolis or moving to another country. People can also experience culture shock when moving from one place to another within the same country.

Typically, no single event causes culture shock, nor does it occur suddenly or without reason. Instead, it gradually builds from a series of incidents, and culture shock can be difficult to identify while struggling with it.

The feeling is particularly intense at the beginning and can be tough to overcome. It's important to remember that the cultural adjustment usually dissipates over time as a person becomes more familiar with a place, the people, customs, food, and language. As a result, navigation of surroundings gets easier, friends are made, and everything becomes more comfortable.

The adjustment process due to culture shock can get better over time, leading to growth and an appreciation of the new environment.

Symptoms of Culture Shock

Culture shock can produce a range of symptoms, which can vary greatly from person to person in terms of scope and intensity. These may include:

• Being homesick
• Feeling helpless
• Feeling isolated
• Disorientation
• Lack of concentration
• Irritability
• Sleep or eating disturbances

People who experience culture shock may go through four phases that are explained below.

The Honeymoon Stage

The first stage is commonly referred to as the honeymoon phase. That's because people are thrilled to be in their new environment. They often see it as an adventure. If someone is on a short stay, this initial excitement may define the entire experience. However, the honeymoon phase for those on a longer-term move eventually ends, even though people expect it to last.

The Frustration Stage

People may become increasingly irritated and disoriented as the initial glee of being in a new environment wears off. Fatigue may gradually set in, which can result from misunderstanding other people's actions, conversations, and ways of doing things.

As a result, people can feel overwhelmed by a new culture at this stage, particularly if there is a language barrier. Local habits can also become increasingly challenging, and previously easy tasks can take longer to accomplish, leading to exhaustion.

Some of the symptoms of culture shock can include:

• Frustration
• Homesickness
• Feeling lost and out of place

The inability to effectively communicate—interpreting what others mean and making oneself understood—is usually the prime source of frustration. This stage can be the most difficult period of cultural adjustment as some people may feel the urge to withdraw.

For example, international students adjusting to life in the United States during study abroad programs can feel angry and anxious, leading to withdrawal from new friends. Some experience eating and sleeping disorders during this stage and may contemplate going home early.

The Adaptation Stage

The adaptation stage is often gradual as people feel more at home in their new surroundings. The feelings from the frustration stage begin to subside as people adjust to their new environment. Although they may still not understand certain cultural cues, people will become more familiar—at least to the point that interpreting them becomes much easier.

The Acceptance Stage

During the acceptance or recovery stage, people are better able to experience and enjoy their new home. Typically, beliefs and attitudes toward their new surroundings improve, leading to increased self-confidence and a return of their sense of humor.

The obstacles and misunderstandings from the frustration stage have usually been resolved, allowing people to become more relaxed and happier. At this stage, most people experience growth and may change their old behaviors and adopt manners from their new culture.

During this stage, the new culture, beliefs, and attitudes may not be completely understood. Still, the realization may set in that complete understanding isn’t necessary to function and thrive in the new surroundings.

A specific event doesn't cause culture shock. Instead, it can result from encountering different ways of doing things, being cut off from behavioral cues, having your own values brought into question, and feeling you don't know the rules.

Time and habit help deal with culture shock, but individuals can minimize the impact and speed the recovery from culture shock.

• Be open-minded and learn about the new country or culture to understand the reasons for cultural differences.
• Don't indulge in thoughts of home, constantly comparing it to the new surroundings.
• Write a journal of your experience, including the positive aspects of the new culture.
• Don't seal yourself off—be active and socialize with the locals.
• Be honest, in a judicious way, about feeling disoriented and confused. Ask for advice and help.
• Talk about and share your cultural background—communication runs both ways.

What Is the Definition of Culture Shock?

Culture shock or adjustment occurs when someone is cut off from familiar surroundings and culture after moving or traveling to a new environment. Culture shock can lead to a flurry of emotions, including excitement, anxiety, confusion, and uncertainty.

Is Culture Shock Good or Bad?

Although it may have a seemingly negative connotation, culture shock is a normal experience that many people go through when moving or traveling. While it can be challenging, those who can resolve their feelings and adjust to their new environment often overcome culture shock. As a result, cultural adjustment can lead to personal growth and a favorable experience.

What Is an Example of Culture Shock?

For example, international students that have come to the United States for a study abroad semester can experience culture shock. Language barriers and unfamiliar customs can make it challenging to adjust, leading some students to feel angry and anxious. As a result, students can withdraw from social activities and experience minor health problems such as trouble sleeping.

Over time, students become more familiar with their new surroundings as they make new friends and learn social cues. The result can lead to growth and a new appreciation of the culture for the study abroad student as well as the friends from the host country as both learn about each other's culture.

What Are the Types of Culture Shock?

Culture shock is typically divided into four stages: the honeymoon, frustration, adaptation, and acceptance stage. These periods are characterized by feelings of excitement, anger, homesickness, adjustment, and acceptance. Note that some people might not go through all four phases and might not reach the acceptance phase. They might experience difficulties adjusting, which could create permanent introversion or other forms of social and behavioral reactions.

If you've travelled abroad for a while or moved overseas , you may have experienced a bout of culture shock. Things that people in other places take for granted or habits and customs that they practice may be so foreign to you that they "shock" your system. While this could put an initial damper on your international travels, remember that culture shock can be overcome by being open-minded and accustomed to the way things are done that differ from back home.

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3.1 What Is Culture?

Learning objectives.

By the end of this section, you should be able to:

• Differentiate between culture and society
• Explain material versus nonmaterial culture
• Discuss the concept of cultural universals as it relates to society
• Compare and contrast ethnocentrism and xenocentrism

Humans are social creatures. According to Smithsonian Institution research, humans have been forming groups for almost 3 million years in order to survive. Living together, people formed common habits and behaviors, from specific methods of childrearing to preferred techniques for obtaining food.

Almost every human behavior, from shopping to marriage, is learned. In the U.S., marriage is generally seen as an individual choice made by two adults, based on mutual feelings of love. In other nations and in other times, marriages have been arranged through an intricate process of interviews and negotiations between entire families. In Papua New Guinea, almost 30 percent of women marry before the age of 18, and 8 percent of men have more than one wife (National Statistical Office, 2019). To people who are not from such a culture, arranged marriages may seem to have risks of incompatibility or the absence of romantic love. But many people from cultures where marriages are arranged, which includes a number of highly populated and modern countries, often prefer the approach because it reduces stress and increases stability (Jankowiak 2021).

Being familiar with unwritten rules helps people feel secure and at ease. Knowing to look left instead of right for oncoming traffic while crossing the street can help avoid serious injury and even death. Knowing unwritten rules is also fundamental in understanding humor in different cultures. Humor is common to all societies, but what makes something funny is not. Americans may laugh at a scene in which an actor falls; in other cultures, falling is never funny. Most people want to live their daily lives confident that their behaviors will not be challenged or disrupted. But even an action as seemingly simple as commuting to work evidences a great deal of cultural propriety, that is, there are a lot of expected behaviors. And many interpretations of them.

Take the case of going to work on public transportation. Whether people are commuting in Egypt, Ireland, India, Japan, and the U.S., many behaviors will be the same and may reveal patterns. Others will be different. In many societies that enjoy public transportation, a passenger will find a marked bus stop or station, wait for the bus or train, pay an agent before or after boarding, and quietly take a seat if one is available. But when boarding a bus in Cairo, Egypt, passengers might board while the bus is moving, because buses often do not come to a full stop to take on patrons. In Dublin, Ireland, bus riders would be expected to extend an arm to indicate that they want the bus to stop for them. And when boarding a commuter train in Mumbai, India, passengers must squeeze into overstuffed cars amid a lot of pushing and shoving on the crowded platforms. That kind of behavior might be considered rude in other societies, but in Mumbai it reflects the daily challenges of getting around on a train system that is taxed to capacity.

Culture can be material or nonmaterial. Metro passes and bus tokens are part of material culture, as are the buses, subway cars, and the physical structures of the bus stop. Think of material culture as items you can touch-they are tangible . Nonmaterial culture , in contrast, consists of the ideas, attitudes, and beliefs of a society. These are things you cannot touch. They are intangible . You may believe that a line should be formed to enter the subway car or that other passengers should not stand so close to you. Those beliefs are intangible because they do not have physical properties and can be touched.

Material and nonmaterial aspects of culture are linked, and physical objects often symbolize cultural ideas. A metro pass is a material object, but it represents a form of nonmaterial culture, namely, capitalism, and the acceptance of paying for transportation. Clothing, hairstyles, and jewelry are part of material culture, but the appropriateness of wearing certain clothing for specific events reflects nonmaterial culture. A school building belongs to material culture symbolizing education, but the teaching methods and educational standards are part of education’s nonmaterial culture.

As people travel from different regions to entirely different parts of the world, certain material and nonmaterial aspects of culture become dramatically unfamiliar. What happens when we encounter different cultures? As we interact with cultures other than our own, we become more aware of the differences and commonalities between others and our own. If we keep our sociological imagination awake, we can begin to understand and accept the differences. Body language and hand gestures vary around the world, but some body language seems to be shared across cultures: When someone arrives home later than permitted, a parent or guardian meeting them at the door with crossed arms and a frown on their face means the same in Russia as it does in the U.S. as it does in Ghana.

Cultural Universals

Although cultures vary, they also share common elements. Cultural universals are patterns or traits that are globally common to all societies. One example of a cultural universal is the family unit: every human society recognizes a family structure that regulates sexual reproduction and the care of children. Even so, how that family unit is defined and how it functions vary. In many Asian cultures, for example, family members from all generations commonly live together in one household. In these cultures, young adults continue to live in the extended household family structure until they marry and join their spouse’s household, or they may remain and raise their nuclear family within the extended family’s homestead. In the U.S., by contrast, individuals are expected to leave home and live independently for a period before forming a family unit that consists of parents and their offspring. Other cultural universals include customs like funeral rites, weddings, and celebrations of births. However, each culture may view and conduct the ceremonies quite differently.

Anthropologist George Murdock first investigated the existence of cultural universals while studying systems of kinship around the world. Murdock found that cultural universals often revolve around basic human survival, such as finding food, clothing, and shelter, or around shared human experiences, such as birth and death or illness and healing. Through his research, Murdock identified other universals including language, the concept of personal names, and, interestingly, jokes. Humor seems to be a universal way to release tensions and create a sense of unity among people (Murdock, 1949). Sociologists consider humor necessary to human interaction because it helps individuals navigate otherwise tense situations.

Sociological Research

Is music a cultural universal.

Imagine that you are sitting in a theater, watching a film. The movie opens with the protagonist sitting on a park bench with a grim expression on their face. The music starts to come in. The first slow and mournful notes play in a minor key. As the melody continues, the heroine turns her head and sees a man walking toward her. The music gets louder, and the sounds don’t seem to go together – as if the orchestra is intentionally playing the wrong notes. You tense up as you watch, almost hoping to stop. The character is clearly in danger.

Now imagine that you are watching the same movie – the exact same footage – but with a different soundtrack. As the scene opens, the music is soft and soothing, with a hint of sadness. You see the protagonist sitting on the park bench with a grim expression. Suddenly, the music swells. The woman looks up and sees a man walking toward her. The notes are high and bright, and the pace is bouncy. You feel your heart rise in your chest. This is a happy moment.

Music has the ability to evoke emotional responses. In television shows, movies, commercials, and even the background music in a store, music has a message and seems to easily draw a response from those who hear it – joy, sadness, fear, victory. Are these types of musical cues cultural universals?

In 2009, a team of psychologists, led by Thomas Fritz of the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig, Germany, studied people’s reactions to music that they’d never heard (Fritz et al., 2009). The research team traveled to Cameroon, Africa, and asked Mafa tribal members to listen to Western music. The tribe, isolated from Western culture, had never been exposed to Western culture and had no context or experience within which to interpret its music. Even so, as the tribal members listened to a Western piano piece, they were able to recognize three basic emotions: happiness, sadness, and fear. Music, the study suggested, is a sort of universal language.

Researchers also found that music can foster a sense of wholeness within a group. In fact, scientists who study the evolution of language have concluded that originally language (an established component of group identity) and music were one (Darwin, 1871). Additionally, since music is largely nonverbal, the sounds of music can cross societal boundaries more easily than words. Music allows people to make connections, where language might be a more difficult barricade. As Fritz and his team found, music and the emotions it conveys are cultural universals.

Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism

Although human societies have much in common, cultural differences are far more prevalent than cultural universals. For example, while all cultures have language, analysis of conversational etiquette reveals tremendous differences. In some Middle Eastern cultures, it is common to stand close to others in conversation. Americans keep more distance and maintain a large “personal space.” Additionally, behaviors as simple as eating and drinking vary greatly from culture to culture. Some cultures use tools to put the food in the mouth while others use their fingers. If your professor comes into an early morning class holding a mug of liquid, what do you assume they are drinking? In the U.S., it’s most likely filled with coffee, not Earl Grey tea, a favorite in England, or Yak Butter tea, a staple in Tibet.

Some travelers pride themselves on their willingness to try unfamiliar foods, like the late celebrated food writer Anthony Bourdain (1956-2017). Often, however, people express disgust at another culture's cuisine. They might think that it’s gross to eat raw meat from a donkey or parts of a rodent, while they don’t question their own habit of eating cows or pigs.

Such attitudes are examples of ethnocentrism , which means to evaluate and judge another culture based on one’s own cultural norms. Ethnocentrism is believing your group is the correct measuring standard and if other cultures do not measure up to it, they are wrong. As sociologist William Graham Sumner (1906) described the term, it is a belief or attitude that one’s own culture is better than all others. Almost everyone is a little bit ethnocentric.

A high level of appreciation for one’s own culture can be healthy. A shared sense of community pride, for example, connects people in a society. But ethnocentrism can lead to disdain or dislike of other cultures and could cause misunderstanding, stereotyping, and conflict. Individuals, government, non-government, private, and religious institutions with the best intentions sometimes travel to a society to “help” its people, because they see them as uneducated, backward, or even inferior. Cultural imperialism is the deliberate imposition of one’s own cultural values on another culture.

Colonial expansion by Portugal, Spain, Netherlands, and England grew quickly in the fifteenth century was accompanied by severe cultural imperialism. European colonizers often viewed the people in these new lands as uncultured savages who needed to adopt Catholic governance, Christianity, European dress, and other cultural practices.

A modern example of cultural imperialism may include the work of international aid agencies who introduce agricultural methods and plant species from developed countries into areas that are better served by indigenous varieties and agricultural approaches to the particular region. Another example would be the deforestation of the Amazon Basin as indigenous cultures lose land to timber corporations.

When people find themselves in a new culture, they may experience disorientation and frustration. In sociology, we call this culture shock . In addition to the traveler’s biological clock being ‘off’, a traveler from Chicago might find the nightly silence of rural Montana unsettling, not peaceful. Now, imagine that the ‘difference’ is cultural. An exchange student from China to the U.S. might be annoyed by the constant interruptions in class as other students ask questions—a practice that is considered rude in China. Perhaps the Chicago traveler was initially captivated with Montana’s quiet beauty and the Chinese student was originally excited to see a U.S.- style classroom firsthand. But as they experience unanticipated differences from their own culture, they may experience ethnocentrism as their excitement gives way to discomfort and doubts about how to behave appropriately in the new situation. According to many authors, international students studying in the U.S. report that there are personality traits and behaviors expected of them. Black African students report having to learn to ‘be Black in the U.S.’ and Chinese students report that they are naturally expected to be good at math. In African countries, people are identified by country or kin, not color. Eventually, as people learn more about a culture, they adapt to the new culture for a variety of reasons.

Culture shock may appear because people aren’t always expecting cultural differences. Anthropologist Ken Barger (1971) discovered this when he conducted a participatory observation in an Inuit community in the Canadian Arctic. Originally from Indiana, Barger hesitated when invited to join a local snowshoe race. He knew he would never hold his own against these experts. Sure enough, he finished last, to his mortification. But the tribal members congratulated him, saying, “You really tried!” In Barger’s own culture, he had learned to value victory. To the Inuit people, winning was enjoyable, but their culture valued survival skills essential to their environment: how hard someone tried could mean the difference between life and death. Over the course of his stay, Barger participated in caribou hunts, learned how to take shelter in winter storms, and sometimes went days with little or no food to share among tribal members. Trying hard and working together, two nonmaterial values, were indeed much more important than winning.

During his time with the Inuit tribe, Barger learned to engage in cultural relativism . Cultural relativism is the practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through the lens of one’s own culture. Practicing cultural relativism requires an open mind and a willingness to consider, and even adapt to, new values, norms, and practices.

However, indiscriminately embracing everything about a new culture is not always possible. Even the most culturally relativist people from egalitarian societies—ones in which women have political rights and control over their own bodies—question whether the widespread practice of female genital mutilation in countries such as Ethiopia and Sudan should be accepted as a part of cultural tradition. Sociologists attempting to engage in cultural relativism, then, may struggle to reconcile aspects of their own culture with aspects of a culture that they are studying. Sociologists may take issue with the practices of female genital mutilation in many countries to ensure virginity at marriage just as some male sociologists might take issue with scarring of the flesh to show membership. Sociologists work diligently to keep personal biases out of research analysis.

Sometimes when people attempt to address feelings of ethnocentrism and develop cultural relativism, they swing too far to the other end of the spectrum. Xenocentrism is the opposite of ethnocentrism, and refers to the belief that another culture is superior to one’s own. (The Greek root word xeno-, pronounced “ZEE-no,” means “stranger” or “foreign guest.”) An exchange student who goes home after a semester abroad or a sociologist who returns from the field may find it difficult to associate with the values of their own culture after having experienced what they deem a more upright or nobler way of living. An opposite reaction is xenophobia, an irrational fear or hatred of different cultures.

Perhaps the greatest challenge for sociologists studying different cultures is the matter of keeping a perspective. It is impossible for anyone to overcome all cultural biases. The best we can do is strive to be aware of them. Pride in one’s own culture doesn’t have to lead to imposing its values or ideas on others. And an appreciation for another culture shouldn’t preclude individuals from studying it with a critical eye. This practice is perhaps the most difficult for all social scientists.

Sociology in the Real World

Overcoming culture shock.

During her summer vacation, Caitlin flew from Chicago, Illinois to Madrid, Spain to visit Maria, the exchange student she had befriended the previous semester. In the airport, she heard rapid, musical Spanish being spoken all around her.

Exciting as it was, she felt isolated and disconnected. Maria’s mother kissed Caitlin on both cheeks when she greeted her. Her imposing father kept his distance. Caitlin was half asleep by the time supper was served—at 10 p.m. Maria’s family sat at the table for hours, speaking loudly, gesturing, and arguing about politics, a taboo dinner subject in Caitlin’s house. They served wine and toasted their honored guest. Caitlin had trouble interpreting her hosts’ facial expressions, and did not realize she should make the next toast. That night, Caitlin crawled into a strange bed, wishing she had not come. She missed her home and felt overwhelmed by the new customs, language, and surroundings. She’d studied Spanish in school for years—why hadn’t it prepared her for this?

What Caitlin did not realize was that people depend not only on spoken words but also on body language, like gestures and facial expressions, to communicate. Cultural norms and practices accompany even the smallest nonverbal signals (DuBois, 1951). They help people know when to shake hands, where to sit, how to converse, and even when to laugh. We relate to others through a shared set of cultural norms, and ordinarily, we take them for granted.

For this reason, culture shock is often associated with traveling abroad, although it can happen in one’s own country, state, or even hometown. Anthropologist Kalervo Oberg (1960) is credited with first coining the term “culture shock.” In his studies, Oberg found that most people are excited at first to encounter a new culture. But bit by bit, they become stressed by interacting with people from a different culture who speak another language and use different regional expressions. There is new food to digest, new daily schedules to follow, and new rules of etiquette to learn. Living with this constant stress can make people feel incompetent and insecure. People react to frustration in a new culture, Oberg found, by initially rejecting it and glorifying one’s own culture. An American visiting Italy might long for a “real” pizza or complain about the unsafe driving habits of Italians.

It helps to remember that culture is learned. Everyone is ethnocentric to an extent, and identifying with one’s own country is natural. Caitlin’s shock was minor compared to that of her friends Dayar and Mahlika, a Turkish couple living in married student housing on campus. And it was nothing like that of her classmate Sanai. Sanai had been forced to flee war-torn Bosnia with her family when she was fifteen. After two weeks in Spain, Caitlin had developed more compassion and understanding for what those people had gone through. She understood that adjusting to a new culture takes time. It can take weeks or months to recover from culture shock, and it can take years to fully adjust to living in a new culture.

By the end of Caitlin’s trip, she had made new lifelong friends. Caitlin stepped out of her comfort zone. She had learned a lot about Spain, but discovered a lot about herself and her own culture.

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STAGES AND SYMPTOMS OF CULTURE SHOCK

What is culture shock.

It's common to experience culture shock when you're transplanted into a foreign setting. This is a normal reaction to a new environment where you are no longer in control as you have been at home. You may experience a range of emotions when adapting to a foreign culture, from excitement and interest to frustration, depression and fear of the unknown. Culture shock is a term used to describe what happens to people when they encounter unfamiliar surroundings and conditions.

Symptoms of culture shock

People differ greatly in the degree to which culture shock affects them, but almost everyone is affected by it in one way or another. Symptoms vary, but can include:

• withdrawal (e.g. spending excessive amounts of time reading; avoiding contact with host nationals)
• feeling isolated or helpless
• sleeping a lot or tiring easily
• irritation over delays and other minor frustrations
• suffering from body pains and aches
• longing to be back home
• unduly criticizing local customs or ways of doing things

Stages of culture shock

The five stages of culture shock are:

• The Honeymoon Stage - You are very positive, curious, and anticipate new exciting experiences. You even idealize the host culture.
• Irritability and Hostility - You start to feel that what is different is actually inferior. The host culture is confusing or the systems are frustrating. It's a small step from saying that they do things in a different way to saying that they do things in a stupid way. You may blame your frustrations on the new culture (and its shortcomings) rather than on the adaptation process.
• Gradual Adjustment - You feel more relaxed and develop a more balanced, objective view of your experience.
• Adaptation of Biculturalism - You feel a new sense of belonging and sensitivity to the host culture.
• Re-entry Shock - You go home and it isn't what you expected it to be.

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Culture Shock

Culture shapes the way people see the world and can be thought of as the way in which people preserve societies and meet a range of human needs.  Shared belief systems, behaviors, and traditions are only a few factors that make up a culture.  It is easy to be unaware of the tremendous impact culture plays in our lives when we are  surrounded by individuals who share the same assumptions an shared values.  We may experience “culture shock” when we find ourselves in a culture different from the one we are accustomed to.  

What Is Culture Shock?

“Culture shock” is a  normal process  of adapting to a new culture.  It is a time when a person becomes aware of the differences and/or conflicts in values and customs between their home culture and the new culture they are in.  Common feelings may be anxiety, confusion, homesickness, and/or anger.

Coping with Culture Shock

There are many strategies to cope more effectively while adapting to the changes of a new culture.  Different things help different people and often trying more than one strategy can be helpful.  The following are some suggestions:

*Spend time listening and talking with someone from the U.S. who can explain common behaviors, language, and customs.

*Connect with other international students (more than likely they are experiencing, or have already experienced, similar situations).

*Stay connected with your home comforts such as foods, activities, rituals, etc…

*Community activities can be a way for you to get involved with other people and feel more involved in the community and culture in which you are in.  Connecting with a Resident Assistant, host family, or other individuals may be a way to get you started.

*Balance academic and leisure activities.

*Keep Active.  By getting outside of your house or apartment, you are able to experience what other Americans and international students are doing.  If you visit public spaces, such as downtown or a sporting event, you will be able to observe cultural customs and behaviors.

*Finding an activity or hobby you enjoy may dramatically reduce stress for you.

*Patience.  Keep in mind that culture shock is a normal process which most people experience.  Give yourself time and remind yourself that it will not be permanent.

*Collaborate with a mental health professional for support.

When Should I Seek Additional Support?

It is natural for people living in a different culture to feel sad and lonely at times, and to miss their home culture, friends, and family.  Sometimes, however, the stress of adapting to a new culture may reach a level in which added support is useful. 

Common signs of this stress may include:

• feeling homesick most or all of the time
• feeling lonely much of the time
• feeling sad or anxious much of the time
• crying more often; sometimes for no reason
• experiencing a marked change in sleeping and/or appetite
• experiencing increased unexplained physical problems
• having more “minor illnesses” such as colds, headaches, or stomach pains
• feeling irritable or depressed
• having difficulty concentrating
• experiencing academic difficulties not experienced before
• feeling tension and pressure much of the time
• feeling out-of-control in many aspects of your life

Campus Resources

Here are a few resources on campus that may help your transition…

*The Applied English Center (AEC) 785-864-4606

*International Student & Scholar Services 785-864-3617

*KU Writing Center

*Student Involvement & Leadership Center (SILC) 785-864-4861

*International Student Association

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  Home — Essay Samples — Arts & Culture — Culture Shock — My Experience with Culture Shock in The United States

  

  My Experience with Culture Shock in The United States

  • Categories: Culture Shock

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  Words: 920 |

  Updated: 6 December, 2023

  Words: 920 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

  Works Cited

  • Adler, P. S. (1975). The transitional experience: An alternative view of culture shock. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 15(4), 13-23.
  • Bhawuk, D. P., & Brislin, R. (1992). The measurement of intercultural sensitivity using the concepts of individualism and collectivism. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 16(4), 413-436.
  • Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
  • Martin, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K. (2019). Intercultural communication in contexts (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Oberg, K. (1960). Culture shock: Adjustment to new cultural environments. Practical Anthropology, 7, 177-182.
  • Pedersen, P. (1995). Culture-centered counseling and interviewing skills: A practical guide. Greenwood Publishing Group.
  • Redfield, R., Linton, R., & Herskovits, M. J. (1936). Memorandum for the study of acculturation. American Anthropologist, 38(1), 149-152.
  • Searle, W., & Ward, C. (1990). The prediction of psychological and sociocultural adjustment during cross-cultural transitions. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 14(4), 449-464.
  • Ting-Toomey, S. (2012). Communicating across cultures. Guilford Press.
  • Triandis, H. C. (1994). Culture and social behavior. McGraw-Hill.

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  18 Culture Shock Examples

  

  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. 

  

  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)

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  • Global Guide
  • Culture Shock

  Culture Shock - A Personal Story

  

  But, even though all exchange students participated in a one-day preparatory meeting, no kind of preparation could have avoided the inevitable culture shock I was experiencing - and I am glad it didn’t! Many people confuse the term culture shock with the phase of feeling discomfort, confusion, frustration and homesickness before adjusting to a foreign culture. However, culture shock is so much more!

  The Honeymoon Phase

  It also includes those first weeks or months of the so-called “honeymoon phase” where you are super happy to be in that other culture and everything you experience, from cultural aspects such as ways of living and interacting with others to clothes, music, and food, seems exotic, new and exciting. You are, so-to-speak, wearing your pink-coloured culture glasses and cozily float on a cultural cloud nine!

  However, as I was going to experience soon enough this feeling didn’t last forever. After about two months, things started to feel odd. Differences became more apparent. I started missing my friends and family more and more. Frustrating thoughts increasingly populated my head: “Nobody really understand me, my English is not good enough. I wish people would just be able to speak German for one day! Why is it so impossible to find proper bread (‘proper’ in my opinion referring to bread from Germany)? I wish public transportation would work the same way as at home! And so on.

  The Negotiation Phase

  These thoughts were of course highly unproductive and unhelpful. However, these are part of the process and herald the “negotiation phase”. Feelings of anxiety would creep up on me from nowhere! Homesickness would dominate most evenings. Of course it was not like this all the time. Initial ‘honeymoon’ feelings of excitement and exhilaration would take turns with feelings of disorientation and frustration. Phases are not clearly marked because each phase overlaps with the next one and sometimes you feel like you take two steps forward and one back.

  The Adjustment Phase

  Over the next few months, though, feelings of adjustment and belonging more and more superseded those feelings of displacement and homesickness. I developed my own little routine, learned to adapt to stress through various techniques, and made many new friends. I had slowly and unknowingly entered the “adjustment phase”. I had learned what to expect in most situations, had adapted my own behavior and learned to appreciate new ways of thinking and attitudes. My English had improved dramatically - not only my vocabulary had expanded significantly but I also thought and dreamt exclusively in English! During those months I had developed a very interesting sleeping pattern where I would sleep approx. 14 hours a day straight. My mind needed time to recover after experiencing so many challenges throughout the day - speaking English, dressing differently, attending class at High School, making new friends, observing and processing differences, adjusting my own behavior, analyzing the meaning of what people say and translating it into something I could understand and appropriately respond to etc.

  The Mastery Phase

  Things started to make sense and I understood Australian culture better and better (or at least the culture lived at my host family and High School in Sydney)! That was a major breakthrough for me personally. Every day I felt more and more comfortable with my new home. I adopted many new traits while also keeping earlier ones from my home country. I would often refer to myself as ‘having a second nationality’. This process which occurred over my last few months abroad is called the “mastery phase”. My happiest moment was when my dear friend one day remarked during a conversation: ‘You are Australian now, Jude! You sound just like us!’ She knew what she was talking about, had she not seen me transform from a silent timid German who could hardly follow a conversation to an almost accent-free bicultural Australian/German?

  I want to point out that the effects of culture shock are different for everyone and can result in different behaviors and feelings. The timing of the different phases also varies a lot from person to person. One thing’s for sure though: Culture shock is inevitable and acceptance is the first step towards adjusting better to a foreign culture.

  Dealing with Culture Shock

  Here is my 5 cents on what has helped me deal better with culture shock: Try to really put yourself out there and make friends! Talk, even when you make mistakes! Develop a routine! Think about how you dealt with stress at home and apply it in the new culture: Yoga, sports, going for a walk, talking to a dear friend? Try to be positive and see the good aspect in everything. Negative thinking is a vicious circle and can quickly pull you down. Also, laugh about yourself or whatever is frustrating you - humour helps us make light of a situation. Always remember - what can I learn from this? Don’t try to negate the positive aspects of the other culture. Often there is a valid reason behind why things are done that way. Realizing that doesn’t mean you have to give up all you are and believe in! It merely widens your horizon and helps you negotiate between different cultures. And I believe that if you manage to acquire those intercultural skills during a culture shock, the previous feelings of disconnection and anxiety are well worth it. Maybe if we all did an exchange of some sort we would live in a more understanding, peaceful world.

  The best thing for me personally is that I am still in touch with my host family that I stayed with now ten years ago! I visited them again with my Mum, and they visited me in in Europe and will come again soon to visit me in Buenos Aires where I currently live! I am very grateful for their friendship and hospitality while I went through culture shock - it certainly can’t have been easy! Their own unlimited generousness has been a great role model to me and has convinced me to host my own exchange student when I am older.

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  Culture Shock’s Experiences

  I first heard about culture shock when I was thirteen years old. My parents were missionaries in the Philippines, and we were citizens of the United States of America. To me, the word sounded extremely awful. According to the explanation given by the adults, the immigrants to the Philippines were unable to move on with their lives, which was associated with grave culture shock. I remember that whenever we were going somewhere, people stared at us and followed us. It was hard for me to call everyone aunt, uncle, or big brother. On arrival in the country, I nearly choked from the first hamburger I took. It had a weird combination of ingredients and was extremely sweet. All the time the Filipinos considered us to be very unique, and this was linked to our skin color. It was difficult for me to adapt to the cold showers and filter water whenever I needed to use it. This experience was easier for my seven-year-old sibling. I realized that children can easily adapt to difficult conditions, which is the opposite of adults.

  Elaborating the experience

  Every individual who is residing in a novel country experiences culture shock to some extent. Culture shock is more intense during the first weeks in a novel country. The term refers to the feelings of frustration and helplessness when in a new nation, where the person is unfamiliar with the nation’s culture and language. The immigrant has to adapt to an entirely novel form of life. In addition, the immigrant is unable to practice the level of independence he had in the home country. My parents confided in me that they were unable to communicate with their relatives and friends about their new life. Considering that they did not know anyone in the new country, it was extremely difficult to adapt (Ward, Stephen and Adrian 45).

  Understanding some of the typical features of the USA citizens is imperative in comprehending why the mentioned case is a culture shock. In America, citizens consider their individuality as very unique. Every person is equal to the others. This was not the case in the Philippines. The Filipinos considered us as super people because our skin color was different. Moreover, Americans are straightforward in their conversations. When in agreement with an issue, they say “yes” and vice versa. When encountering a visitor, the Americans welcome the person and are friendly to all new people (Hofstede, Gert and Michael 28). As opposed to this, the Filipinos reacted by staring at us and following us. In addition, the Filipinos were not courteous enough to introduce themselves. This aggravated our situation and further depressed us.

  Personal opinion

  Personally, I consider the concept of a culture shock to be exceptionally vital. Sometimes, culture shock is extremely overwhelming. However, there is a need to try to cope with this so as to feel excitement and happiness, as opposed to depression. People living in a new country always undergo cross-cultural inconveniences. The first weeks are usually very emotional. Moreover, the person experiences a lot of transformations. In my opinion, a person should research the people, language, and culture of the new country before going there. This is helpful because the person familiarizes himself with basic words and how to respond to different situations. Immigrants should form new friends who can show them around and teach them about their new life. This prevents the formation of negative opinions.

  Works Cited

  Hofstede, Geert, Gert J.Hofstede, and Michael Minkov. Cultures and organizations . London: McGraw-Hill, 1991. Print.

  Ward, Colleen, Stephen Bochner, and Adrian Furnham. “The psychology of culture shock.” Psychology Press  2001. Print.

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  • The Concept of Culture Shock

  The Concept of Culture Shock - Essay Example

  
  • Subject: Sociology
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  Extract of sample "The Concept of Culture Shock"

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  The Concept of Material Culture and its Dimensions

  This essay about material culture explores how tangible artifacts from various epochs reflect human civilization’s innovation, tradition, and identity. It discusses the roles these objects play as symbols of creativity and communication, illustrating societal values and intercultural connections. The text also addresses the challenges in preserving and interpreting these artifacts amidst globalization and commercial pressures. It emphasizes material culture’s role in connecting past and present, shaping our perceptions through the physical legacy of human creativity.

  How it works

  Material culture serves as the fabric connecting human civilization, intertwining elements of innovation, tradition, and identity into an extensive array of artifacts spanning various ages. From primitive tools crafted by early humans to the advanced technologies of today, these items act as physical conduits to our collective past, offering a palpable link to the history of humanity. Exploring material culture is like traversing through time and space, where each item narrates stories of human ingenuity and artistic expression.

  At its heart, material culture includes a broad array of tangible items, each marked by the unique characteristics of the culture that produced it.

  From the delicate pottery of ancient societies to the imposing skyscrapers of the contemporary world, these objects reflect the values, beliefs, and ambitions of the people who made them. These items go beyond simple functionality; they symbolize human creativity and the ability to overcome challenges, demonstrating our penchant for innovation and our adaptability.

  Material culture is also a living phenomenon, constantly evolving with the ongoing shifts in societal, economic, and technological landscapes. Globalization, for example, has enabled a blending of cultural influences like never before, enriching our material creations with varied meanings and contexts. Today’s artifacts, therefore, are imbued with a rich array of cultural shades, illustrating the intricate interactions among global civilizations.

  In addition, material culture serves as a powerful tool for communication, transmitting ideas and stories across time. From the complex symbolism found in sacred artifacts to the functional design of daily items, these objects reflect the spirit and priorities of their makers. They are not just products; they are expressions of cultural identity that connect individuals and communities, anchoring them to a common past while influencing their contemporary views.

  However, the examination of material culture comes with its own set of complexities and ethical issues, especially concerning the commercialization of cultural items. This raises debates over rights, authenticity, and the preservation of heritage. Museums and collectors face these challenges, striving to protect and interpret material culture respectfully and thoughtfully, acknowledging its profound cultural and historical importance.

  Ultimately, material culture is an intriguing and complex aspect of human existence, playing a critical role in unraveling our collective stories. It provides a window into the diverse fabric of human experience and creativity, allowing us to gain deep insights into the development of societies and the persistent impact of objects on our understanding and experience of the world.

  

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  The Concept of Material Culture and Its Dimensions. (2024, Apr 22). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-concept-of-material-culture-and-its-dimensions/

  "The Concept of Material Culture and Its Dimensions." PapersOwl.com , 22 Apr 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/the-concept-of-material-culture-and-its-dimensions/

  PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Concept of Material Culture and Its Dimensions . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-concept-of-material-culture-and-its-dimensions/ [Accessed: 27 Apr. 2024]

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  "The Concept of Material Culture and Its Dimensions," PapersOwl.com , 22-Apr-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-concept-of-material-culture-and-its-dimensions/. [Accessed: 27-Apr-2024]

  PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Concept of Material Culture and Its Dimensions . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-concept-of-material-culture-and-its-dimensions/ [Accessed: 27-Apr-2024]

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