effects of culture shock essay

Essays About Culture Shock: Top 5 Examples and 7 Prompts

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

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

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

5 Essay Examples

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

1. Culture Shock: Defined

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

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

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

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

2. Long Essay on Culture Shock  by Prasanna

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

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

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

Looking for more? Check out these essays about globalization .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7 Prompts for Essays About Culture Shock

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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• How to Cite

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

Full text article

Adler, S.P. (1975). The transitional experience: An alternative view of culture shock. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 15(4): 13-23. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1177/002216787501500403

Andrade, S.M. (2006). International students in English-speaking universities. Journal of Research in International Education, 5(2): 131-154. https://doi.org/10.1177/1475240906065589

Ayyoub, M., S. Khan & A. Riaz (2019). Qualitative analysis of cultural adjustment issues in Austria. New Horizons, 13(1): 31-50.

Befus, P.C. (1988). A multilevel treatment approach for culture shock experienced by sojourners. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 12(1): 381-400. https://doi.org/10.1016/0147-1767(88)90032-6

Bochner, S. (2003). Culture shock due to contact with unfamiliar cultures. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, Online Readings in Psychology and Culture(1): 1-12.

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Hailu, T.E., and H. Ku (2014). The adaptation of the Horn of Africa immigrant students in higher education. The Qualitative Report, 19(28): 1-19. Retrieved 20 May 2022 from http://nsuworks.nova.edu/tqr/vol19/iss28/1

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

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

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

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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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Culture Shock Essay Writing Guide

By: Henrique Bertulino

First and foremost, what is a culture shock essay?

Culture Shock Essay

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

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

The Purpose of Culture Shock Essays

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 12, 2022 by Prasanna

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

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Long Essay on Culture Shock

Positive impacts

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

Breaks the routine

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

Builds self-confidence

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

Make new friends and community

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

Keeps on learning

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

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

Short Essay on Culture Shock

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

How to overcome Culture Shock?

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

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

FAQ’s on Culture Shock Essay

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

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

Question 2. How to avoid culture shock?

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

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

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

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Home / Essay Samples / Culture / Culture Shock / The Culture Shock And Its Effects On Human Behavior

The Culture Shock And Its Effects On Human Behavior

• Category: Culture , Literature , Psychology
• Topic: Culture Shock , Edgar Allan Poe , Human Behavior

Pages: 4 (1654 words)

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