What is Culture Shock and How to Avoid it?
Written by Lay
Packing up everything you know and moving abroad is probably one of the most scary/exhilarating things anyone will ever do – but man, it’s worth it. In fact, it was Neal Donald Walsch who said,
Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
If you’re reading this blog, you’re most likely toying with the idea of living abroad (or you have been abroad for a few months now), but you’re not sure if it’s for you. As an expat myself, the most common questions I get hit with are ones from people wanting to take the leap but worried about the huge difference in culture. Whether it’s Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar or Costa Rica… it’s not home so everyone is bound to feel lost, scared or isolated at some point. This phenomenon is what we have all come to know as [[Culture Shock]].
In short, culture shock is the initial and ongoing distress one feels when you’re shifted into a foreign setting unexpectedly. It is a perfectly normal reaction to a new environment. Travellers 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 nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s totally expected when you leave your own comfort zone and throw your mind, body and soul into unfamiliar surroundings.
Many expats say that the biggest frustration is not being able to do everyday tasks as easily as back home.
Many people also ask, “So how can I avoid culture shock?” … Well, let’s see …
Culture is basically defined as, “a way of life” that is led by a certain group of people. It includes their food, art, language, attitude, behaviour, belief systems and so much more. Culture is not actively taught to locals, but rather instilled from a young age. Knowing this, it’s kind of hard to “avoid” don’t you think? So how can a foreigner better prepare themselves you may ask? Well, the answer is actually pretty simple: immerse and absorb!
Get to know the country and its people by taking part in activities they usually would. Learn a little of the language. Show an interest. Have an open mind and develop an understanding for they way their minds work.
XploreAsia understands that moving abroad can be daunting in the beginning. There is just so much to take in all at once. We help here by including an extensive Cultural Orientation course with each intake date. The courses are specific to each country and include basic language lessons, market shopping manners, cooking hacks, trips to temples, meditation with monks, etiquette classes, history and a few other activities depending on which country you plan on traveling to. Mental health is also very important so we have happy teacher workshops where we share common struggles and strategies to avoid depression.
You’ll have the chance to learn, live and appreciate the country’s culture – not to mention the opportunity to make life-long like-minded friends.
In conclusion, culture shock is not something that should be “avoided”, but rather embraced and accepted for what it is … a chance to learn and grow. Culture shock is not something to block out or run from. It’s just a way for your body to let you know that you’re living in ways you haven’t before. The secret is to be positive, accept your emotions, and don’t compare yourself to others.
It’s tough, I know, but whenever I feel my anxiety creeping up on me, I just close my eyes, take a deep breath and remind myself loudly,
“Toto, we ain’t in Kansas no more.”
Written by Lay
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