Cultural Adjustment and Problem Solving

What does this mean?

Most people who move to a new cultural environment experience a series of emotional ups and downs, especially during the early weeks of arrival. Your reaction to time changes, different foods, sleeping accommodations, bathroom arrangements, and language patterns may cause anxiety or other negative feelings. However, the excitement and fascination with new people, places, and experiences will also cause some equally emotionally high points.

Cultural stress occurs when you are cut off from familiar ways of communicating and interacting with others. Most of us unconsciously believe the way we have always done things at home is the “right” way such as: the subjects we speak about and the way in which we converse, the times we eat, the frequency we bathe, and/or the clothing we wear. Our personal identity and self-esteem are jeopardized when things are done differently than we are accustomed to.

Here are some common reactions:

·         Homesickness

·         Irritability

·         Stress/Anxiety

·         Boredom

·         Withdrawal

·         Hostility towards the country you are in

·         Interacting exclusively with people from one's own country

·         Crying

·         Illness

·         Excessive sleeping

·         Exaggerated cleanliness

·         Stereotyping of Hosts and co-workers

·         Sexism

·         Sense of helplessness

·         Depression

Tips for Adapting

So if you find yourself feeling “culture shock,” here are some suggestions on how you can adjust:

·         Get enough sleep: Try to stick to a normal (as possible) sleep schedule. But, be aware that too much sleep can cause depression.

·        Eat a healthy diet: Make sure you’re getting enough carbohydrates, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

·         Hydrate: Drink plenty of liquids, but avoid too many  beverages with sugar and alcohol (if you are of age to legally drink).

·         Exercise: Do 20 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a  week.

·         Lower your expectations: Learn to accept what happens on its  own merits.

·         Keep in touch with your home country: Read newspapers,  send emails, and display photographs of your loved ones with  you to keep from feeling isolated from home.

·         Communicate: There are bound to be others who are in your same situation! Talk about your feelings with someone else. It will make you feel better and you may even make a friend!

·         Have fun and relax!