Stages of cultural adjustment

While everyone responds differently adjusting to a new culture, there are typically three stages – called "Culture Shock" - that most people go through:

Stage 1: You will probably experience an initial period of excitement and happiness, due to new things around you. You will constantly be reminded that you are in a new culture and are many miles from home.

Stage 2: As you adjust to the routine of daily life, that initial sense of adventure will wear off. You may even find that your new life in the U.S. can be quite ordinary and dull at times – just like at home! During this phase you may start to miss your friends and families at home – wishing things in the U.S. were more similar to your home country. During this time, you may find it hard to keep a positive attitude and to keep up with your routines. You may be tempted to withdraw from people around you or even become hostile. Even simple things may seem like an ordeal. At this point it is helpful to know that, for most people, this phase doesn't last too long.

Stage 3: The second phase should soon give way to the third phase – your true adjustment to American culture. Once the values and characteristics of people in the U.S. become more familiar to you, day-to-day life will become easier. You will find that it will be easier to immerse yourself in American life and you will begin to experience the culture in a way that would never be possible if you were a tourist traveling for a few weeks.

Survival Skills

• Stay positive
• Give yourself a chance
• Try not to withdraw from your American friends, your co-workers or your employer.
• Make a special effort to have fun, and most importantly—remember all of the reasons that brought you to the U.S. in the first place!
• Be open and friendly and people will respond likewise
• Maintain a sense of humor and an open mind. Keep in mind that even the most extraordinary experience will make an entertaining story at home that is sure to make your friends and family laugh.

Examples of Stage 2

Most people have an enjoyable time while living in the U.S., however – here are some examples of what past participants have felt like when they have gone through their adjust to life in the U.S.:

• A student, newly arrived in a large American city is initially exhilarated by the fast-paced bustle of the city, and enjoys the feeling of being in the midst of so much activity. However, the feeling eventually can give way to stress – people are always in a hurry, the streets are always crowded and noisy, and no one ever looks you in the eye. Those interesting-looking characters now seem silly.
• A student in a small community may find the American custom of saying "thank you," "you're welcome," "have a nice day" and smiling at strangers to be insincere. The student scorns this superficial behavior, preferring a more formal relationship with strangers. The student refuses to be friendly to people who aren't actual friends.
• An adventurous student seeks out an isolated, rural area for work. The place can only be reached by car or on foot; public transportation is non-existent. While the student likes the peace and beauty of the area, she also feels trapped and frustrated by her inability to leave and explore regions nearby. America's "car culture" strikes the student as a ridiculous self-indulgence, and she concludes that Americans are selfish, lazy people.

You will probably begin to recognize that some behaviors are neither "good" nor "bad", but simply a function of culture. Even those behaviors that negative may be understood better in a cultural context. For example, while Americans' dependence on cars contributes to environmental problem, this phenomenon can be explained by such things as the size of the country, the low cost of gasoline, and a national emphasis on individualism and self-reliance.

IMPORTANT: If You Need Counseling

If you are experiencing problems with depression, homesickness, harassment, or other emergencies, we want to know about it as soon as possible. Please ask yourself the following 5 questions:

• Have you been feeling depressed about a situation?
• Do you find that you are unhappy for a long period of time?
• Are you experiencing ongoing emotional distress?
• Are you finding your stay in the U.S. overwhelming?
• Do you find that you are not getting the help you need with ongoing problems?

If you answered YES to three or more of the questions above, call ERDT at 800-321-3738 immediately.

If you have a less urgent problem, you still can call ERDT at 800-321-3738 during regular business hours (9 a.m. – 6 p.m. PST) or email us at worktravel@erdtshare.org.

There are lots of books available on the phenomenon of culture shock and suggested tips for getting most out of your cross-cultural experience. Do an online search at www.amazon.com or check your local bookstores for suggestions.