Simple steps to manage and overcome culture shock
Print Edition
CULTURE shock is a reality in the lives of many expatriates, both adults and children. It’s something that many of us have heard of but may not fully understand or know how to deal with. My own strongest experience with culture shock came during my time in the Middle East and this caused me to look for ways to cope with it.
Culture shock is commonly understood as the confusing and nervous feelings a person may have after moving to a new, different culture. While it can be exciting to be in such a situation, it can also cause feelings of anxiety, frustration and homesickness — all of which can be exacerbated for a child who is trying to adjust to not only a new country, but also a new school and social group, often with students and staff from unfamiliar backgrounds and cultures.
The good news is that not only is culture shock temporary, but it is also relatively easy to manage. First and foremost, accept that this is often a normal part of the adjustment process of being in a new place — this recognition can often be reassuring in itself.
Keeping in touch with people at home can also help, either by Skype or by email, as can finding a group of positive people to spend time with, particularly if they have a shared interest. Exploring the new host country, particularly through national landmarks, museums and galleries (particularly those targeted to the child’s own interests) can help expatriates see the positives in being in a new place.
Most, if not all, international schools are actively engaged in developing global-mindedness and tolerance amongst students, creating an ideal environment to adjust to the myriad ways of thinking that come with different cultures.
Through activities and actions such as these, as well as simply being encouraged to talk about the feelings and experiences we all go through in a new place, culture shock can become an easily manageable phenomenon, allowing us all to enjoy the benefits and experiences that come from being immersed in a new culture.
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