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3 WAY TO AVOID CULTURE SHOCK

2.3.1 Definition of culture shock
Culture shock refers to feelings of uncertainty, confusion, or anxiety that people may
experience when moving to a new country or experiencing a new culture or
surroundings. This cultural adjustment is normal and is the result of being in an
unfamiliar environment.

Culture shock can occur when people move to another city or country, such as
when retiring abroad. Culture shock can also occur when people go on vacation, travel in
retirement or for business, or study abroad for school. For example, international
students studying abroad for a semester in another country may experience a cultural
adjustment due to an unfamiliarity with the weather, local customs, language, food, and
values.

Although the timing of each person's adjustment process can be different, there are
specific phases that most people go through before they adjust to their new environment.
Culture shock can be quite stressful and lead to anxiety. However, it's possible to
overcome it and grow as a result.

2.3.2 Causes of culture shock

Culture shock is the result of conflict and contradiction between heterogeneous cultural

elements in two different environments. Here are some important aspects of how culture

shock develops, and how they can affect an individual's experience:

-Language :One of the most important factors is the difference in language. Ignorance or

limited ability to communicate in a new language can cause feelings of loneliness and

emotional isolation from those around you. The ability to interact and socialize can be

severely affected, creating a cycle of low self-esteem and emotional isolation

-Culture and customs: Changes in culture and customs play an important role in causing

this condition. Differences in lifestyle, social interactions, and communication styles can

create feelings of discomfort and ambiguity about rules and limits in the new
environment. Familiar customs and habits in the old environment may no longer be

appropriate or even acceptable in the new environment, creating mental disorder.

-Cuisine: Food changes can also contribute to culture shock. Foods familiar in the home

environment may no longer be available or suitable for the new environment, creating

difficulty adapting to new foods. This not only affects the ability to enjoy food but can

also cause mental stress.

-Go: Differences in traffic and transportation can cause inconvenience and difficulty in

moving. The new environment may have unfamiliar transportation systems and means of

transportation, causing a feeling of time loss and inconvenience in performing daily

activities .
-Study: Changes in education systems, teaching styles and assessment methods can create

pressure and difficulty in learning. You may have difficulty adapting to new ways of

learning and different ways of evaluating performance.

2.3.3: Impacts of culture shock

One of the significant effects of culture shock is the change in mood and spirit. Feelings

of insecurity, loneliness and confusion often become constant companions of those who

experience it. To a more severe degree, depression may occur, affecting the ability to

enjoy life and participate in daily activities.

It is not possible to see the regular consequences caused by this condition. Furthermore,

cultural excellence can change the work performance and ability to concentrate of those

who experience it. Attention is easily divided and the ability to complete tasks is

impaired and mood is unstable. This can create a negative cycle, leaving the individual

feeling frustrated due to decreased ability to work and demoralization.

Not only does it affect mood and work performance, culture shock can also cause loss of

confidence and difficulty in subsequent work and social interactions. Having to deal with

new language, customs and values can help the person experiencing the owl feel less

confident and at ease in social situations

2.3.4: Things to prepare before encountering a new culture

Always keep an objective perspective on cultural differences: In the early days when you

first learn and continue to be touched by a strange cultural environment, you should not

inhale gold and come to the conclusion that the What is different about the indigenous

culture compared to itself is both extreme and wrong. The best way is to keep an

objective perspective, carefully consider the problem before commenting on anything. At

the same time, taking the time to acquire cultural knowledge about the country you are

living in is also necessary work. Each country has a different culture and different ways

of handling things. Observe and study to learn more about society and people in the most

important way.

Overcoming language barriers: For most people, language is the biggest barrier when

living, studying, and working abroad. As mentioned above, the most basic cause of

"culture shock" is language barrier. Therefore, preparing well in language to be able to

communicate with native speakers will contribute to minimizing misunderstandings due

to incorrect expressions as well as minimizing frustration when not being able to express

your thoughts correctly in a foreign language. The fastest way to improve communication

is to be proactive in communication. You should take the opportunity to communicate

with native speakers whenever possible, then you will gradually become familiar with

what they say and how they express words. The first stage may be difficult, but don't give

up, gradually you will feel more confident and comfortable in daily communication.
Get familiar with your surroundings: The environment you live in is the best place for

you to start integrating and adapting. Chat with your roommate if you are an international

student, proactively strike up conversations with classmates to establish new

relationships. In addition, books and news are also sources of information that you can

easily access... If you have time, participate in community activities and local festivals to

grasp the culture. traditions of the place where you reside. Many international students

have chosen to "permanently" stay in their rooms except when going to school or

working part-time and do not participate in any outdoor activities or visit anywhere. This

will cause a feeling of fatigue and "stuckness" in your life far away, often evoking

feelings of homesickness, missing family and friends. At the same time, not

communicating with the outside world will make it difficult for you to relieve your own

difficulties and confidences, and make you just want to return to your homeland. Why

don't you try taking a trip to places around where you live or further away (if possible) to

change the atmosphere and regular habits?

Establish balance in life with a spirit of comfort and optimism: Set specific schedules for

yourself, this will help you be independent in your daily activities. Don't let cultural

change control your life and thinking, you should change to adapt to it. Don't be too hard

on yourself when you make a mistake in a certain communication situation with native

speakers. Always be optimistic and learn from mistakes.