Dealing with Cultural Shock

According to Anthropologists, cultural shock involves anxiety and doubt caused by an overload of unfamiliar expectations and social cues.

Because of differences in culture, an employee posted outside his or her home country will experience confusion, alienation, disorientation, and emotional upheavel. This is known as culture shock. An executive transferred from India to Korea, for example, would experience anxiety because of alien culture, foreign langauge, unaccustomed climate and unfamiliar food habits. But the anxiety is less when s/he is posted to Singapore where one comes across large number of Indians and hotels run by Indians.

Many employees of multinational corporations do not know how to deal with a cultural adjustment process. This experience can be painful and devastating. At its extreme, it can prevent growth and self-actualisation. When an individual’s psychological security is threatened, the consequences may not be healthy for him, his family, or the organisation represents.

Managerial responses vary across cultures. Specific behaviours depend upon attitudes managers hold about employees. Managerial responses are shaped by the cultures of the land. Managers in Japan, for instance, strongly believe that a manager should be able to answer any question s/he is asked. On the other hand, Swedish managers have the least concern for knowing all the answers. In France, the manager’s role is thought to be that of an expert, whereas in the U.S. the manager is viewed as a problem solver.

Managerial behaviour is rapidly changing, particularly among European managers. In general, these managers are becoming better educated, career-oriented, more willing to work co-operatively with labour, more willing to delegate, and more cosmopolitan.

Factors causing culture shock

Language

Despite having a good grasp over the language spoken in your study country, it will be a new experience altogether when you interact with the locals in real-life. The country may have some local slangs as part of their daily language which you will get used to over time. For example, Canadians call $1 a loonie and $2 a toonie; and one of the most common coffees here is a Double-Double.

A different way of living

You realise it fairly quickly that your way of life has completely changed. This newfound independence can be very overwhelming. With a sudden change in your routine life, it can get difficult to understand how to cope without it. Since every decision you make will impact your life directly, it is important to be responsible and take control. For instance, if you do not cook your meal or do your laundry or buy groceries or finish your projects, nobody else will.

Weather Conditions

In Canada, you might experience a new degree of cold during winters. Similarly, in the UK, you’ll experience more rains than you expected, while in Australia, you’ll experience winters and summers at different times of the year than what you are used to. Such factors can also be stressful as any change in climate may impact your health when you are least expecting it. You’d be surprised however, that life in these countries never stops because of the weather conditions and neither should you.

New Societal rules

There are always some unspoken, well-understood rules in every society, such as your new environment. These rules have a direct impact on the day-to-day functioning of the society. For instance, when in Canada, it is common to say “thank you” or “sorry” too often at very minuscule of things. If not, you might be considered rude, despite you not intending to. In Australia, a stranger may call you a mate, even if meeting for the first time.

Academics

Every country has a different education system and with it comes a new structure, teaching methodologies, scoring patterns, project works, deadlines, scholarships, etc. Sometimes, there is just too much information to put together and get used to at once. Don’t get overwhelmed with this new information and try to understand each slowly to be able to adapt to it.

Missing home or food

It is obvious to miss home or your cuisine you’ve grown on. The best way to deal with it is to find shops or restaurants that offer the things you like. You can also learn to cook and invite friends over so it doesn’t make overly homesick. Better still, pick up your phone and make those calls home.

Poor Time management

Being an international student, it is important to manage time properly. For example, if you miss a given deadline for a project, you might lose valuable grades. Sometimes, due to the lack of schedule (either too much to do or excess free time), your schedule may go for a toss. It is helpful to prioritise your activities and strike the right balance between work and recreation time.

Common symptoms of culture shock

Homesickness

It is common to miss your home country and the people you’ve left behind. It also happens if you are unwilling to adapt to your new conditions, trying to stick as close to the things you did back home. It is best to adapt and let yourself discover new things and build new memories.

Anxiety, Depression or Loneliness

These symptoms are fairly common to experience early on when you are still in the process of adjusting to the new environment. The seriousness may vary depending on the individual.

Disturbed sleep patterns

It is normal to have a disturbed or distinguished sleep pattern (earlier due to jet lag, later on due to difference in time zone). However, this may extend further due to extensive thinking, stress, lack of confidence, or related reasons.

Decreased productivity

Due to the inability to cope with stress, some students find it difficult to perform academically or professionally. Sometimes, students face issues with understanding the new education system. It is important to identify what is causing this distress and deal with it.

Various Stages of culture shock

Stage 1: Excitement

This is when you arrive into the country, with an eagerness of meeting new people, starting a new program, exploring new places, etc. This stage offers the opportunity to explore as much as you can to get to know about the societal norms.

Stage 2: Shock

This is when your excitement settles down and you understand new responsibilities and tend to isolate yourself. This is a stage of self-realisation and an opportunity to plan your approach. Remember, it’s okay to be stressed, but don’t let it get to you. Talk to someone if required to.

Stage 3: Acceptance

This is when you start getting used to the cultural norms. It could be the longest stage as you start adjusting to your new life, make new friends and have a better vision of your goals. It helps to connect with people who’ve had similar experiences to get some advice.

Stage 4: Adaptation

This is when you’ve adapted to your new society and are an active part of it. In fact, you are aware enough to guide your fellow mates, newcomers from your experiences. You are no longer affected by the cultural differences and focus on a positive, brighter future.