Culture shock
Part 2: Overcoming culture shock
What happens during immigration? On the one hand, the experience of the person moving, with his or her expectations, cultural baggage, way of thinking and doing; on the other, the experience of the person receiving, with his or her language and value system. And the interaction, between the two, of two beings and two cultures. All in all, a shock, gentle or brutal, absorbed or shattered.
In the first article, we discussed the definition of culture shock and the four main stages we can go through. However, it can happen that this crisis is experienced more painfully and that the second stage, that of confrontation, is more difficult to get through.
So what can you do? How can you better integrate into your host country?
Let's take a look at some concrete ways in which we can help you.
Acknowledging our resistance is an important first step. It can be difficult to admit to ourselves that the adventure we've been dreaming of isn't what we thought it would be, or that we feel it's not for us. But there's no shame in this feeling, which many people experience. Accepting it is already a step in the right direction.
There's no magic solution to culture shock. Each person can, in their own way, implement strategies and try out different options to regain their equilibrium. We've listed a few below, some of which you may find useful, others less so. Generally speaking, you need to take your time and not give in to the siren calls of isolation and withdrawal.
- Socialize
Openness to others may be the hardest part, but it's what will help you put down roots in your host country.
- Avoid isolation
The idea is to break out of isolation and meet new people. Often, we have high expectations of the new relationships we're going to build. The easiest ways to meet new people are to take part in organized events. (meet-up, facebook), getting involved in an association or volunteering, asking colleagues out after work, for example.
- Soak yourself in
The risk of stalling at this stage is to fall into a passive resistance to integration into the host country's culture. Take the opposite approach: in addition to meeting new people, you'll understand your new country through reading, music, cinema and history. In the same vein, learning the local language is a necessary step towards better integration, and will help reduce any sense of exclusion you may feel.
- Be tolerant and flexible, and avoid hasty judgments.
It may seem obvious, but we can sometimes get frustrated when, despite our best efforts, we feel we're not making any progress. Be open-minded towards others, but also ... towards yourself! Give yourself time to go at your own pace.
- Talk about your experience
As we explained earlier, culture shock is a common phenomenon for many expatriates. Talking about it with others can help you feel supported.
- Continue the sports and leisure activities you enjoyed in your home country.
It's all about finding pleasure in your daily life and getting back to the activities that make you feel good. And who knows, you might even meet some new people!
- Review your objectives for your stay abroad
Why did you come to this country? What motivated your expatriation? Culture shock can stem from a discrepancy between our expectations and reality. Revisiting our expectations can help us to become aware of their idealization and transform them into more concrete objectives. Was it professional? Was it personal? To what extent are these objectives achieved or attainable?
- Keep in touch with your home country, family and friends
- And above all: be patient with yourself and with others.
Adapting to a new country is a gradual process. It requires effort on your part, questioning your behavior and making emotional adjustments. It's normal for some moments to be more difficult than others. You'll learn new things and acquire new skills. Treat yourself with compassion.
This article concludes our series on culture shock. Here we report on the most common problems that expatriates may encounter. If, however, you find yourself confronted with deeper and more enduring difficulties, or are feeling particularly sad or anxious, psychotherapy can help you identify and overcome whatever is troubling you. Like any change in life, expatriation is a stage that can crystallize difficulties.
At the Centre Pensées in Barcelona, we offer both face-to-face and online support to help you through this very special time. Don't hesitate to contact us!
Bibliography
- From culture shock to integration, Sonja Susnjar. Article taken from Bulletin Vies-à-vies, vol. 4, no.5, April 1992, Université de Montréal.
- Laval University. Direction des services aux étudiants. "Culture shock and adaptation", URL : https://www.bve.ulaval.ca/etudiants-etrangers/vivre-a-quebec/choc-culturel-et-adaptation/,
