CULTURE SHOCK By Mikayla Anderson Interviewee: Bryan Covington

CULTURE SHOCK DEFINED the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes. Examples of this are as follows. Language, religion, food, climate, dress, values, and etiquette and bahavior.

4 STAGES OF CULTURE SHOCK The Honeymoon Stage The Frustration Stage The Adjustment Stage The Acceptance Stage

THE HONEYMOON STAGE The first stage of culture shock is often overwhelmingly positive during which travelers become infatuated with the language, people and food in their new surroundings. At this stage, the trip or move seems like the greatest decision ever made, an exciting adventure to stay on forever. On short trips, the honeymoon phase may take over the entire experience as the later effects of culture shock don’t have time to set in. On longer trips, the honeymoon stage will usually phase out eventually. Example- Bryan Covington’s experience where he wanted to try everything and meet everyone.

THE FRUSTRATION STAGE Frustration may be the most difficult stage of culture shock and is probably familiar to anyone who has lived abroad or who travels frequently. At this stage, the fatigue of not understanding gestures, signs and the language sets in and miscommunications may be happening frequently. Small things — losing keys, missing the bus or not being able easily order food in a restaurant — may trigger frustration. And while frustration comes and goes, it’s a natural reaction for people spending extended time in new countries. Example- Bryan Covington’s experience when he would try to communicate with the natives and also the wanting for different food beside their custom food in Thailand.

THE ADJUSTMENT STAGE Frustrations are often subdued as travelers begin to feel more familiar and comfortable with the cultures, people, food and languages of new environments. Navigation becomes easier, friends and communities of support are established and details of local languages may become more recognizable during the adjustment stage. Example- Though Bryan Covington had his moments of frustration, he was able to overcome those small differences and adjust to the culture their during his visit.

THE ACCEPTANCE STAGE Generally — though sometimes weeks, months or years after wrestling with the emotional stages outlined above — the final stage of culture shock is acceptance. Acceptance doesn’t mean that new cultures or environments are completely understood, rather it signifies realization that complete understanding isn’t necessary to function and thrive in the new surroundings. During the acceptance stage, travelers have the familiarity and are able to draw together the resources they need to feel at ease. Example- Bryan Covington’s finally got to the point where he didn’t compare his life back home to Thailand and accepted it for what it was, Thailand.

INTERVIEW WITH BRYAN COVINGTON In the video interview Bryan displayed how he went through all of these stages. Bryan’s personal experience was a great example of what Culture shock is and how it can affect a person long term. He has viewed his experience has life changing and has grown tremendously from it. Culture shock was a huge part of his experience but it was also the best part of his experience. Information on Bryan Covington Alumni of SLU- Spring of 2016 Deputy for the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Department

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I, Mikayla Anderson, Have been out of the country 3 times totaled. My first experience was for a Mission Trip to Honduras. That particular experience was difficult to overcome at first because I had never seen such poverty in that particular way. It was eye opening. I had to quickly address the stages listed previously in this slideshow, since there was a very short time to experience this country. Though the shock itself was difficult to swallow, it was overall an amazing experience and I cannot wait to go back. My second experience was a Study Abroad trip to Costa Rica with SLU. For this trip It was not much of a shock because I had seen these particular conditions before. This experience was an amazing learning experience and more like an educational vacation. My last, most recent experience was when I went on a cruise with my family for a vacation. Overall all of my experiences were excellent and worth doing.

CITED INFORMATION The 4 Stages of Culture Shock Education, VIF Int'l. "The 4 Stages of Culture Shock." Medium. N.p., 19 Feb Web. 23 Oct Picture of food image.jpg image.jpg Graphic of the word religion many-word-isolated-image

MIKAYLA ANDERSON W MGMT 435 Power point and video presentation I thought it would be a great way to present a point or topic by interview of someone who has faced it personally. I hope you enjoyed my presentation! The End