Culture shock and adjustment Geert Hofstede

Culture Shock curve

Culture Shock Psychological disorientation that most people suffer when they move into a culture that is different from their own. It’s natural and healthy.

Causes of culture shock Ambiguity Unrealistic Goals New Rules Isolation Preconceived Ideas Lack of Results Lack of Control Question One’s Own Values

Symptoms of Culture Shock Disorientation and helplessness A sense of tension and frustration A sense of alienation Inability to communicate with locals A need to be alone Anxiety

Symptoms of Culture Shock Compulsiveness Boredom Sleep disorder Illness Lack of productivity Family conflict Marital stress Don’t try to eliminate it but manage it

Culture Adjustment Honeymoon Irritability and hostility (Culture shock) Gradual adjustment Full adjustment and adaptation

Overcoming Culture Shock Expect to experience culture shock Understand why it occurs and learn its symptoms Accept your need to learn about living in the new country Discover as much as you can in the new country Do not restrict yourself to your fellow countrymen Break into the local culture by using its members as informants