Ever heard of “culture shock?” You’ve almost certainly experienced it, whether you know it or not. It is a natural part of travelling, and while it could feel uncomfortable if you’re unprepared, it can be a valuable learning experience.
Before we discuss the shock, let’s talk about culture. Culture is everywhere, and you exist in a culture of your own which you might not even notice. Imagine you're a fish, and your culture is the tank you live in.
Going to a new culture means swapping your water; what you know and expect could be turned upside down. You may find it hard to do your usual things, like buying groceries. Changing culture can therefore be fun, frustrating — and even a shock. What can surprise people is how much you learn about your own culture at the same time.
This is the real magic of travel. The new perspective it provides. You’ll start to appreciate what makes us all the same too. The more you observe individual differences in culture, the easier it is to find those common threads that we all share.
If you are volunteering abroad with us, preparing for culture shock before you travel will help you make the most of your experience. It will also help you to get the most out of your time away.
So what is it, how might it affect you, and what can you do to prevent any problems? Read on to find out!
What is culture shock?
Culture shock is the uncertainty you might feel when adapting to a new culture. The exact definition, according to the Cambridge English Dictionary, is: a feeling of confusion felt by someone visiting a country or place that they do not know.
For example, in much of Europe and Latin America, kissing on the cheek is a common greeting among friends and relatives. This is much less common, and considered inappropriate, in Asia (except the Philippines!)
Another example is the concept of time and punctuality. In parts of Africa, including Ghana and South Africa, working hours and start times are more of a suggestion than a rule. It is not uncommon for workers to be late to appointments or meetings.
Culture shock can be experienced through everyday occurrences, from simple greetings to deeply held beliefs about women's rights. When you travel, you might not be familiar with these ideas, and the process of adapting and understanding can be difficult.
What are the symptoms of culture shock?
Everyone experiences culture shock in different ways. It can be caused or heightened by jet lag, difficulty communicating, getting lost, and much more.
Experiencing culture shock first hand can cause an emotional response. It can make you feel:
- Homesick
- Anxious
- Lonely
- Irritated
- Tired
Does culture shock go away?
Don’t worry, the effects of culture shock are often short-lived. As you adjust to your surroundings and adapt to the culture you are in, you become more confident and positive.
This leads to a better travelling experience. You will learn how to communicate with the local community even through a language barrier and how to approach common tasks.
You can take steps to mitigate the effects of culture shock before you travel, and you can even use your experience to help you grow and develop as a person (more on that shortly!)
What are the four culture shock stages?
There are four common stages of culture shock, and your experience with them will be unique to every journey. These are:
- Honeymoon — the joy of a new environment and challenge, possibly lasting for a whole trip.
- Frustration — daily tasks and communication is difficult or confusing, leaving you feeling tired, homesick, or anxious.
- Adjustment — learning local customs, building a support network, and growing in confidence to deal with issues.
- Acceptance — a full understanding of how to fit in, even if not understanding the culture itself.
What are the positives of culture shock?
Discomfort can lead to growth. By preparing and adapting to a new environment, you can develop your independence, confidence, and global understanding.
Navigating your experience will make you a more confident, understanding, and adaptable person — skills that translate to all areas of life. There are a few things you can do to make this transition easier, too.
Before you go
Ahead of your trip, consider looking into how your destination handles everyday things. This could include greetings, work culture, transport, women’s rights, meal times, food, and more. It’s also a good idea to pick up the very basics of the local language.
To make this easier, we provide a cultural course on your personal MyProjectsAbroad page, and our Destination Experts regularly run cultural awareness workshops. This means you will know all the basics before you fly.
This will make sure you know what to expect, reducing the length and intensity of the adjustment period. Projects Abroad will also provide a comprehensive induction on your first day with us, explaining everything you need to know about your area.
Once you’ve arrived
On the ground, approach every interaction with an open mind and embrace the challenge of navigating something new. Try to remember that you are a guest and have a different way of doing things, and it is your responsibility to overcome that.
Get involved with local customs or activities and speak with local people to help you learn faster. You might build up a group of friends who you can rely on if you need them!
It’s also important to keep an eye out for the similarities between your culture and your destination, finding common ground to make you more comfortable. This can help you adjust to your surroundings quicker and find talking points with local people.
Remember: a Projects Abroad staff member will be with you throughout your journey and will be contactable 24/7 by phone. All our staff speak English and are happy to help, no matter what.
Embrace the challenge yourself
International travel and culture shock might be scary, but it can also be life changing and lead to personal growth. By understanding culture shock and preparing yourself, you could be in for the time of your life.
Ready to embark on your own cultural adventure? Contact one of our Project Experts today to learn more about our volunteer projects and how to make the most of your experience abroad.
Finally, don’t forget… celebrate the difference, but look for the similarities too. This is just as true whether you’re at home, or far away.
Reach out to get started!
Our Project Experts are the best people to talk to when thinking of volunteering abroad. Whether you have questions or no idea where to start, they're here to help.
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