| 'Culture shock' is a term used in differing contexts, | | | | through work or in day to day situations. The |
| occasionally with different meanings. However, when | | | | differences in behaviour combined with the stress of |
| used with reference to relocation it refers to the | | | | adapting to a new daily routine leads to a dislike and |
| process of coming to understand and adapt to | | | | criticism of the host culture. Symptoms of culture |
| differences in culture manifest through daily interaction | | | | shock start to appear such as homesickness, |
| and situations. | | | | boredom, lethargy, irritability and hostility to the host |
| Culture shock is a process that affects people of | | | | culture. |
| different walks of life. EFL teachers, managers, | | | | Adjustment - after the initial settling-in period, an |
| sportsmen and children all deal with culture shock as | | | | understanding and empathy with the host culture starts |
| part of international relocation. Learning to recognise it | | | | to develop. People feel more comfortable with their |
| and its effects is a useful means of minimising any | | | | routines and surroundings. A working knowledge of the |
| negative side-effects of relocation. | | | | language begins to be used actively. |
| Relocation abroad is a huge step. The changes and | | | | Enthusiasm - the relocation is now a distant memory |
| contrasts in the simple things such as the language, | | | | and the host country becomes 'home'. The effects of |
| food, TV, weather, shopping and socialising are only a | | | | culture shock lessen as a genuine enjoyment of the |
| small part of the relocation process and culture shock. | | | | new location develops. Elements of the host culture's |
| It is often the deeper differences in customs, mentality, | | | | behaviours and mentality are adopted. Rather than |
| world view and interpersonal interaction that have a | | | | criticise, certain areas of the host culture are preferred |
| more profound effect. | | | | to the native culture. |
| Experts have identified varying stages of culture | | | | Prior to relocation, it is important for individuals, couples |
| shock. The most common stages of culture shock | | | | and families to learn as much about the new host |
| one faces with relocation abroad are: | | | | country as possible. If this is not done through a |
| Stimulation - the first stage of relocation is commonly | | | | relocation briefing, then personal research should look |
| full of hope and excitement. Culture shock is kept at | | | | at the subject of culture shock and areas such as the |
| bay due to a positive outlook mixed with an | | | | people, culture, social norms, religions, language, food, |
| enthusiasm for the relocation. Interaction with the host | | | | entertainment and accommodation. Good preparation |
| culture is primarily passive. | | | | can go a long way in readying for and dealing with |
| Culture Shock - at this stage of the relocation people | | | | culture shock. |
| start to interact with the host culture actively, either | | | | |