Culture Shock and the Process of Cultural Adjustment

What is it?
Culture shock is the natural reaction that occurs when we are uprooted from our cultural environment and transplanted into a new situation where the words, gestures, customs, signs and symbols that have previously helped us to make sense of our surroundings suddenly have no meaning or have new meanings. While culture shock implies something immediate, the onset is usually gradual and cumulative.

How can I avoid it?
Since culture shock is a natural response, your strategy should not be how to avoid it, but instead, how to manage it. Being able to anticipate the feelings you may encounter, and having an understanding of the cycle of adjustment should help minimize much of the difficulty of adjusting to life in the United States. While at times it may be an unpleasant experience to go through, adapting to a new culture provides great opportunities for personal growth and development.

What are the stages of Culture Shock and cultural adjustment?

1. “Honeymoon stage”-When you first arrive, the differences you observe are new, exciting and interesting. You are optimistic and are likely to focus on the positive aspects of your new environment.

2. “Hostility stage”-As some time passes, the differences that were once interesting, have now become obstacles for you to get things done or communicate effectively. You may begin experiencing ay of the following feelings or behaviors:

• disorientation and confusion
• acute homesickness for family, friends and places
• loneliness
• helplessness
• irritability
• sadness and depression
• frequent frustration
• being easily angered
• fatigue
• withdrawing from friends or other people
• self-doubt, sense of failure

3. “Humor stage”-gradually, you begin to feel more oriented and comfortable in the new culture. Your confidence builds as you start to adjust to the differences and expand your circle of friends.

4. “Home stage”-Don’t underestimate the adjustment that will be required when you return home from your sojourn. People go through a similar series of stages upon re-entry to their home culture. Consult your International Student Advisor to make sure you are prepared.

Suggestions on how to make your adjustment as smooth as possible:

• Maintain a sense of humor. Be able to laugh at yourself and at the predicaments you get into.
• Make an effort to learn about the region where you are staying - its people, religions, customs, history, etc.
• Begin to consciously look for logical reasons for anything in the United States that seems strange, confusing, or threatening. There is a reason why Americans do things differently than people do in your country.
• Resist the temptation to constantly disparate the host country. You do not have to agree with the way that Americans view things or do things, but constantly criticizing things in your environment will only leave you feeling more miserable, and may make others wonder why you are here.
• Other students from your country can be very helpful when you first arrive, but as time goes on, try not to rely solely on co-nationals for support.
• Find an American (or a few!) who is understanding and sympathetic to your situation, with whom you can share your feelings of confusion. This person can be your “cultural informant” and help explain things to you about American culture and lifestyle.
• Don’t forget to participate in activities you would normally do at home (e.g. sports, reading, taking baths, etc.) These activities will help you manage stress. If those activities are not available here, try to find an activity that gives you the same feeling of happiness or relaxation.

When should I seek professional help?

The international student advisors at ISS and the counselors at the Center for Counseling and Development are trained to help you with all aspects of your adjustment to the United States. If you are having troubles moving into the “humor stage,” of adjustment, do not hesitate to seek their assistance. They can give you more suggestions to facilitate your adjustment process.

For more information. . .

Books available at the University of Hawai‘i library:

American Ways: A Guide for Foreigners (1988) by Gary Althen, Intercultural Press.

Living in the U.S.A. (1988) by Alison Lanier, Intercultural Pres.

A Foreign Visitor’s Survival Guide to America (1992) by Shauna Singh Baldwin and Marilyn M. Levine, John Muir Publications.

On Being Foreign: Culture Shock in Short Fiction, and International Anthology (1986) edited by Tom Lewis and Robert Jungman, Intercultural Press.

The Art of Crossing Cultures (1990) by Craig Storti, Intercultural Press.

Videotape available at the Wong Audiovisual Center of the Univerisity of Hawai‘i library:

Cold Water (1987). Noriko Ogami, Producer, Intercultural Press.

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International Student Handbook, 2004-05, International Student Services, University of Hawai‘i at M?noa