Culture Shock - Dealing With It

Culture shock can happen to anyone that travels away from home. The shock stems from the inability to understand the new surroundings or to be able to fit in. Things away from home are always different than they are at home no matter how far away you are traveling. Culture shock can happen to some degree to children off to summer camp for the first time or to experienced travelers heading abroad. There are a few simple things you can use to help you deal with culture shock.

Tips for Coping with Culture Shock

Expect there to be differences. Depending on where you are going, everything around your (from the language to the housing to the food) may be completely different. Embrace the differences and try to avoid comparing the unfamiliar with the familiar.

Spend some time researching your destination. The more you know about where you are going then the more prepared you will be to handle the differences in the cultures or situations.

Laugh! Keeping a sense of humor when things are difficult or uncomfortable can help you survive any situation. Mistakes happen when you step out of your element so be ready to laugh along with the people around you when those mistakes happen to you.

Stay focused on the positive. Any situation can be miserable if you are looking for the negatives around every turn. Find the things that you like and enjoy about your new situation and stay focused on those.

Expect to miss home. There is nothing wrong with missing your own bed, the special meal your family had on weekends or other unique aspects of your home life. Expecting homesickness will help you cope with it if (or when) it comes. Use those days to call or contact the most upbeat person that you left behind and you will be smiling before the conversation closes.

Adventure is not always easy. Stepping out of your comfort zone often means stepping into a little discomfort. Dealing with culture shock is easier when you know what to expect.