ABOUT CULTURE SHOCK . . .
Culture shock is a very common
condition that affects most people who live or travel to a second country. Culture shock occurs when a person loses touch
with familiar signs and symbols that ease relationships with people, places and things.
One feels a certain sense of loss when cut off from his or her accepted way of greeting
people, giving tips, telling others what is needed, and knowing whether or not a person is
joking.
We are so familiar with many words,
gestures, facial expressions, and customs that we don't even realize they are there until
they vanish in the melting pot of a new culture. When these cues are gone, it is like
having our props kicked out from under us. The result may be confusion, frustration and
anxiety.
Symptoms of Culture Shock
Watch for any combination of the
following signs:
 | Excessive hand washing
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| Excessive concern over drinking water,
food, dishes, and bedding
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| Fear of physical contact with
attendants or service personnel
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| Being absent minded.
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| Having a feeling of helplessness and
over-dependence on the long-term residents from one’s own country
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| Having fits of anger over delays and
other minor frustrations
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| Delaying or refusing to learn the local
language
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| Having excessive fear of being cheated,
robbed, or injured
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| Being excessively concerned over minor
pains or skin irritations
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| Feeling constantly fatigued.
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| Having excessive longings to be back
home, and to experience the familiar.
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Tips on Avoiding and Overcoming
Culture Shock
| Recognize that everyone, including you,
will have culture shock to some degree, and that in most cases it is not serious enough to
worry about.
|
| Schedule your days so that you will
have adequate time to spend in prayer and Bible study each morning. This may be a challenge during times of travel,
and when rooming with someone whom you do not know well.
But this, more than anything, this will help you keep a healthy perspective
on all that is going on.
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| Get plenty of sleep and exercise. Being physically rundown can contribute to culture
shock.
|
| Seek to enjoy the new foods and
experiences as much as possible. But don't feel guilty about drinking a coke or cup of
coffee or eating a favorite food when it is available.
Adjusting to a new culture does not mean you have to reject your own
culture.
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| Learn a few key phrases in Chinese. This will open the door to new understandings,
horizons, customs and culture.
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| See the humor in situations that
confront you. Laugh at your reactions to new
experiences. Laugh with others over the joys
you are experiencing. But be sure not to
laugh at others in a way that might be hurtful or misunderstood.
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| Be encouraged by the level of
contentment that you see in the people on the streets, many of whom live under conditions
that many westerners would consider difficult.
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| Journal for the purpose of sharing with
loved ones at home when you return. This
helps keep you close to experiences in China AND friends and family at home.
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