Adjustment
INITIAL ENTHUSIASM (THE HONEYMOON)
Time frame: First week or two in host country
Exposure to country and culture is limited.
Excitement and enthusiasm abound.
Characteristics:
Everything is exotic and quaint.
Attitude toward host country is generally positive.
Little is expected of you.
INITIAL COUNTRY & CULTURE SHOCK
Time frame: First few weeks;
Wider exposure to country and culture means
more realistic and more mixed reactions.
Enthusiasm is tempered with frustration. Feelings
Characteristics:
of vulnerability and dependence are common.
Homesickness is frequent.
Nothing is routine.
Limited language ability undermines confidence.
Close bonds are formed with other trainees.
INITIAL ADJUSTMENT
Time frame: First few mounths
Routines are reestablished. Some aspects of the
country & culture are now seen as normal.
Adjustment to the physical aspects of the host country
Characteristics: is better.
People are more positive about their ability to
function in country.
Adjustment is to the culture as much as it is to host
country culture.
FURTHER CULTURE SHOCK
Time frame: Settling-in period.
You're adjusting to being on your own in country.
It's your first experience taking care of yourself in
country.
Characteristics: You're having your first encounters with the work-
related aspects of culture, with initial surprises and
frustrations.
You miss daily contact with people who understand
you and your version of the local language.
You're surprised at still having culture shock to go
through.
FURTHER ADJUSTMENT
Time frame: Post settling-in.
You're getting used to being on your own.
You're better able to take care of yourself.
Characteristics:
You're making friends in the community.
You speak the language better.
You're more effective at work because you
understand the culture better.
Suggestions for Dealing with Culture Shock
• Try to look for logical reasons why things happen. This may help you view your
host culture in a more positive light.
• Explore! Get a sense for the physical environment, looks for parks, sports facilities,
bus stops, etc. Get a sense for the behavioral norms; how do they greet each other,
wait in line, etc. Find out where people meet and socialize. Make an effort to go to
those places.
• Try to fit into a rhythm of life in your host culture. Adjust to their time schedule for
meals and work. Read local newspapers and books.
• Set small goals for yourself, as high expectations may be difficult to meet.
• Try to speak the language of the country you are in, and don’t worry if you only
know a few phrases.
• Keep in touch with friends and family at home.
• Draw on your personal resources for handling stress. You’ve done it many times
before, and you can do it again.
Understanding other cultures
• Pay Attention.
• Set your assumptions and values aside.
• Withhold judgment.
• Be complete and explicit.
• Pay attention to the other person's response.
• Paraphrase.
• Ask for verification.
• Be alert for different meanings.
• Do not ask questions you would not or could not answer yourself.
• Analyze communicative behavior.
• When you are having trouble communicating, talk about the trouble you are having.
The Four Levels of Cultural
Awareness
• UNCONSCIOUS INCOMPETENCE
• CONSCIOUS INCOMPETENCE
• CONSCIOUS COMPETENCE
• UNCONSCIOUS COMPETENCE