Culture Shock by Maris Leivategija

CULTURE SHOCK &

INTERCULTURAL LEARNING

Maris Leivategija

Global Partner Coordinator

[email protected]

EduAction Global Project Gerdau - Av. Farrapos, 1811 | CEP: 90220-005 Porto Alegre - RS - Brazil | +55 51 3323 8410 [email protected] | eduactionproject.org

INTRODUCTION

This booklet is meant to support EduAction program

participants in their adjustment with their host country

as well as with returning back home after the end of

their experience.

CULTURE

“Culture is about basic assumptions, values

and norms that people hold.”

Edward T. Hall’s Cultural Iceberg Model

(See APPENDIX 1)

One of the most well-known models of culture is the

iceberg. Its main focus is on the elements that make up

culture, and on the fact, that some of these elements are

very visible, whereas others are hard to discover.

The idea behind this model is that culture can be

pictured as an iceberg: only a very small portion of the

iceberg can be seen above the water line. This top of the

iceberg is supported by the much larger part of the

iceberg, underneath the water line and therefore

invisible.

Nonetheless, this lower part of the iceberg is the

powerful foundation.

The iceberg model implies that the visible parts of

culture are just expressions of its invisible parts. It also

points out, how difficult it is at times to understand

people with different cultural backgrounds – because we

may spot the visible parts of “their iceberg”, but we

cannot immediately see what is the foundation that

these parts rest upon.

Geert Hofstede’s Model of Cultural Dimensions

(See APPENDIX 2)

Geert Hofstede’s idea about culture is based on one of the

largest empirical studies ever done on cultural differences.

Hofstede describes culture as “the collective programming

of the mind which distinguishes the members of the human

group from one another”. After several rounds of research,

he reduced the differences in culture to four basic

dimensions. All other differences, he stated, could be traced

back to one or several of these four basic dimensions of

culture.

The four dimensions Hofstede identified were what he called

power distance, individualism/ collectivism, masculinity/

femininity, and uncertainty avoidance. After some

additional research, he added the dimension of time

orientation.

INTERCULTURAL LEARNING

Milton J. Bennett’s Developmental Model of Intercultural

Sensitivity

Bennett (1993) defines intercultural sensitivity in terms of

stages of personal growth. His developmental model posits

a continuum of increasing sophistication in dealing with

cultural difference, moving from ethnocentrism through

stages of greater recognition and acceptance of difference.

Interpretation of reality, or worldview, is different from one

culture to the other.

Developing intercultural sensitivity then means in essence to

learn to recognize and deal with, the fundamental difference

between cultures in perceiving the world.

Intercultural learning is a process. This process demands

that you know yourself, and where you come from,

before being able to understand others.


It is a challenging process as it involves very deeply

rooted ideas about what is good and bad, about

structuring the world and your life. In intercultural

learning, what we take for granted and feel is

necessary to hold on to, is put into question.

Intercultural learning is a challenge to one’s identity –

but it can become a way of living, a way of enriching

one’s identity at the same time, as Bennett has pointed

out.

Intercultural learning is an individual process, it is

essentially about learning how to live together, learning

how to live in a diverse world.

“ICL is an individual process of acquiring

knowledge, attitudes, or behavior that is

connected with the interaction of different

cultures.”

Intercultural learning seen in this perspective is the

starting point of living together peacefully.

Challenges & Learning Outcomes

Confidence and Respect.

Building up confidence is a cornerstone of intercultural

learning in order to achieve the openness necessary for a

mutual process. It is a prerequisite that we feel

comfortable to share different viewpoints, perceptions

and feelings, to arrive at acceptance and under-

standing.

Experiencing Identity.

To understand others, we must first understand

ourselves. In a multicultural environment, we have the

chance to learn who we are as a person or as a

representative of our culture and what sides of us are

universal.

Constructed Realities.

Nothing is absolute. There are many ways to read and

discern reality. The thesis, that everyone constructs their

own worlds, that every reality is its own construction, is

one main factor in intercultural learning processes. We

can perceive reality differently, even such basic

dimensions as time and space. We will learn that there is

no absolute truth and many things what we believed to

be “common sense” or “basic truth” now turn out were

just one possible solution.

In dialogue with the Other.

Intercultural learning places “the other” at the heart of

understanding. It starts through dialogue, but yet is a

step further. It is challenging to perceive myself and

the other as being different, and to comprehend that

this difference contributes to what and how I am. Our

different beings complement each other. In this

understanding, the other becomes indispensable for a

new discovery of the self. The respectful experience of

attempting to “walk in each others’ shoes” without

pretending to live what the other lives. It can enable us

to experience and learn real solidarity, believing in the

strength of co-operation. Intercultural learning in this

context is as well a way to discover our own capacity for

action.

Questions and Change

The experience of intercultural learning is one of

constant change (as the world is), it is above all process-

oriented. Discussing culture, the tension between

stagnation and change, the longing for security and

balance appear constantly. We have open questions and

will raise new ones. Therefore, we need to accept that

there is not always an answer, but remain in constant

search, accepting and welcoming change. Reflecting on

it, we will need the capacity to question ourselves. We

do not always know where this integration leads us.


Curiosity is important, new perceptions are desired. And

we have to be aware that the construction of something

new implies possibly the break down of the old – such as

ideas, beliefs, traditions…

As another outcome, we will find ourselves more

comfortable with constant change which is another

gained strength in our personalities.

Comprehensive Involvement

Intercultural learning is an experience which involves all

senses and levels of learning, knowledge, emotions,

behavior in an intensive way. It evokes a lot of feelings; it

provokes gaps between them and maybe our “reason”,

what we knew or get to know. The comprehension of

the complexity of this process and all its implications

demand a lot from us. Language as element of culture is

a central aspect in intercultural communication, and at

the same time limited, often a source of

misunderstanding.

It must thereby one tool of communication. All other

signs – like body language – have to be equally

respected. In return, we develop all aspects of

intelligence.

The Potential of Conflict

If we see the variety of perceptions different cultures

have of time, space, social and personal relations... it

appears evident that conflict is at the heart of

intercultural learning and needs to be explored and

expressed. At the same time, these models invite us to

discuss the differences without labeling it.

Consequently, we can try to find the constructive

elements and chances of conflict. We need to develop

conflict management skills, while considering the

complexity when dealing with the notion of culture. We

learn to find new solutions and develop a variety of

competences, including creativity.

Under the surface

Intercultural learning aims at very deep processes and

changes of attitudes and behaviors. It means to deal a

good part with the invisible forces and elements of our

culture, of our inner self (see: Iceberg Model), many

things beneath the “water surface” are unconscious and

cannot be expressed clearly. This discovery implies

therefore personally and in the encounter some risks, it

implies tensions with which we have to deal. It is

obviously not easy to accompany people in this process.

On the one hand, we need the courage to go further, to

challenge ourselves and others. On the other hand, we

have to be very careful and respectful to peoples’ needs

and the limits of these processes.

The process of intercultural learning demands that

people pass through the stages of culture shock.

CULTURE SHOCK

The term, culture shock, was introduced for the first

time in 1958 to describe the anxiety produced when a

person moves to a completely new environment. This

term expresses the lack of direction, the feeling of not

knowing what to do or how to do things in a new

environment, and not knowing what is appropriate or

inappropriate. Often, the way that we lived before is not

accepted or considered as normal in the new place.

Everything is different, for example, the language

(including body language), the food, the climate, the

medical system, the transport system – even the

banking machines are different!

The symptoms of culture shock can appear – and recur –

at different times. Although you can experience real pain

from culture shock, it is also an opportunity for

redefining your life objectives. It is a great opportunity

for learning and acquiring new perspectives. Culture

shock can stimulate personal creativity and help you

develop a better understanding of yourself.


Stages of Culture Shock:

(See APPENDIX 3)

Kalvero Oberg was one of the first writers to identify five

distinct stages of culture shock. He found that all human

beings experience the same feelings when they travel to

or live in a different country or culture, but that some

people have much stronger reactions than others.

Stage 1: Honeymoon Phase

During the first few days of your stay in a new country,

everything usually goes fairly smoothly. You are excited

about being in a new place, where there are new sights

and sounds, new smells and tastes. You may have some

problems, but usually you accept them as just part of the

newness.

Unfortunately, this euphoric honeymoon phase can

come to an end fairly soon, as you start dealing with day

to day problems, e.g. getting your favorite foods. It may

feel like people no longer care about your problems. You

might even start to think that the people in the host

country don't like foreigners.

Stage 2: Rejection Phase

You may begin to feel aggressive and start to complain

about the host culture/country. However, it is important

to recognize that these feelings are real and can become

serious. This phase is a kind of crisis in the 'disease' of

culture shock. It is called the "rejection" phase because it

is at this point that you start to reject the host country,

complaining about, and noticing only, the bad things

that bother you. At this stage you either get stronger

and stay, or get weaker and go home (physically, or -

more often - just mentally).

Stage 3: Regression Phase

If you don't survive stage two successfully, you may find

yourself moving into stage three: the "regression

phase." The word "regression" means moving backward,

and in this phase of culture shock, you spend much of

your time speaking your own language, watching videos

from your home country, eating food from home. You

may also notice that you are moving around town with a

group of people who speak your own language - and you

may spend most of your time together complaining

about the host country/culture. Also in the regression

phase, you may only remember the good things about

your home country. Your homeland suddenly seems

very attractive. All the difficulties that you had there are

forgotten and you find yourself wondering why you ever

left. You think of your home country as a wonderful

place where nothing ever went wrong for you. Of

course, this is not true, but an illusion created by your

culture shock 'disease’.

Stage 4: Recovery Phase

If you survive the third stage successfully (or miss it

completely) you will move into the fourth stage of

culture shock called the "recovery phase" or the "at-

ease-at-last-phase." In this stage, you become more

comfortable with the language and you also feel more

comfortable with the customs of the host country. You

can now move around without a feeling of anxiety. You

accept the food, drinks, habits and customs of the host

country, and you may even find yourself preferring some

things in the host country to things at home. You still

have problems with some of the social cues and you still

don’t understand everything people say, however, you

are now 90% adjusted to the new culture. You start to

realize that no country is truly better than another – it is

just that each has a different lifestyle and different ways

to deal with the problems of life. Finally you have

become comfortable in the new place.


Stage 5: Reverse Culture Shock

Much later, you may find yourself entering the fifth

phase of culture shock. This is called "reverse culture

shock" or "return culture shock" and occurs when you

return home. You have been away for a long time,

becoming comfortable with the habits and customs of a

new lifestyle and you find that you are no longer

completely comfortable in your home country. Many

things may have changed while you were away and -

surprise! surprise! – it may take a little while to become

at ease with the cues and signs and symbols of your

home culture.

Symptoms of Culture Shock:

Culture shock can appear in different forms, but most

commonly you will find yourself:

Eating more than usual (gaining weight) or eating less than usual (losing weight)

Having an increased need for hygiene

Homesick, calling home or talking to your friends back home more than usual

Being hostile, irritability , complaining about the host culture/country

Stereotyping host nationals

Withdrawal, avoiding meeting people

Boredom

Increased need for sleep

Glazed stare, getting “stuck” on one thing

Physiological stress symptoms (getting sick easily, head aches, pains..etc)

PS! Any health issues you may have had prior to going

abroad may get more severe as you experience the

effects of culture shock.

In extreme cases, people may develop anxiety, panic

disorder, paranoia, or phobias.

Culture shock can be very difficult and distressing. There

is a risk of sickness or emotional problems in many of

the phases of culture shock. Remember to be kind to

yourself all the time that you are overseas, and when

you get home, give yourself time to adjust. Be your own

best friend. Seek help if you think you need it. It is often

enough just to know that others have been through it

and know how you are feeling!

How to prepare for a smoother

transition?

Read about your host country, it’s culture, people and values before you leave home. The better you know the country before arriving, the less chocking things you will find.

Don’t be fixated on keeping in constant contact with the people back home. You can’t live two lives. Instead, engage yourself in as many local activities as possible.

Bring an object from home with you. It will remind you that you belong somewhere, when you don’t yet feel like you fit in perfectly.

Be open minded and curious. Try to learn new things every day and keep talking to people. Be friendly, open and nice.

Don’t be judgmental of local customs. Remember that no culture is superior to the others.

Keep a journal of your feelings. This will make you reflect on your growth. Pretty soon you will notice that you don’t need it as much anymore.


REVERSE CULTURE SHOCK

A surprising number of people do get thrown by the

effects of re-entry, especially after any long, difficult, or

very meaningful experience abroad. It may seem even

more of an issue than the culture shock you experienced,

or didn’t experience when you first went abroad.

When you go you’re geared up for change, when you

come back you are expecting to be familiar with

everything – but you may have changed!

Reverse Culture Shock is a term used to describe the

feelings (of surprise, disorientation, confusion, etc.)

experienced when people return to their home

country and find they do not fit in as they used to.

This may be due to a change in perspective, a decrease

in excitement, an appreciation for and of different

customs, or because during the travels the home

country was idealized.

What does Reverse Culture Shock

look like?

When you first arrive home, are met at the airport, and

start to recount exciting experiences as the hero, or

tramp returning home, you probably will feel pretty

good. But after a while this gradually seems to change.

For no apparent reason you start feeling listless, anxious

or depressed; you feel angry at the materialism,

decadence and pettiness of peoples’ lives; you feel

confused about yourself and about your future. Apart

from experiencing sadness about what you have left

behind, you may be shocked by what you find at home:

the stifling materialism, some of the behavior patterns

of your society might seem stupid, unnecessary or

disrespectful.

You have moved on in your life and so have your friends

- but in a different direction. Even your best buddies who

should know better ask banal questions about why you

are not more sun-tanned. They even forget which

country you have been living in and for reasons of

ignorance or embarrassment hardly ask any questions

about the real things you have been doing. They seem

more interested in their latest pair of Adidas or Reeboks

than in the concerns of the poor. Your values have

changed. You may look at life more deeply. At the same

time, most of the people you used to hang out with,

have stayed the same and keep pursuing things that you

no longer care about.

How to deal with Reverse Culture

Shock?

RECOGNISE - and don’t deny the feelings you have.

Choose a good friend with whom you can really

share your feelings. Rather than being shocked

he/she may be relieved you are human!

FRIENDS - keep in touch with your overseas friends

and any projects you’ve been involved with. Join any

group where others who have returned meet to

discuss, pray, or raise support for people and

projects you are familiar with. Don’t cling on to them

all the time just to relive the past. Make new friends

and trust that the future could be equally exciting

and challenging

COMING TO TERMS WITH YOUR EXPERIENCE -

This may take days, weeks, even months depending

on your personality as well as how long and how

deeply you were involved overseas. Let yourself

have time for your thoughts and memories to go

round and round in your head so what you

experienced becomes part of you. Then you can get

on with your life now without losing the impact of

your experiences overseas. You will learn the knack

of accepting the good, avoiding the bad and

recognizing what you can usefully do to help bring

change within the limits of your gifts and energies.


JOIN A SOCIAL GROUP - where you will feel

comfortable and where you have a shared interest. It

may be a language course, an evening class or a

club. Use your overseas experience to get you

involved in a new challenge!

ENJOY A GOOD BREAK AND HAVE A CHECK-UP -

spend time with your family and friends and ensure

you have a check-up if you feel under the weather.

You may be harboring some bugs which require

treatment.

KNOW WHEN TO SHOUT - if your feelings of doom

and gloom persist unduly, are very severe or if your

appetite and sleep pattern become markedly

disturbed, don’t hesitate to see someone who can

help.

WHY ALL THIS?

If I could put into words the real meaning of what

intercultural experience and passing through culture

shocks has for me, I would.

But the outcomes are so deep that they have changed

who I thought I am and what I am capable of.

It’s as simple as finding a solution to any problem that

occurs, as feeling relaxed and comfortable with many

things. But it’s also complex, it has given me the

opportunity to know myself, to value everything that I

am and everything that I want to be.

Once I found myself, I found meaning to why I exist. Ever

since then, I have learned to appreciate everything and

everyone around me.

I’ve found happiness in myself.

And this gives me an opportunity to create happiness in

others.

This journey is hard, but, sharing with you what I know

can make you appreciate it. And perhaps help you

develop yourself even more!

Expand your comfort zone!

Sincerely,

Maris Leivategija

EduAction Global Partner Coordiantor


APPENDIX 1 - THE ICEBERG MODEL




APPENDIX 2



APPENDIX 3 – STAGES OF CULTURE

SHOCK

Documents

Culture Shock by Maris Leivategija