Coping with Culture ShockMy 10 Best Tips for YouCoping with culture shock is often easier said than done. But if you follow my recommendations you should be all right and not encounter too much trouble. You know the English saying “Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill”? This is how many of us feel when stepping onto unknown territory and everything seems so strange that even little differences create huge problems. These problems often grow to become mountains when you live in a new culture and so seem to be insurmountable. You start to struggle and ask yourself: How will I ever cope with this? Can I ever survive in this new country? Do not give up lightly; first of all you should stop worrying! Culture shock is a normal reaction. Your problem will be solved...even if it may seem impossible to you in the beginning. Be patient!
These are my tried and tested coping strategies for culture shock:1. E Put a lot of effort in getting informed about your new home2. N Get networking: to have a new support system 3. J Write a journal or just jot down your feeling not to worry to much 4. O Try to organize your life, do not avoid things 5. Y You and the others. Make the effort to meet new people, open up
6. L Listen to the locals. Ask questions and listen! 7. I Get involved in the community 8. F Focus on your strength and the well-known about the new culture 9. E Energize and concentrate on finding a new routine. And never forget: 10. Smile as much as you can! It always comes back! :)
So read, read, read and get informed! This will open your eyes. You will become aware of cultural differences and will expect to encounter problems. And that is already the first step in coping with culture shock. But do not be surprised if culture shock hits you never the less. At least you will know in which disguises your acculturation might come and what you can do to succeed.
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