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Minimum Impact - You think it won't happen to you, but just in case you're the exception to the rule, here are some tips on how to deal with culture shock, wherever you're heading.
There you are, qualifications coming out your ears, arriving in a new country, heading to a new job. You've made it. Everything looks amazing, you want to take it all in, you're going to become a true native. Then why, one week later are you lying in bed, suddenly unable to face the weirdness of this new place? That would be the culture shock. And you aren't the first to experience it. But being armed with some good advice before you go will minimise the impact.
Do Your Research
Before you head off, do as much research as you can on your destination, so you know what to expect. Pick up travel books, search online and, if you know anyone who has been in your position, pump them for information. Find out everything that will be relevant to you, particularly how to conduct yourself properly in business and social situations.
Keep An Open Mind
Having said all that, keep an open mind. People who insist on egg and chips wherever they go in the world aren't going to be the best people to get advice from. Your personality will make your experience unique. How you react to people and how you approach your new move makes all the difference.
Learn The Language
Depending on where you go in the world, you may need to learn a new language. If you'll need it for work, try and complete a language course before you head off. If you don't need it to carry out your job, at least learn basic phrases and pleasantries to make meeting people, shopping, eating out and travelling less daunting. Your efforts will not go unappreciated. If you need more advice, check out Learning a New Language.
Get Out And Stay Out
If you arrive in a new country alone, the initial excitement can be replaced by a huge temptation to crawl into bed and stay there. Don't succumb make yourself go out to explore and meet new people. The more familiar you are with the streets, people and customs, the less likely you are to experience culture shock.
Don't Compare
Resist the temptation to constantly compare your new life with your old. You'll only be disappointed, because what's familiar to you will always seem better, until you fully adjust. New friends don't want to hear how amazing it was for you back home it just sounds patronising.
Be Flexible
Try not to see everything through your own set of values and beliefs. Be flexible in your thinking. Some customs, although bizarre to you, have been part of your new country?s culture for years, so deal with them as best you can, and, if you're uncomfortable getting involved in something, always be polite in declining.
Expect To Be Stereotyped
Don't be surprised if people assume that because you're English, you eat cucumber sandwiches and drink tea all day, or that if you're Irish, you drink to excess. There is no point in being offended by people who make assumptions, because, even subconsciously, we all harbour some stereotypes about different nationalities.
Watch And Learn
If you're not sure about some customs or traditions, learn from the natives, particularly in a country like Japan, where there are endless nuances of social niceties. Always err on the side of being too polite, so you won?t offend anyone the worst they can do is laugh and say you're being too formal and point you in the right direction.
Include Your Family
This seems obvious, but if you've uprooted your family to come with you because of your chosen career move, it can happen that you focus on yourself, your new job and your adjustment. Remember that your spouse and children won't have the same automatic links with the country that you will have, may not have had the same language tuition and could be feeling the culture shock even more than you. Tackling your concerns together will only help the situation.
Enjoy Yourself!
The information provided in this guide gives only general guidance and does not constitute tax, legal, investment or any other advice.
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