Culture Shock

By Virginia Dueck:

This evening we talked about culture shock. This is a feeling. (not a disease) It's very common for people entering a new country to experience feelings of frustration and anxiety. Four phases characterize this process of adjustment. Phase 1 is the "honeymoon" phase. People think Canada is great! In Phase 2 people go through a time of crises - they can feel anger, depression and want to reject their new country. When they enter Phase 3, known as the "getting along" stage, they begin to accept Canadian ways and start to feel more relaxed. In the last phase which is sometimes called "back to normal" the individual feels comfortable living in Canada. No one person experiences the phases in the same way, but all newcomers go through a period of adjustment. Having friends, talking about our feelings, listening to music from our country of origin while realizing that our feelings are normal are healthy ways to gradually help us accept our new home. English Café is a place where we welcome our new friends,extend acceptance and give opportunity for heart to heart conversation.

Not surprisingly, newcomers will likely experience reverse culture shock when they go back to visit their native country!