Russian: Культурный шок
Arabic: صدمة ثقافية
Farsi: شوک فرهنگ
Chinese: 文化冲击
Indonesia: kejutan budaya
Japanese: カルチャーショック
Korean: 문화 충격
My job in the past years requires me to travel abroad a lot, for long period of time I was away from my home, my family, my country. My experiences of homesickness and culture shock when I was abroad. Now looking at LEA students who are studying English in Malaysia, some of them do get culture shock, for example the spicy food in Malaysia that they can’t handle. It made me remember the feelings of loneliness and frustration I encountered during my job in different countries and wonder why I felt like that. There were no more familiar faces to meet, places to go or the food your mom prepare for you which also contribute to culture shock. During early stage I felt excited to travel to a new place and a new adventure for me. After a few days I began to count the days to go home to my bed or to watch TV programmes with my family. The different time zone, for instance when I was in Botswana, the difference of time was 6 hours. I couldn’t even contact any of my friends in Malaysia to chat with after my working hours due to the time difference.
Being sad or being whiny for help me. I learned to deal with it by this few steps.
- Giving time to yourself to adapt to different cultural differences. Always believe to this sayings that “Time will Heal” or “Good things come to those who wait”
- Being positive to observe the local culture and how to deal with any cross-cultural understanding.
- Keep an open mind and a positive attitude. Try with holding judgment as it will allow you to be an objective observer and facilitate the cross-cultural understanding.
- Give yourself time to adapt to the cultural differences.
- Make an effort and study the language daily to enhance your communication skills, as this will help you integrate with American students better.
- Make friends with American students who can help you explain different customs and show you how things are done in America.
- Make yourself like something about the American culture every day. Celebrate a meal (that you wouldn’t otherwise eat in your home country), an activity, or anything that you’re probably going to miss once you’re back in your home country.
- Most importantly: Keep your sense of humor!
