Culture Shock
For anyone that is stepping into a different country, they run the risk of experiencing culture shock. You can become disoriented, socially secluded and fearful. It’s not a pretty picture. So, how does one deal with it and can they prevent it? Both are extremely great questions. It’s important to be able to shock yourself out of culture shock as soon as possible. You are paying good money to experience something amazing. However, this weird sensation just wants to rain all over your parade. Below are a few things you can do before you leave and a few things to help remedy a case of culture shock. Obviously, prevention is the most desired option, but that is not always feasible. You will see what we are talking about in the real-life example.
Preventative Measures
Anytime you can prevent something bad happening, that’s a good thing. It would be great if there was a pill you could take for culture shock. Instead of a Z-Pak, they could call it a C-Pak. Our first measure is nothing of the sort. It involves research. You need to take your research one step further than the average traveler. Look more into the country’s history, current events and cultural norms. This way, it will be harder for you to be caught off guard. Next, I recommend talking to someone that is either from the country or has visited the country. It will give you a first-hand perspective on what to expect. As an added bonus, you may learn of some hidden gems. And finally, I recommend that you keep an open mind. It is very important to not be close-minded before experiencing something new.
The Remedy
Now comes the hard part. Your anxiety has gone into full-blown culture shock. You’re going to need someone to open a window, grab a paper bag and lend you their seat. I might be over dramatizing this, but I swear I have seen someone pass out. Luckily, I have a solid prescription up my sleeve to shock you out of this funk. As a side note, my lawyer says I must disclose I am not an actual doctor. However, I am an expert at using WebMD.
First, you need to find something to calm the nerves. Some logical options consist of going to a spa or drinking a little alcohol. I find a glass of wine or a pint of beer work best. Alcohol is a very dependable social lubricant. Next, you need to find some locals to talk to. Restaurants, bars and cafes work the best. If you are afraid of talking to some random person, then you can always sign up for a guided tour. Lastly, have your new friend(s) show you something important to their culture. It will give you the human connection necessary for feeling safe and secure.
Our Real-Life Example
My own culture shock experience takes me back to the time I visited Germany. Now let me preface this with a little background information. I love to research the places I go to and am a huge fan of European history. With that said, the feeling of anxiety I experienced came out of nowhere. I think it was due largely in part to the Nazi-era. For example, the eagle is a national symbol of Germany, but I have always subconsciously associated it as a Nazi symbol. This led me to a beer garden where I met some really nice Germans. We drank some of Munich’s finest beer and talked amongst ourselves for an hour or so. It reassured my brain that I wasn’t surrounded by evil Nazis and that the German people are extremely hospitable. Without a doubt, I will be going back to Germany because of this experience.
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