Culture Shock
Nigel Caplan
ESL Specialist
Writing Center
© 2010 by Nigel Caplan and the Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Have you had these feelings in the U.S.?
1. People seem to behave differently here from
your country.
2. Americans don’t share the same values as
you.
3. You feel disoriented, anxious, depressed, or
hostile (angry).
4. You are not satisfied with American culture.
5. Social skills that work in your country don’t
work here.
6. You think that these feelings will never end.
Adapted from Hofstede, Pedersen, & Hofstede, Exploring Culture. Yarmouth, ME: Intercultural Press, 2002. Page 22
What is Culture Shock?
• “Culture shock is about being out of place in a
certain place and time” (Irwin, 2007).
• It comes from “the anxiety that results from
losing all our familiar signs and symbols of
social intercourse” (Oberg, 1960).
• Almost everyone who lives in another culture
experiences culture shock, and almost
everyone survives it!
Irwin, R. 2007. “Culture shock: negotiating feelings in the field.” Anthropology Matters, 9(1).
Oberg, K. 1960. 'Culture shock: adjustment to new cultural environments.' Practical Anthropology 7, 177-182.
The 4 Stages of Culture Shock
(Oberg, 1960)
1. Honeymoon

2. Hostility / Rejection

3. Adjustment

4. Integration
Oberg, K. 1960. 'Culture shock: adjustment to new cultural environments.' Practical Anthropology 7, 177-182.
Stage 1: Honeymoon
 The new culture is fascinating, exciting …
 Usually lasts a few days to a few months
 The tourist experience
Stage 2: Hostility / Rejection
 You feel disoriented and have trouble adjusting.
 You blame the new culture for confusing you.
 You may become angry, frustrated, or aggressive
toward the new culture.
 You criticize or stereotype the new country.
 You look for people from your country.
 This is the “crisis” – you either stay or leave.
Stage 3: Adjustment





You begin to function well in the new culture
You recognize good and bad parts of it
You still think your culture is better
You don’t criticize as much
Instead you make jokes about the culture and
your own difficulties
Stage 4: Integration
 You accept and even enjoy the new culture “as
just another way of living.”
 There are still occasionally difficulties, but you
do not feel anxious.
 You generally feel comfortable in the new
culture.
 You may even reach “biculturality.”
(Hofstede, Pedersen, & Hofstede, 2002).
Summary
 Culture shock is not a bad thing.
 Your feelings are probably normal, and you
aren’t alone.
 It gets worse before it gets better.
 Being aware of the stages can help you
understand your experiences.
Practical Strategies
1. Enjoy and learn about the culture and the campus
2. Avoid isolation; look for “cultural informants”
3. Maintain relationships here and at home
4. Use resources; ask for help
5. Don’t expect to be perfect
6. Keep an open mind; “study” the culture
7. Adjust to US culture without giving up your own
8. Look forward, not backward
9. Healthy body, healthy mind
10. Keep a journal, notebook, or blog
Sources: Adapted from UNC Counseling & Wellness Services materials by Preeti Vidwans, and
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/oip/acceptance%20forms/icads_culture_guide.pdf from U. of Michigan
Counseling & Wellness Services
If you are experiencing psychological, academic,
or health concerns, please visit Counseling &
Wellness Services. CWS provides
interventions, guidance, and support to
students at UNC.
www.campushealth.unc.edu
Website: www.unc.edu/writingcenter/esl
Blog: eslonthehill.wordpress.com
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© 2010 by Nigel Caplan and the Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill.
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References
Hofstede, Pedersen, & Hofstede, Exploring Culture.
Yarmouth, ME: Intercultural Press, 2002
Irwin, R. 2007. “Culture shock: negotiating feelings
in the field.” Anthropology Matters, 9(1).
Oberg, K. 1960. “Culture shock: adjustment to new
cultural environments.” Practical Anthropology 7,
177-182.
University of Michigan Office of International
Programs Culture Guide -http://www.lsa.umich.edu/oip/acceptance%20fo
rms/icads_culture_guide.pdf