Study Abroad Handbook

Many researchers believe that culture shock is marked by four basic phases.

1) The first phase is sometimes referred to as "Euphoria." This is the tourist phase. You are excited to be living in a new place. At first glance, the people and way of life do not seem significantly different from your home environment.

2) After the initial excitement, you may start noticing more and more dissimilarities between your new life and life at home. Initial curiosity and enthusiasm may turn to irritation, frustration, anger, or depression. Symptoms of this phase are homesickness, boredom, and withdrawal. You may want to associate exclusively with others from the U.S., experience a tendency to stereotype local people, and avoid contact with them. Fortunately, most people experience only a few of these symptoms, and usually to a mild degree.

3) The next stage is marked by gradual adjustment. Your perspective changes over time and you begin to adapt. Once you identify some of the cultural clues and cues, you will feel more at ease. Your self-confidence increases, and you realize you have some control over your situation.

4) The final phase is adaptation or biculturalism. Full adaptation has taken place when you are able to function in two cultures with confidence. You realize that you enjoy some of the customs and cultural features that may have bothered you at one time. You may not realize just how well you have adapted until you return to the U.S., only to find that you experience "return culture shock" related to your new world view.