Culture_Shock

Culture Shock Abstract There are certain individuals that cannot adopt the environment in an instant. One good example is when an individual entered a new environment, thinking that he can cope with someone’s culture immediately. Methods of handling the Culture Shock vary cross-culturally, how these people make up with the situation and build their identity. Culture Shock, an almost occupational disease is most common and occurs between Western communities and third world country. Factors such as general behavior, motivation to acclimatize, skills in language, fellow and host nationals support, the distance in cultural facet of two cultures involved and mainly his familiarity made during the encounter are factors of degree of this acculturation of Culture Shock. Every person reacts differently when it comes to Culture Shock so possibly this model is invalid. Culture Shock is inevitable but can be lessened by using appropriate preparation. Table of Contents Title ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 I. Brief Introduction ...………….……………………………………………………………… 4 II. Definition of Culture Shock...………………………………………………………………. 5 III. Results and Findings ………………………………………………………………………. 6 IV. Discussion …………………………………………………………………………………. 7 A. Seven Step Plan for Managing Travel Anxiety ……………………………………. 8 B. Survey Analysis ……………………………………………………………………. 9 V. Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………. 10 VI. Recommendations…………………………………………………………………………. 10 List of References ………………………………………………………………………………11 Appendix ………………………………………………………………………………………. 12 Glossary ………………………………………………………………………………………... 14 Culture Shock I. Brief Introduction Culture Shock nowadays has been interpreted in many ways by the people who already experienced it and by anthropologists studying it. In general, Pedersen said that the “Culture Shock can be defined as the process of initial adjustment to an unfamiliar environment” (Pedersen, 1995). Mostly, people who travel a lot in other country experience the Culture Shock, whether it’s a temporary vacation or become a new resident for a certain place. All of a sudden the person is on the state of shock. Life for them becomes impulsive for them and they have problems with handling even the simplest aspects of living. According to Kalvero Oberg, Culture Shock has four stages: The Honeymoon stage is where a person feel excited about the adventure; The Crisis or Cultural Shock Stage is when a person try to look up for new things and become aware of the differences between your own culture and the other new culture; Adjustment stage is the stage where the person starting to recover, accepting the new culture and sense of self comes back; and lastly The Adaptation stage is when a person resumes his conversant pattern but now has a different contextual from the new culture (Velazquez, 2009). Many people encountered this kind of situation. The feeling of helplessness, bad temper, fears of being cheated, contaminated and injured or disregarded are the signs of Culture Shock that Adler have observed (Adler, 1975). They were shaken because of the new things or way of life around them. The worst part of the Culture Shock is that the fear of that person might get permanent. But of course, it will always be curable if the person will have a deeper understanding in the problem the moment they encourage to develop their personality skills. In this study, the author will discuss the effects of Culture Shock in humans and the advantages disadvantages of the so called “occupational disease”. II. Definition of Culture Shock The Culture Shock was first introduced in Kalvero Oberg’s literature 1960. Oberg’s defined Culture Shock as “precipitated by the anxiety that results from losing all our familiar signs and symbols of social intercourse. These signs or cues include the thousand and one ways in which we orient ourselves to the situations of daily life” (Oberg, 1960). Oberg talks about the visual aspects of culture such as customs, language and attitude as in contrast to beliefs and values they can be pragmatic. Individual tend to judge visually and applying their beliefs is responsible for the anxiety. Scientist also believe the phenomenon of Culture Shock and established own meanings but most of them were closely related to 1960 definition of Oberg. For example, Hofstede defines Culture Shock as “a state of distress following the transfer of a person to an unfamiliar cultural environment”, that can be accompanied by physical illness (Hofstede, 1997). Elisabeth Marx just simply called it “the experience of foreignness” (Marx, 1999). Evidently, most of the definitions have in common, that Culture Shock as an unpleasant reaction encountered with an unfamiliar culture. The “shock” word fits in the Culture Shock when the state of distress after initial enthusiasm. Though, besides interpreting narrow meaning of Culture Shock, it has a broader standpoint. Culture Shock is a normal behavior but it can give unpleasant and negative experience on every person. Although Culture Shock can be stressful and harmful in an unfamiliar environment, the learning experience, increase understanding of other culture and enhancement of self efficacy are the positive effects that a person might have. Changes result in the individual’s reaction from irregular to feeling at home in the new environment. It comes with great advantage because you can easily cope up with other cultures. Knowing yourself better can be helpful in terms of handling your behavior. III. Results/ Findings A research was conducted using a questionnaire regarding international students who were staying in Australia. The purpose of this survey is to identify how these students did adopt the culture and environment of Australia since most of them came from different countries. Thirteen questions were prepared and below are the results of the survey: • 35% of twenty- three respondents saying that they were already one to two years in Australia • Most of the students have an intermediate and advanced skills in English language: The two skills have both 31.81% (both seven in Intermediate & Advanced) of twenty- two students • 31.81% or seven out of twenty-two respondents felt normal when they first arrived in Australia. However 27.27% or six out of twenty-two were missing the family. • 54.54% or twelve students out of twenty-two were prepared before travelling to Australia. • 39.39% or thirteen out of thirty-three listened to the music before travelling. Nine students or 27.27% were just took a deep breath. • Students researched the Climate and Language information before going to Australia. 23.07% or the two choices got nine out of thirty-nine. • Before they toured 72.72% or sixteen out of twenty-two students spoke to anyone who travelled to Melbourne • 38.10% or eight students out of twenty-one tried to check the buildings in Melbourne via Google earth. Parks and lakes were next on the list, both of getting 23.81% or five out of twenty-one. • Twelve students (54.55%) out of twenty-two congratulated themselves before travelling to Australia. • 57.14% or twelve out of twenty-one are anxious before travelling to Australia. • Fourteen students out of twenty-nine (48.28%) were still talking to their close family way back home. 37.93% or eleven out of twenty-nine also contacted their friends. • 32.35% or eleven out of thirty-four are using Internet access to keep in touch with their love ones while 29.41% or ten out of thirty-four are using their mobile phones. IV. Discussion Culture shock makes a person anxious about the new environment, making them unconsciously lose their familiar signs and social perception. Majority of these signs include many ways on how we orient ourselves in every situation that we encountered every day like meeting people and shaking their hands, when and how to give advices or even taking statements seriously. These cues were developed as we grow old and learn much on a culture we believe in. Our actions depend on our peace of mind and efficiency. When an individual comes in a strange culture, most of their normal cues were removed. Just like a fish out of water. No matter how open minded or optimistic, you feel frustrated and anxious because of the new environment. All people retort to the frustration in a same manner. Initially, they don’t accept the environment and throwaway the discomfort. One example is when the ways of the host country are bad because they make you feel bad. These people were surely suffering from culture shock because when the foreigners in a different country gathered to protest about the host nation. The Culture Shock’s second phase is deterioration. The home environment quickly assents a tremendous importance. Everything becomes illogically overvalued. Only decent possessions back home are remembered but all difficulties are gone and forgotten. A trip to home will bring one individual back to reality. Dr. Donald Smith of University of New Haven discussed on his journal the seven step plan for managing Travel Anxiety. This focuses on how travel anxiety and culture shock, the two biggest barriers to international travel. Also the paper also provides discussion on how to handle these challenges that every traveler, for leisure or business has to experience some portion of this phenomenon. Culture shock is generally discussed in the literatures on Communication Apprehension and Fear of flying that have been documented the value of systematic desensitization (SD) in managing anxiety. Application of SD principles will minimize the Culture Shock if proper preparation and realistic expectations were done. A. Seven Step Plan for Managing Travel Anxiety Step one: Finding a comfortable room within which to work. It is important to have your environment in the outmost comfort, all arranged in the desired maximum relief. Settling yourself in your own recreation comfort zone will be the first step in managing your new environment. Step two: Start with a vibrant visual thought of the world. Being optimistic even miles away from your home seem very lonely, but if you acquire better perspective it will give you enough courage than it might appear. You can use internet sites such as “Google Earth” to locate where you’ll be going next. It’ll provide temporal understanding of global spatial relationships. Step three: Develop a comprehensive indulgence about the country. Learning about history is essential in travelling. History, climate, language, laws, monetary system, sports and arts will give you enough background on your travel experience. In business, each country has a distinctive socio-political entity is in the best awareness of those who would pursue international market. Step four: Start with the specific town on your itinerary. Travel preparation should be done by using all the resources that were available well in advance of any trip. Developing a mental map of the hotel will give you huge advantage in making your business travel organized. Fodor’s or Frommers are online guides that will give you reviews on hotel as will Trip Advisor. Step Five: Learning the host country’s language. It is also important that, at least you learn some of country’s native language for you to communicate effectively. Online translators such as Babel Fish and Go Translator and simple language guides can be found in any bookstore. This will also help you to have a basic discussion to the people where you will be working with. Step Six: Maintaining a connection through your support group at home. Communication tool such as email and video conferencing will give you sufficient information regarding their situation and keeping you connected with your loved ones. SKYPE provides free communication across the globe. Step seven: Congratulate yourself. All steps you’ve worked and successfully complied were good as a trophy. You are in control and showed definite purpose of your journey (Smith, 2008). B. Survey Analysis Majority of the students responded to the questionnaire were living in Australia for more than six months. That concludes that most of the students already adapted to the Australian environment. Most of the students were prepared for their trip to Australia. Expectations were also set since the internet provided so much information, making their journey organized. Internet apparently gave students better understanding on the new culture and environment that they will deal into. The internet access was properly utilized and helps them constantly connected to their loved ones. Moreover, all of the facts that the students have to know before making it to Australia were obviously provided by the internet. Because we all agree that the internet got so much information that you don’t have to go to the library to research for Australia’s current climate and the language they are using. Basically the internet knows it all. V. Conclusion It is necessary to learn and develop your keen senses in order to adapt to new environment. Culture Shock doesn’t make you weak but should you treat it as a challenge. The more information you deal with, the lower chances of Cultural Shock. An optimistic approach and adaptability will help you to understand more the situation rather than complaining and steering away from your fears. Many people are just stuck in the middle of nowhere because they can’t accept changes. Learning from another territory will give you enough confidence in dealing with other individuals. In reality, life is more like a jungle that you have to adapt on it in order to survive. VI. Recommendations The main concern of the proposed study is the students to benefit from it. The researcher recommends this study to serve as a reference for students who are doing studies about Cultural Shock. This study will also help international students to have a better knowledge dealing with different host country. Seeking professional advice will help despite of coping effort you made. Using resources like internet and guidebooks will come in handy. Don’t let culture shock surprise you; try looking for enough knowledge and logic behind the changes. List of References Adler, P. (1975). The transitional experience: An alternative view of culture shock. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 13-23. Hofstede, G. H. (1997). Cultures and Organizations: Software of the mind. New York: N.P. Marx, E. (1999). "Breaking through culture shock: what you need to succeed in international business". London: N.P. Oberg, K. (1960). Cultural Shock: Adjustment to New Cultural Environments. Practical Anthropologist, 177-182. Pedersen, P. (1995). The five Stages of Culture Shock: Critical Incidents around the World. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Smith, D. C. (2008). Pulling the plug on culture shock: A seven step for managing travel anxiety. Journal of Global Business Issues, vol. 2, no. 1, 43-44. Velazquez, L. (2009). Stages of Culture Shock. Retrieved August 22, 2011, from http://ezinearticles.com: http://ezinearticles.com/'Stages-of-Culture-Shock&id=2193534 Appendix I Here is the questionnaire used for the survey to analyze how international students adjust with the new environment: *Note: this numbers in the brackets shows the results of international student who did this survey. 1. How long have you been in Australia' (Please circle) 1-2 months (2) 8.70% 3-4 months (5) 21.74% 5-6 months (5) 21.74% 1-2 years (8) 35% 3-4 years (3) 13.04% 2. What was your level of your English at first arriving Melbourne: Beginner (4) 18.18% Elementary (4) 18.18% Intermediate (7) 31.81% Advanced (7) 31.81% 3. How did you feel when you first arrived' Happy (5) 22.72% Sad (4) 18.18% Missing family (6) 27.27% Normal (7) 31.81% 4. Did you do a program that prepared you before travel' Yes (12) 54.54% No (10) 45.45% 5. Before you travelled did you do' a- Sitting in a room alone (4) 12.12% b- Listen to music. (13) 39.39% c- Take a deep breath (9) 27.27% d- Say to yourself I am going on a trip. (7) 21.21% 6. What of the following information did you learn about Australia before travelled' a- History (5) 12.82% b- Climate (9) 23.07% c- Language (9) 23.07% d- Religion (5) 12.82% e- Laws (5) 12.82% f- Custom (6) 15.38% 7. Have you spoke to anyone who has travelled to Melbourne before you travelled' No (6) 27.27% Yes (16) 72.72% 8. Which of the following have you tried to look over Melbourne using Google earth' a- Buildings (8) 38.10% b- Rivers.(0) 0% c- Parks.(5) 23.81% d- Harbors (3) 14.29% e- Lakes.(5) 23.81% 9. Did you congratulate yourself before you travelled' Yes (10) 45.45% No (12) 54.55% 10. Were you worry before you travelled' A little (12) 57.14% Very (4) 19.05% Not at all (5) 23.81 11. Who do you keep in touch with back home' Close family (14) 48.28% Extended family (3) 10.34% Work colleagues (1) 3.45% Friends (11) 37.93% 12. How do you keep in touch with people back home' E-mail (5) 14.71% Mobile phone (10) 29.41% Land line phone (0) 0% Internet (11) 32.35% Skype (8) 23.53% Glossary Acculturation- the adoption of the behavior patterns of the surrounding culture Culture Shock- The feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes Deterioration- a symptom of reduced quality or strength Occupational disease- Disease or disability resulting from conditions of employment (usually from long exposure to a noxious substance or from continuous repetition of certain acts). Pragmatic- Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations SKYPE- is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free, while calls to both traditional landline telephones and mobile phones can be made for a fee using a debit-base user account system Social intercourse- Communication between individuals Socio-political- Political sociology is the study of the relations between state and society. The discipline draws on comparative history to analyze socio-political trends. Systematic desensitization- a technique used in behavior therapy to treat phobias and other behavior problems involving anxiety; client is exposed to the threatening situation under relaxed conditions until the anxiety reaction is extinguished