After the excitement of moving settles down, the reality of living in a new country hits.
It is perfectly normal for Expats to experience culture shock. The important thing to remember is that there are resources available to help you with your transition. In order to overcome your culture shock, you must be able to first identify that you are in fact suffering from it. It can show itself in many ways and it’s easy to mistake it for something else.
Culture shock; the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.
5 Signs of Culture Shock
Questioning yourself
“Did I make the right choice? Should I have really moved?” If you are constantly questioning your decision to move, or your choice to accept your new job.
Overly Homesick
It is perfectly normal for every Expat to feel homesick. But if you’re constantly feeling upset about being away from home, it could be a sign of culture shock.
Tired and Irritable
Feeling isolated and alone can often cause you to feel tired and uninterested in what is going on around you.
Physical Ailments
Emotions and stress can often manifest themselves into physical conditions. If you are suffering often from headaches, stomachaches, or general pain, it could be due to the stress associated with culture shock.
Depression and Anger
Culture shock can cause you to feel isolated and hopeless, which can lead to anger and depression. This can affect all aspects of your life, including work.
If you believe that you could be suffering from culture shock, remember you are not alone. Many Expats experience the same feelings when acclimating to a new culture, especially when a language barrier is present. Working with a cultural service and/or language service can give you the tools to overcome culture shock. Learn more about working with these services from our partner RelocateUSA.
Source: Mango Languages, 10 Signs Your Employees Are Experiencing Culture Shock.
