Culture shock refers to the feelings of disorientation or stress someone experiences when immersed in an unfamiliar culture. There are typically four phases of culture shock: 1) honeymoon phase, where the new culture seems exciting; 2) frustration phase, as differences become apparent and excitement fades, causing stress; 3) adjustment phase, where one learns to navigate the new culture; and 4) mastery phase, where one feels comfortable participating in both cultures. Symptoms of culture shock include homesickness, language barriers, changes in sleep and digestion patterns, and difficulty accessing healthcare.

1. Culture Shock
The Alien Syndrome
By: Mustafa Sadman Sakib

2. What is culture shock?
Culture shock is the personal disorientation a person may feel when
experiencing an unfamiliar way of life due to immigration or a visit to a
new country, a move between social environments, or simply travel to
another type of life.
The most common problems include:
● information overload
● language barrier
● homesickness (cultural)

3. Four Phases:
1) Honeymoon Phase
2) Frustration Phase
3) Adjustment Phase
4) Mastery Phase

4. Honeymoon Phase
During this period, the differences between the old and
new culture are seen in a romantic light.
Example:
When moving into a new country, you start off loving the new food and the
pace of the life. You feel fascinated by the new culture.

5. Frustration Phase
● Differences between old and new culture become
apparent
● Usually after three months
● Excitement of new culture begins to diminish
● Sense of disconnection due to:
○ language barriers
○ new systems- https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=GlCazmVBUMg
○ food accessibility and quality
○ loneliness

6. Reducing Stress
Overcoming Language Barrier:
1) Taking a language class
2) Speaking to friends
3) Active learning
Getting Acquainted with new systems:
1) Research
2) Inquire
3) Experience
Food Accessibility and Quality:
1) Learn to cook
2) Search for places that have what you are looking for

7. Frustration Phase: biological effects
● Circadian rhythm disruption
○ Insomnia
○ Daylight drowsiness
Fix: Melatonin tablets/induce sleep.
● Adaptation of gut flora to different bacteria levels in food and water
Fix: Stay prepared: Antidiuretic foods (Saline) and Antidiarrheal
medication (Pepto-Bismol).
● Difficulty seeking treatment for illness
○ Medicines have different names
Fix: Research/Ask Friends/Ask Doctor

8. ● After 6-12 months
● Forms routines and expectations
● Construct new understanding
● Learn to live in the greys of old culture and new
● Culture makes sense, less negative reaction-less stress
Adjustment Phase

9. ● Also called bicultural stage
● One becomes able to participate fully and comfortably
in the new culture
● Still does not totally convert to new culture
● Traits from previous culture are still kept
○ Accents
○ Language
○ Religious Affiliation
Mastery Phase

10. References
● Macionis, John, and Linda Gerber. "Chapter 3 - Culture." Sociology. 7th edition ed. Toronto, ON: Pearson Canada Inc., 2010.
54. Print.
● Pedersen, Paul. The Five Stages of Culture Shock: Critical Incidents Around the World. Contributions in psychology, no. 25.
Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 1995.
● Barna, LaRay M. "HOW CULTURE SHOCK AFFECTS COMMUNICATION." Communication 5.1 (n.d.): 1-18. SocINDEX with
Full Text. EBSCO.29 Sept.2009.web.
● Oberg, Dr. Kalervo. "Culture Shock and the problem of Adjustment to the new cultural environments". World Wide Classroom
Consortium for International Education & Multicultural studies. 29 Sept 2009.
● Mavrides, Gregory PhD “Culture Shock and Clinical Depression.” Foreign Teachers Guide to Living and Working in China.
Middle Kingdom Life, 2009. Web. 29 Sept. 2009.
● Martin Woesler, A new model of intercultural communication – critically reviewing, combining and further developing the basic
models of Permutter, Yoshikawa, Hall, Geert Hofstede, Thomas, Hallpike, and the social-constructivism, Bochum/Berlin 2009,
book series Comparative Cultural Sciences vol. 1
● Huff, Jennifer L. "Parental attachment, reverse culture shock, perceived social support, and college adjustment of missionary
children." Journal of Psychology & Theology 29.3 (2001): 246-264.29 Sept 2009.Web
● Christofi, Victoria, and Charles L. Thompson "You Cannot Go Home Again: A Phenomenological Investigation of Returning to
the Sojourn Country After Studying Abroad." Journal of Counselling & Development 85.1 (2007): 53-63. SocINDEX with Full