| Cultural Resource: Adjustment Tips
Part of culture fatigue is the
different way in which everyday 'systems' operate, whether it is the
telephone system, the transportation system, or how people meet and
greet one another. If each system is isolated, you would be able to
handle it easily; however, because you have so many new systems to
cope with, all at once, each piles up — layer on layer — and the weight becomes
frustrating. Learn how to deal with each system, one-by-one. Your frustrations will become fewer as
the pile of unfamiliar systems becomes smaller. You will start to gain a
sense of control over your environment.
To
become familiar with each system takes time. Use the following tips to
help yourself adjust to your new culture:
- Use your familiar old 'systems.' This gives you a sense of
control. There is a saying "Rome was not built in a
day." Just like Rome, you will not feel comfortable with your new
culture in a week or even a month. But gradually you will assimilate and
your host culture will no longer be a "they." To your
surprise, when you return home you will find that you do things and think like
people in your host culture.
- Look for similarities between
your new culture and your native culture.
- Do
something you are good at. Cook. Play a musical instrument. Dance. Read books in your native language. Play a favorite sport.
- Keep in touch with your friends
and family. Write letters, send
e-mail, or talk on the phone.
- Get
some exercise. Try not to sit in your room for a long time alone.
- Relax. Bring down your stress level. Listen to music or do
another favorite activity.
- Get
involved in an activity that will help you make friends. Join a club
where others share an interest or yours. Join the soccer team or play an
intramural sport.
- Keep a
journal. Write down your feelings.
- Set small goals to achieve each day.
- Be aware of your own self and
your own values.
- Use the language of your new
culture. Even if you do not speak perfectly, your attempts will be
appreciated and your confidence will grow.
- Empathize. Try to look
at the situation from another person's perspective.
- Laugh. Life in another
country can be stressful. Be open, take risks, and keep a sense of
humor.
- Be honest with yourself. Admit when you are confused, and ask for help.
Your overseas experience is like the
skin of an onion. During your experience, you can learn a lot
about yourself and your own cultural values as the layers are peeled away. The process can be painful, but as you peel away the layers, you will
discover a new dimension in yourself that will enable you to see
things from a global perspective.
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