Travel is a great way to discover new things about the world and yourself. That said, what you discover can come as a shock at first, especially if you’re traveling somewhere very different from your home and are staying there for an extended period of time. Thankfully, for as much of a surprise as culture shock can be, there are plenty of ways to manage it.
Manage Expectations
While it’s great to be excited about your journey, you still need to be realistic. Perhaps the most famous example of tourist expectations run amok is “Paris Syndrome,” wherein visitors to the City of Lights build up such impossible expectations that it’s going to be the romantic metropolis of their dreams that they can’t help but be disappointed. This isn’t a mere letdown, either – sufferers can experience dizziness, headaches, vomiting, and the Japanese embassy in Paris even has a 24-hour hotline for struggling Japanese tourists. The lesson? Do research about where you’re headed, learn what to expect, and be realistic.
Accept Your Feelings
Denial never solved anything (just ask Freud). If you’re feeling culture shock or homesickness, it’s best to be honest about it. Talk to others about how you feel and why. You might discover that others feel the same or that they can help alleviate some of your problems. The process of talking itself might prove therapeutic and help you get over your culture shock.
Stay Connected to Your Home
Bringing something along from home, watching shows from your home country, or Zoom chatting with friends and family can be a great way of staying connected to the place and people you care about. Being somewhere new can be exciting, but it’s always a good idea to remember your roots.
Get Out and Be Social
This is definitely easier said than done if you’re an introvert. Still, if you’ve ever learned a new skill, your teacher may have tried to tell you to “learn by doing,” and that’s true of travel, too. You won’t get used to your new surroundings if you don’t try. Start small, maybe a walk around the surrounding area. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Yes, some people may be annoyed by that (especially if you don’t speak any of the local language), but there are just as many if not more who are bound to be helpful. If you’re staying somewhere long-term, see if there’s a community of expatriates from your native country living in the area.
Travel can be scary, but it can likewise be invigorating, so give yourself a chance and break out of your culture shock slump.