When travelling to an unfamiliar country for work, you need to prepare in advance so that you can easily find your way around and adapt to your new circumstances. It is important to find out about the country, as there is a risk of experiencing a strange feeling of alienation – culture shock – when you arrive in a new environment. But if you take adequate measures, you can easily prevent it or at least reduce its manifestations.
Culture shock – what is it?
This is a psychological and social phenomenon caused by a change of life background and an encounter with a different culture with which you have not yet come into direct contact. The extent of this depends on how life in the country you plan to travel to differs from the way of life in your home country. The more different and exotic the country, the more likely it is to experience culture shock. This may be linked to cultural differences or possibly a language barrier. Culture shock can be experienced by going on holiday, internships, studies or for a better job. It consists of several phases, made up of feelings and processes such as enthusiasm, annoyance and habituation.
Stages of culture shock
Enthusiasm will emerge with the arrival in a new environment. This positive experience comes from everything new. You enjoy different people behaving in ways you’re not used to, different lifestyles, unusual food, weather, exploring new places and interesting environments. Enthusiasm is replaced after a while by a period of jadedness, when things that were initially associated with positive feelings become boring or annoying. However, even the period when you are annoyed and frustrated by new stimuli will pass and be replaced by the next phase. It is a gradual getting used to living in a foreign country full of strangers. It is the most pleasant of these periods because it is the time when you look at the situation most realistically. You can see things as they are. You are coping and getting used to a particular environment, cultural differences or customs.
How to avoid culture shock?
The best and easiest solution is to prepare in advance for your stay in a particular country. Learn about the history, current events, rules, conditions, traditions in the country where you are going to work. There are many factors to think about before you travel.
Weather
Be prepared for the likelihood of different weather. In a foreign country, the climatic conditions may be completely different from those at home. Find out about them and make sure you have the right pieces of clothing in your wardrobe to make you feel comfortable during your working stay.
Food
Find out about the traditional cuisine that prevails in that particular country, as well as the availability of the foods you are used to in your home country. Not everywhere sells goods and delicacies that are common to your nation. If there aren’t enough of them in the country you’re staying in, pack a few supplies of your favourite foods in your suitcase and make your travelling time more enjoyable.
Customs and traditions
Find out about traditions specific to that nation, especially those relating to specific and special events, such as. Christmas or Easter. Research which days are public holidays in your country, as these vary from country to country and depend on the history and direction of the individual country.
Behaviour
Be interested in what qualities a nation has. What distinguishes it in general and what is rumoured about it in the world? Culture shock can also be influenced by unfamiliarity with the workings of the state, the established rules, not knowing the size of the city or using a mode of public transport that is different in your home country.
If you consider these factors, you will find it easier to adapt to the way of life in the country that will become your place of work. In addition, it is a good idea to know the details of the job performance before you leave. These will be provided by a proven company, including Atena.
If you’re tempted to work on a rotations basis, read about its benefits. Learn about how to increase job stability here.
