Starting a new life in an unfamiliar place can be challenging and feelings of isolation and frustration may occur. This is completely normal and is known as “culture shock.” There are a few signs that indicate an individual might be experiencing culture shock. Some signs include resentment towards your new work environment, reluctance to speak English and make new friends, or calling home excessively.
Try to remember that this feeling isn’t forever and you play a major role in how long it lasts. Here are a few helpful ways to cope:
- Remain positive – remember why you came to this new land and what you wanted to accomplish. Record your experiences in a journal so you can look back on this time and reflect.
- Stay healthy – relax when you feel stressed, get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Share your feelings – Expressing your feelings to a friend or co-worker can help ease your worries and help release your anxieties. Holding onto your feelings can further increase your desire to isolate yourself.
By overcoming culture shock, you’ll be able to make the most of your experience and truly enjoy your new life.