Cultural shock Task 1

 

The individual is immersed in new problems: housing, transportation, shopping, and language. Mental fatigue results from continuous experience in new situations.

There are a lot of cultural differences between Asia and Europe, In my country people like to share their food, we will cook many dishes for a meal and share them with people. However, in Europe, people like to have one order and enjoy it alone. At first, when I came to Europe, I did not get used to this kind of difference, and when I had my food I always wanted to share it. 

 

We like to eat at a round table, which allows us to interact with everyone too because in our country eating with family and friends is a beautiful thing, and we can discuss whether the food is good or not, and what's been going on in everyone's life lately at the table. But in the West, they will eat by themselves a lot of the time, according to their own time plan. 

 

In my opinion, this is a reflection of collectivism and individualism in the West and China.

 

The most challenging phase of culture shock I think is mental isolation: Individuals have been away from their family and good friends for a long period and may feel lonely. Many still feel that they cannot express themselves as well as they can in their native language. Frustration and sometimes a loss of self-confidence result. Some individuals remain at this stage.  It is always pretty that when we move to a new country we will lose a lot of chances to meet our friends and families. Surely we can talk about our new friends as well, but without sharing background it would be not easy for both parties to understand each other and it also requires much more effort to explain.

 

The easiest phase is the honeymoon period. At this time, I feel everything is funny and interesting, would like to spend time and patience exploring.

 

It is helping me a lot to know the 5 phases of cultural shock, which will be the guide for me when I arrive in a new country or meet different people with various backgrounds.