{"id":3677,"date":"2020-09-06T17:22:03","date_gmt":"2020-09-06T17:22:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chameleon-coaching.com\/why-we-experience-culture-shock\/"},"modified":"2020-09-21T15:52:35","modified_gmt":"2020-09-21T15:52:35","slug":"why-we-experience-culture-shock","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chameleon-coaching.com\/en\/why-we-experience-culture-shock\/","title":{"rendered":"Why we experience culture shock"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Expatriation can be one of the most exciting periods of your life, but also one the most challenging. Have you heard of the expat curve or the stages of acculturation? Did you experience <\/span>culture shock<\/span><\/span> after moving abroad or <\/span>re-entry shock<\/span><\/span> when you returned back home?<\/span><\/div>\n
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Take a look at the following graphic that depicts the different stages of acculturation. I also recommend this short and fun video<\/a> by the LIVING INSTITUTE which wonderfully explains the <\/span>expat curve<\/span><\/span> that many expats have experienced. It is of course a different curve for every individual, but it is worth reflecting on your own experience and a relief to be reassured, that it is absolutely normal and ok to have these ups and downs. It is my job as an <\/span>intercultural trainer<\/span><\/span> and <\/span>coach<\/span><\/span> to bring awareness to these phases so that you are better prepared for your expat adventure. Sometimes, expats struggle with a long-lasting culture shock or get stuck along the way. This is when <\/span>expat coaching<\/span><\/span> can make all the difference.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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But why do we have these painful culture shocks?<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

Take a look at the six most common causes for culture shock. Which of the 6 areas has affected you most? How did you overcome them? What was your coping strategy? <\/span><\/span> \"\" As a general rule, the larger the cultural distance – meaning the extent of differences in values and communication styles between the two cultures – the bigger the shock. But it can also hit you, when you expect two cultures to be more similar than they actually are. We experience a cognitive dissonance when our values and beliefs clash with those of the new culture. This understandibly causes psychological stress.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

What helps? Coping strategies for culture shock and adaptation difficulties:<\/span><\/h3>\n