There are 5 stages of culture shock, and each one is driven by neurotransmitters in the brain.
Stage 1 The Honeymoon Stage: On arrival-2 weeks to 3 months long
Everything feels exciting and novel and wonderful
Stage 2 The Rejection Stage: Around 3-6 months
You are irritated, frustrated, and overwhelmed with cultural differences
Stage 3 The Transition Stage: Around 6-12 months
You are getting used to the culture, finding ways to adapt routines and behavior
Stage 4 Adaption: Around 12 months
You feel more at home in the host country
Stage 5 Re-patriation or reverse culture shock: when you move back to your home country
You recognize that both you and your home culture have changed.
Understanding these stages can help us adapt better to a new culture because we aren't blaming ourselves for not adapting. We realize this is normal! It can also help us realize it won't last forever.
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