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Grace Cheng (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

 

Coming to a new country is daunting and overwhelming. It is normal to experience culture shock, because suddenly you are confronted with a different culture, language, customs, gestures, signs and symbols. People who are not afraid of change have an easier time adjusting to it.

 

In the beginning, it may be difficult for newcomers who must establish new support systems. How long culture shock lasts depends on how well the person can adjust to the new country.

 

Having immigrated to Canada, I had to adjust to paying sales taxes and tips, as neither were required in Hong Kong. My biggest cultural adjustment at school was learning to speak up, because it counted for participation marks. In my hometown, students were not encouraged to speak as often, and there was more deference to authority. In Canada, I was expected to speak up and contribute a lot. My teachers told me they hoped to hear me speak more frequently in class. This was challenging for me since I was an introvert, in addition to being raised with that aspect of Chinese culture.

 

Initially, I was also unaccustomed to small talk, since it was not common for people to converse with strangers on the streets of Hong Kong. I learned that because small-talk topics were light and uncontroversial, they provided a safe environment for people to assess your comfort level and find common ground for conversations.

 

Tips to overcome culture shock:

 

1. Remember that culture shock is normal

 

Keep in mind that most newcomers and immigrants will experience culture shock. As soon as you get over your culture shock, you will be able to look back with fond memories of your new culture and country. You will be glad that you can live in a different country and experience a different custom and culture.

 

1. Be open-minded

 

Embracing new experiences is one of the most effective ways to overcome culture shock. By learning and respecting a new culture, you will grow and appreciate new perspectives on life. If you converse with people from different cultures and backgrounds, you will broaden your horizons. Consider attending parties and events, eating food from other cultures, making new friends and inviting friends to your home.

 

1. Learn the language

 

When you learn the local language and understand what the locals are saying, you will experience less culture shocks.  Your efforts in speaking the local language will make your life easier and will make the locals appreciate your efforts.

 

1. Learn how the locals live 

 

You will be able to adjust to a new country and overcome culture shock more quickly if you familiarize yourself with local customs and behaviors.

 

1. Expand your social circle

 

Make new friends from different cultures and backgrounds to broaden your social circle. Taking part in neighborhood activities, community events and meetup groups are good ways to meet new people.

 

1. Explore the city

 

See what your new city has to offer. Take public transportation to visit different places every day and act like a tourist. When you visit new places, bring your camera with you and take pictures. During this process, you might discover a faster route to take home from work, learn about a new relaxing spot or capture an interesting photo that can be shared with your family and friends.

 

1. Find a new hobby

 

Consider finding a new hobby, such as hiking, walking in the park, visiting art galleries and museums, or taking recreational courses. When life becomes stressful and difficult, these activities will help you cope with culture shock and cheer you up.

 

Remember that culture shock is a normal reaction newcomers experience when arriving in a foreign country. It can serve as an opportunity for you to become more aware of your own culture, as well as the new culture that you have accepted.

 

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Grace has an accounting and finance background. She enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, watching movies and playing sports.