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Coping with culture shock
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Flying to a different continent is like having the rug pulled out from under you. You're bound to feel little disorientated. But by the end of your trip, you'll have woven a new, richly patterned tapestry beneath you. In fact, you'll probably be wondering how to cope without your daily helping of onigiri.
Most of the Real Gap programmes include an orientation session to help you adjust to your new surroundings and there's often time set aside for relaxation at the beginning.
In the mean time, take a few tips from people who have been there, beaten culture shock into remission and gone back for more...
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Coping with culture shock - What is it?!Basically, culture shock is feeling lost or uncomfortable in new surroundings. Symptoms can include homesickness, feeling anti-social or disorientated, boredom or even physical pain. It'll probably hit you hardest if you're going to a third world country, like Africa or South America, but can affect you just as readily in developed countries.
Coping with culture shock - Be prepared
Help yourself by being prepared for your new world and getting an idea of what to expect - read up or speak to a Real Gap adviser.
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Coping with culture shock - Don't panic!When it does hit, remember that culture shock is as natural as jet lag and just as transient. Even if they don't appear to be suffering, the other volunteers on your programme are probably putting on a brave face to some extent. Watch them for a few minutes and pick up tips from how they're acting. Your co-ordinator will have seen hundreds of excited but anxious students arrive and will be more than happy to talk to you about getting over the initial culture shock. Real Gap advisers can help, too.
Coping with culture shock - Be you and only youBeing in a different country doesn't mean you have to take on a different personality. If you're naturally shy at first, don't beat yourself up about it. Be friendly, and people will respond. Respect your feelings, too - don't expect to fall in love with a country and its hole-in-the-ground toilets immediately. Take your time and allow yourself to appreciate it at your own pace.
Coping with culture shock - Regain controlNot always easy, but try to think about what you're going to do over the next few hours or days. Completing things will give you a sense of achievement & make you feel more confident in your new environment.
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Coping with culture shock - Back home again
Believe it or not, you might experience culture shock when you get home, especially if you've been abroad for a few months. You'll already have got through it once, so you'll be better prepared - but perhaps initially surprised to find yourself feeling out of place at home.
Again, take your time, ease yourself back into it and look back at the souvenirs of your trip. Sign up to the Real Gap Watering Hole on Facebook to contact your fellow volunteers and reminisce - then start planning your next trip!
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