How Do You Overcome Culture Shock In A Foreign Country?
• Keep an open mind. Do not automatically perceive anything that is different to be “wrong” or “negative”. Withholding judgment will allow you to be an objective observer and will facilitate the process of cross-cultural understanding. Also, if you are going to a country with which you know close to nothing about, do a little background information. As you learn about the country in which you are going to, keeping an open mind is necessary, and, who knows, you may find the reason for something you may not understand. • Make an effort to learn the local language. This increases your communication skills and it helps you to integrate with the local community. It also demonstrates your interest in the new country. • Get acquainted with the social conduct of your new environment. Do not assume or interpret behavior from your own cultural perspective or “filter”. Behavior is not data. For example, Americans often use the phrase “How are you?” to mean “hello” or “I acknowledge your presence
