What is cultural shock?

Cultural shock refers to the disorientation and confusion many people feel when they are suddenly exposed to a culture that is vastly different from their own. This experience often includes feelings of anxiety, frustration, and uncertainty, as individuals struggle to understand new social norms, behaviors, and practices that may contradict their own cultural expectations.

This phenomenon typically occurs when someone moves to a new country, region, or community where established customs and everyday interactions differ significantly from what they are accustomed to. It is our natural reaction to encountering a new and sometimes overwhelming environment that challenges our previous assumptions about social life and cultural practices.

The excitement of traveling to new places is related but distinct; while travel can be thrilling, cultural shock is more about the emotional and psychological toll that can accompany such experiences. The adaptation process to a new culture suggests a long-term adjustment period following the shock phase, which is a subsequent stage in the overall experience. Similarly, experiencing joy from diversity is an appreciative response that can develop over time as one grows more accustomed to and understanding of the new culture, moving past the initial shock phase.