Culture Shock

While this experience has already been quite exciting and rewarding thus far, unfortunately there are also a few unpleasant challenges that usually occur when living abroad.  One of these interesting phenomena when traveling and living abroad is experiencing culture shock.  This usually occurs a few weeks after arrival, once the euphoria and thrill of arriving in country has worn off.  It’s filled with a lot of mixed emotions, since the reality of being in a foreign country as an outsider hits hard.  Since this is the biggest change I’ve experienced abroad, the effects of culture shock have unfortunately hit me a bit harder than I’ve felt before.  Finally being on my own away from my other volunteers has forced me to confront the challenges I have ahead- including struggling to learn and understand the language and customs, coping with being on my own apart from my new friends, and learning to become comfortable with a lifestyle that is far different from the one I was used to back home.  On top of this, I must also face the challenges that being a first year teacher will bring.

Although culture shock can be quite unpleasant, knowing that it is completely normal and eventually will pass is comforting to know.  I know once I develop more routines and get used to my new surroundings, that the unpleasant feelings will pass.  While it may be difficult now, I know that when I look back upon this time I will realize how much stronger it has made me.