Adjusting to Life in the United States
Why is it hard to move to a new country? Here are a few reasons:
- Loss of ability to communicate
- Loss of sense of belonging
- Different social norms
- Challenge to personal and cultural values
- Loss of identity
- Difficulty of everyday tasks
- Loss of support system (family and friends)
- Stress of being stereotyped by others
Cultural Training Services
At English and Culture, we can help you adjust to your new life in New York or Boston through customized coaching services.
- Identify your current stage in the cultural adjustment process
- Learn new ways to make the transition easier
- Learn how and where to network with other people in the international community
- Learn how to help your family adjust to their new environment
- Prepare to return home (reverse culture shock)
How Do People Experience Culture Shock?
- Loneliness or sadness
- Feeling homesick
- Depression
- Lack of energy
- Physical pain
- Stereotyping local people- "they are all the same"
- Lack of interest in learning about the new culture
The 6 Stages of Cultural Adjustment
Culture shock is our reaction to an unfamiliar and new environment. Here is one theory about some of the stages that you might go through while you adjust to life in New York or Boston.
- Preliminary stage
- Spectator stage
- Participation stage
- Shock stage
- Adjustment stage
- Re-entry stage
