Institute Core Values

                              Adjusting to New Culture

Culture shock is not quite as shocking or as sudden as most people expect. It is part of the process of learning a new culture that is called “cultural adaptation”. You may experience some discomfort before you are able to function well in a new setting. This discomfort is the “culture shock” stage of the adaptation process. The main thing to remember is that this is a very normal, process that most people go through.

Not only do you bring clothing and personal items to Malaysia, but you also bring “cultural baggage”.  This baggage is not as obvious as the items in your suitcases, but it will play a major role in your adaptation in your new environment. Cultural baggage contains the values that are important to you and the patterns of behavior that are customary in your culture. The more you know about your personal values and how they are derived from your culture, the better prepared you will be to see and understand the cultural differences you will encounter.

Culture shock occurs over time and affects each person differently. The stages of culture shock begin with an initial euphoria when everything seems like a new adventure. During this time you may tend to look at the similarities between your home culture and the new culture. During the next stage you may begin to notice the differences, and these differences may cause you distress. You may begin to feel extremely homesick, depressed, bored or tired. You may become irritable and hostile, or you may withdraw completely. These are the symptoms of culture shock.

Gradually, you will adjust and adapt to the new culture. Each person experiences culture shock differently. Your experience may be affected by your mental health, personality type, previous experiences, language ability, support systems, level of education, or your age. Allow yourself to experience cultural adjustment in your own way.

The most effective way to combat culture shock is to take care of you and be patient with yourself. Culture shock may be a little scary, but the shock will gradually ease as you begin to learn and grow.

Be open to new situations and try to learn from them. You will become more skilled in recognizing how and when cultural values and behaviors are likely to come in conflict, and it will become easier to make adjustments.

TIPS:

·         Make a project out of learning about cultural differences. Do research and keep a journal of your experiences. Track every strange experience to discover its underlying cultural value.

·         Establish a goal - something you can work on to achieve while you're here.

·         Find one or two areas of interest and create new hobbies (food, sports, etc.)

·         Make a list of all the positive things that are happening to you.

·         Find a friend who has gone through culture shock and has a positive attitude about adjusting to life in Malaysia.

·         Make friends with Malaysians and discuss with them the problems you are having, taking care to present your concerns in a way that doesn't sound like criticism.

·         Keep busy and active.

·         Read a book or rent a video in your home language

·         Be patient with yourself!