How can you prepare for culture shock before an international assignment?

My recommendations: - research the culture: then you won't be caught off guard - learn some basic phrases in the language: communication is a powerful tool - connect with locals: they know best how to behave in the new environment - believe in yourself: you will be able to adapt and to eventually enjoy the new situation, just trust in your abilities

We must research & familiarize ourselves with the host country's culture & social norms. A good example could be to create user personas depicting locals & prepare how to interact with them. We must engage in cultural sensitivity training to navigate cultural differences. We should attempt to connect with expatriates who have lived in that country. This will help us gain insights & valuable advice. We must learn basic phrases in the local language. We must adopt an open mindset & showcase flexibility, empathy, cultural relativism etc. We must be aware of the local work environment & business etiquette. We must also mentally prepare for the adjustment by acknowledging that some aspects of daily life may differ significantly.

Desktop research is good but I find it can be a bit detached from reality. If you have the time, social media I find can be a bit more accurate. Searching for popular hashtags and following accounts or groups can allow you to see commonly asked questions, commonly faced challenges and theres always a few people who are happy to speak to you about what it was like for them. Important to take everyone's opinions with a pinch of salt however. Most people will operate from the ideal situation, so they don't mean to deter you but it can come across as "don't bother if its not perfect". And remember, you can always go home if you don't like it - the success is in even trying in the first place.

My trip last year to Korea was a reminder on how exhausting each day can be when you are navigating a city without a working map on a phone and pushing the language barriers for even the most basic human interactions. Not sure how I managed to hit my stride all those years ago when I lived there. Wonderful to read you are truly having an experience!

Una forma increíble de aprender eficientemente sobre una cultura es leer sobre la historia del país, ya que esta explica muy íntimamente cómo se maneja su gente. Hay libros icónicos que nos dan pistas extraordinarias, de cómo se establecieron ciertas costumbres, las cuales son muchas veces el producto de ciertos sucesos que marcaron el país o la zona en cuestión.

I have been around a lot and can say that trying to over-prepare or predict how you will experience a new country (and all that comes wit it) is often the source of frustration. I've learn from moving countries 5 times is that there has to be a tolerance and acceptance for the unknown - about the new place and about how you will feel it! But one thing has been quite universal for me in all my moves: it takes time, it takes time and true openness to finally feel settled in a new place. Hence, use your first impressions and feelings as hypothesis that you explore rather than verdicts about your future.

One of the best suggestions I've ever heard is that you must resist the temptation to compare things to 'back home' Firstly, it annoys everyone else Secondly, it emphasizes to you and others that you are different and an outsider And thirdly it focuses you on the things you miss, rather than the new experiences. It can also lead you to infantalize the new culture - 'isn't this cute, so much nicer/prettier/more fun than back home.' Treat the new country seriously - have fun of course. Treat it like a new romantic partner - you don't tell your current partner the 25 ways they are different from your ex, but you spend time getting to know them, getting to appreciate them for who they are and building a relationship with them as an individual

Enjoy your time there. There will be things that will be good and there will be things that will be bad as compared to home. Has to be. These are two different places. But, be patient and you'll enjoy your time. Keep in mind that you have to give time and try to do things like a local but don't worry if you don't enjoy like them cause you're new.

Expectations vs reality is my ultimate favorite topic. Of course, you should be ready not everything will go your way, especially the first few days, months. Cultural shock, organizational moments, like looking for an appartment, having all your papers settled, especially when you dont speak the language, it can be one of a hell of a challenge, but at the end of the day its totally worth it

La curiosidad es un elemento esencial para regular las expectativas. Saber que tú no sabes pero vas a ir para conocer y averiguar. Los errores verlos como parte del proceso no como algo irreparable. Para aprender a caminar hay que caerse, para conocer otra cultura hay que cometer errores. Es parte del proceso y debes esperarlos. Comparar culturas es como comparar colores con sabores, no se puede. Acepta lo que venga sin emitir juicios de valor. No viajas para hacer un ranking, sino para aprender, crecer y disfrutar. No todo lo difícil es malo y no todo lo fácil es bueno. Abraza las diferencias y disfruta el proceso.

Don't restrict yourself to people from your country / geography only as that will limit your experience. However, you need to have your own space also. So, try to form a group of people who you are more comfortable with and don't force yourself too much.

I'd say the best coping strategy is to find friends and people who will help you with everything to be settled and will cheer you up

In my experience, this was by far more difficult than the culture shock. Especially, at work. Other things were okay but work wise this was too difficult. But again, the only answer to this problem is give yourself time.

I did infact meet reverse culture shock, but circumstances under which I was coming back home after being abroad for long were difficult on their own, so I cant share a unique pill for that. However, yes, distracting yourself by going out and keeping in touch with the ones left is quite helpfull

Try to talk to as many people as can. Don't over do it also because many things you'll only learn with experience. The only thing is the experience will matter, so enjoy the experience.

Culture Shock is experienced differently from one individual to another and the cause may vary. It can be a clash of culture, can be missing family and friends, missing one’s favorite food, having had a bad experience with a local. Researching about the country is key but also being aware of the potential challenges we will face because of our preferences. Stay open minded, get to know your new destination, see from their perspective, your way is not the best way you can learn something new ?? if you have a bad experience reflect on it, what happened, why did it happen? How can I move away from this and not feel depressed or angry ?? Most importantly be patient, learn, observe and immerse yourself ????

This would be totally personal, however, I hope one might find it super usefull: - try not to move to a different country because of somebody, unless its somebody truly important to you - dont chose a country based only on one aspect, eg I moved to Malta, cause it was a perfect summer getaway, however, in winter its cold and not that entertaining - take into account your income and life expences in that particular country. Concider living in a smaller town if you have a chance to - be open to new opportunities