Culture Shock

Congratulations. You’ve just got yourself a job in an international school, and no doubt you are really excited to pack your bags and head off for new adventures. It is important to prepare yourself before you leave in order to get the most out of your experience and try to limit the one thing that can send you running back home before you’ve emptied your suitcases: Culture Shock.

Trust me; nothing can prepare you for the day it hits and it's a case of 'when' not 'if'. Even the most seasoned international educators feel it. It will numb your senses to all of the good things around you, leave you questioning the decisions you have made, and could well make you ask if this is the end of your time as an international teacher. The trick is to take it in your stride and get over it. Let me guide you through the steps.

Pre-departure ups and downs

(from the minute you sign a contract until you sit in the plane on the runway)

You have every reason to be excited. Job fairs are a real rollercoaster ride, you will have had many interviews, seen lots of presentations about schools in far-flung locations, and have signed a contract. So far, so good. Now comes the run of emotions, friends and family congratulating you, communicating with your new school and colleagues, and a sense that time is flying by.

Some downs maybe the hassle of visas, although schools do a lot to help you with that. Perhaps you will have some nagging doubts, apprehensions, which is perfectly normal: you are breaking out of your comfort zone, moving to the other side of the world, and perhaps going to a country where they speak another language.

Solutions: ask questions, keep in contact with your new school, speak to people at the embassy or consulate, get the Lonely Planet guide to the country, start to learn the language. The language part is easy, there are podcasts on iTunes and Spotify, online courses, and night classes.

The Honeymoon Phase

(from the minute you take-off)

You clear immigration and customs and leave the airport. Someone is smiling, holding a placard with your name on it. YOUR NAME!! When has that ever happened before? There is probably a throng of other new staff waiting there too - instant friends to share this new experience.

Your senses kick into overdrive, the sights, sounds, smells, everything is new and in the latest 4D cinema experience, so heightened are your emotions. The drive to your hotel is amazing; they’re probably driving on the other side to what you’re used to, how amazing! Your hotel will seem like the Savoy, no matter how humble the mini-bar.

Everything is new and exotic. It doesn’t matter if you have been a tourist in the same country before, now it is your new home, you belong, it matters, you want to try and understand it, to feel ownership, because you have given up everything you know, waved goodbye to your old life, and here you are: this is your new reality.

The food, the people, the differences whether they are good and bad, all of it is interesting and you love it. It vindicates your decision to leave your old life behind, you are renewed, invigorated, and cannot get enough of it.

Solutions: there are none, just enjoy the ride – this is what you wanted, isn’t it?

Culture Shock

(generally hits around 3-4 months in)

“What was I thinking?” 

“I didn't sign up for this!”

“I cannot believe that .........”

These are symptoms of culture shock as easily recognisable as a sudden desire for spotted dick and custard, mum's apple pie, or whatever comfort food you run for when you're feeling a bit down. You’re homesick, missing friends, family, and your comfort zone. You’re fed-up with the differences; perhaps you cannot communicate effectively the minute you step out of school or indeed in school with your local colleagues. Everything becomes frustrating, annoying, and nothing like what you are used to.

You will seek the company of your compatriots; try to immerse yourself in your own culture, anything to try and block out your new reality, bashing the local culture for all of the things that you find inadequate, challenging, disorganised, or different.

Solutions:

Be patient – this too shall pass, it is a normal part of the adaptation process, and trying to take it in your stride will make it easier

Remember why you wanted to do this – if you didn’t want a change, you wouldn’t have gone to the job fair

Where is the adventure – find new things about the culture, get out and explore, and you will soon be through the worst of it

Sense of humour – a genuine ability to see the funny side will help you, be careful not to fall into the pit of heavy dripping sarcasm

Deal with your stress – go to the gym, travel around your new home country, join a team or club and do some sport, let off some steam with friends

Ask for help – all of your international colleagues will have been through Culture Shock. Talk to them about it.

Adaptation

You will learn to adjust, to cope, and to fit in. Your school and colleagues will support you through it.

Establishing a routine, getting a social life, learning the language and understanding the culture are all part of adaptation. Each individual gets there at their own pace, once you achieve it for yourself you will start to make the most of your opportunity. I speak from experience - six countries, two new languages, and so many wonderful experiences and lifelong friends.