Culture Shock

When going to a new country or city there is always a deep feeling of unfamiliarity. All of a sudden you are thrown into a new environment where life is lived and viewed a bit differently. It can leave you with so many mixed emotions. For instance, some people start off in a "honeymoon" type phase. Everything around you is so exciting. You try all the local food and love it, You go to all the fun spots, you take the local transportation for the first time, and even hold an awkward first conversation with your host parents or one of the locals. To you, every little new thing makes you feel even more excited for what lies ahead. But eventually, the excitement will die down a little. The abundance of new things may start to overwhelm you. Learning the language to make a simple food order could end in disaster. Or trying to learn the local transportation may leave you lost in a part of the city you have never been in. I know, because this happened to me. (I can laugh about it now, but at the time it was very frustrating). Luckily, English is the main language in London so I was able to figure it out. But those of you going to a country where English isn't the first language, may have a harder time. The most important things to do are 1. Stop, and take a breath. Stressing out and thinking the worst will only make it harder. 2. Look for a map and someone who speaks English. Every station should have a center with maps and someone who can guide you. 3. Ask a local. Most of them are more than happy to give you directions on which line to take or stop to get off. It took me a few times getting lost and learning to keep a tube map with me or to ask to figure it all out. Never be afraid to ask for help. Learning to speak up for yourself and ask for help is extremely important. Sooner or later, you will find yourself ordering in the language like a pro or switching train lines like a local. All the things that seemed so hard to you when you first arrived will seem like second nature. You won't even have to think for a minute about what you need to do. I promise, it will feel so good when you master everything. Being able to do all of those things on your own will give you so much confidence. It will make you feel like you can do anything in the future that you are faced with. Unfortunately, by the time you become a pro, it will probably be time to leave or almost time to leave. You have to say goodbye to all the things you have become accustomed to over the past months. If you are only traveling for a few weeks it won't be hard. But really living, and immersing yourself in another culture takes a toll. You will find the idea of leaving repulsive and will avoid the subject altogether. But like all good things in life, your time abroad will end and you must bid it farewell. It was really hard for me to say goodbye to my host parents and attempt to convey my gratitude for all they had done for me. The hardest was getting on that plane home and saying goodbye to so many memories. But I constantly kept in mind the idea that I will work hard to come back.It definitely helped me feel better. Now one thing people don't tell you about traveling abroad is the reverse culture shock when you come home. Driving through your home city will feel so strange. Sleeping in your old bed will be the oddest feeling ever. It took me a while to get back into the funk of life at home. You were on this amazing adventure for months and when you come home, life is exactly the same. It feels as though the whole experience was just a dream. This can be very hard adjusting to. It will take some time to get used to, but you will none the less. The one thing that really helps is keeping the people in your life that you shared those experiences with. When you all get together it will feel like nothing has changed and your instantly back in that local pub in your neighborhood in the country you lived in.

Try not to focus too much on the past and the sadness you will feel. Instead, focus on your next goal or adventure. Work hard, save money and go back! Stay in touch with the people you met and make connections. The best way to deal with reverse culture shock is to surround yourself with those who feel it too. Reminisce on all of the good times and plan some more!

xx, Miranda Lopez