What is Culture Shock?
And How to Overcome it During Your J-1 Internship or Trainee Program in the United States
Moving overseas to start your American journey can be an exciting experience and often you will find yourself exploring new places, meeting new people, and trying different cultural activities. However, it may happen that in the beginning of your journey, especially if this is your first time traveling and living abroad, that you will experience culture shock. While some people tend to adapt easily to new environments, for others it may take a little bit more time to acquaint themselves with new cultures and places.
Culture shock is a feeling of disorientation, of being out of place and it can be experienced by J-1 Exchange Visitors when they are suddenly finding themselves in an unfamiliar culture, place and dealing with a new way of life. Some of the reasons behind experiencing a culture shock include the language barriers, new customs you encounter, different weather, fashion, values, foods and greetings, the unfamiliarity of the places in the city, and others. Symptoms of culture shock can include homesickness, frustration, feeling lost and out of place, irritability and fatigue. You need to remember that it’s completely normal to experience an adjustment period and it’s temporary!
This adjustment period will only make your experience more rewarding and ultimately help you grow on a personal level.
How to Cope with Culture Shock?
Here are some tips from us on how to cope with culture shock and overcome it during your J-1 Internship or Trainee program in the United States:
Set Realistic Expectations for Your J-1 Intern & Trainee Program - J-1 Exchange Visitors may become disappointed when they first arrive at the location or host company, as they envisioned everything to be different. The best advice we can give is to not set many expectations and be as open as possible to whatever your experience has to offer. There will always be some positive and some negative aspects and you can make the best out of every situation.
Make Friends - Odyssey can connect you with other J-1 Exchange Visitors at your host company or in the area. Speak English as much as possible and make local friends.
Get Out and Explore - Explore the area where you live and get involved in cultural activities, go for a hike, visit a museum, try new foods, relax in a park, watch a game, attend events and concerts, and try to experience as many cultural activities as possible. Try to get outside and explore even if no one is available to go with you.
Get Involved in the Host Company Activities and Experience Cultural Activities - Do not miss the opportunity to hang out with your colleagues from the host company and attend activities with them when you have the opportunity.
Find Something You Love - You are bound to find something that you love in any place. Find a cultural activity that you love and regularly experience it, read a book that brings you comfort and listen to your favorite music.
Keep an Open Mind - Welcome experiences as they arise and try to adapt to them. Laugh when mistakes are happening and welcome with open arms different perspectives and values.
Take Time to Reflect - You may start a journal and write down your feelings and your experiences, revisit the journal from time to time and see the progress you’ve made.
Decorate Your Space - Personalising your living space can make a big difference and help you adapt to the new home more quickly.
Keep in Contact with Home – Talk to your family and friends, share with them your stories and experiences, and get updates on what’s happening in their lives.
Celebrate Successes and Achieve Goals – Set achievable goals for yourself and for your J-1 Internship or Trainee Program, make it possible to achieve them and celebrate your success.
Reverse Culture Shock
After the end of your J-1 Internship or Trainee Program in the United States, you will need to return to your home country. You may be surprised to experience a reverse culture shock after the return to your own country. Your perception of the world has changed during the program, and you may become abruptly aware that the people and customs at home remained the same. Similar to culture shock, you may experience a period of adaptation and re-adjustment.
Culture shock and reverse culture shock can affect people differently, but it’s important to remember that these stages and feelings are normal and common. However, if you feel severely depressed, lonely or homesick for an extended period of time, please reach out to your ITN or Odyssey representative.