Stages of culture shock, integrating into your local community, staying healthy and safe—and making the most of your experience abroad.
Arriving in a foreign country can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking. You’ve made it through the whole preparation and pre-departure process (congrats!) and it’s finally time to get started. You may want to hit the ground running, but it’s important to take things slowly and allow yourself time to adjust to your new surroundings and gain insight into how things work, as it’s likely quite different to what you may be used to at home. Prepare yourself to recognize the signs and stages of culture shock and be patient with yourself as you experience it. There’s no way around that one.
Once you begin to adjust, it can be helpful to consider different ways you can integrate into your local community and how you might deal with some of the challenges that you will inevitably face. Learning how to stay healthy and safe in your new environment is also very important-- it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your personal well-being. Keeping in touch with family and friends will likely be a priority. Luckily there are many inexpensive ways to remain connected.
As you start to engage in your daily volunteer activities, there are some simple steps you can take to improve your effectiveness on the ground. Check out our DOs and DON’Ts list to make sure you are on the right track. Your time abroad is also a fantastic opportunity to gain new experiences and skills and develop future career goals and prospects. Make the most of your experience by taking advantage of any learning opportunity that comes your way and networking as much as possible. You never know when a personal relationship will help you get your foot in the door.
Even though there is no way to avoid culture shock, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the symptoms and acknowledge that there will be a period of some struggle and adaptation at the beginning of your time abroad.
Though it may seem a little daunting at first, becoming involved in your community will help you overcome culture shock, develop new friendships and improve your effectiveness in your chosen role.
Living in a foreign place can bring new health and safety concerns that you might not be accustomed to at home.
There are many small steps you can take while you're abroad that will help you to make the most of your experience.
Join our community of globetrotters now, to access all Careers for Globetrotters content and resources.
Careers for Globetrotters is produced by Verge Magazine.
Verge believes in travel for change. International experience creates global citizens, who can change our planet for the better. This belief is at the core of everything we do.
Since 2002, Verge has produced quality resources and events to help people experience the world in a meaningful way, through opportunities to study, work and volunteer abroad.
This project was made possible in part with the support of the Ontario Media Development Corporation and with the participation of the Government of Canada.
info@vergemagazine.org
(+1) 705 742 6869
Verge Magazine
Go Global Expo
