Friday, June 19, 2015
Reverse Culture Shock
Returning to the states from Italy a month ago, I have been experiencing mild reverse culture shock. Having moved from Taiwan to the states as a teen, I've moved around quite a bit and can easily adapt to different environments. Nonetheless, I can't help but compare places and I definitely miss the picturesque European cities. Reverse culture shock is typically described in four stages--disengagement, initial euphoria, hostility, and readjustment. First of all, disengagement began before departing from the foreign country, when I felt reluctant and sad about leaving. Secondly, euphora is the stage when I was excited about reentering and reuniting with family and friends. Then, irritability and hostility can happen when reality falls short of expectations. Lastly, I eventually readjust to the states again. Being in a country where the architecture and culture are so rich, I had to take some time to get used to the relatively new country I live in and it's lack of history in terms of cityscape. I notice we have so much more spaces here in the states that we rarely have to be concerned about using them efficiently. On the good side, I appreciate the California sun much more after spending half of the semester in gloomy and cold weather. Furthermore, thanks to my family and friends, I've been readjusting and enjoying SoCal a lot being constantly engaging in social events and fun-filled weekends hiking and strolling around the beach. All in all, I am thankful that I am able to see and live in different places in the world and learn to truly appreciate each of its beauty.
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I had reverse culture shock when I went back to my home country after staying in the states for 3 years. The city had been changed a lot comparing to the city in my memory, and I also had become a different person after experiencing foreign culture. Although I was aware that there'd been changes, I expect it to be cozy and welcoming as always. However, I had to felt detached and lonely for a while until I readjusted myself to it.
ReplyDeleteMy parents always tell me about how different China is from the U.S. I'm thankful for growing up here, but I always wonder what my life would've been like if I had been born and raised in China. Where all did you go in Italy? How was the food? I haven't been, but I really want to go!
ReplyDeleteThat's so interesting you've experienced reverse culture shock. I bet Italy was beautiful! I've always wanted to see Cinque Terre and take a million photos there. I'm glad to read you're readjusting!
ReplyDeleteStill have not been to Europe yet. I hope to go as soon as I graduate. I have only experienced the picturesque cityscapes and countrysides in pictures; which of course do them no justice. It sounds like you have had quite the journey in terms of cultural experiences, that is pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteI remembered my stomach literally had a culture shock when I went Italy a few years back. No, it's not that Italy has less hygienic standards like India but I just I didn't expect that culture shock could be through food - especially that I am lactose intolerant - food became very limited and boring.
ReplyDeleteI have also had culture shock when I went to the U.S 4 years ago. Although I went through some bad experiences, I really enjoy California's weather like you said.
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