Culture shock is the feeling of losing direction experienced by someone suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture and way of life. 【小题1】. This guide will inform you of the different stages of culture shock, helping you be better mentally prepared.

1. The Honeymoon Stage

The first stage of culture shock is often overwhelmingly positive during which travelers become fascinated with the language, people and food in their new surroundings. 【小题2】. On short trips, the honeymoon phase may take over the entire experience as the later effects of culture shock don’t have time to set in.

2. The Frustration Stage

Frustration may be the most difficult stage of culture shock and is probably familiar to anyone who has lived abroad or who travels frequently. At this stage, the stress of not understanding gestures, signs and the language sets in and miscommunications may be happening frequently. Small things — losing keys, missing the bus or not being able easily order food in a restaurant-may trigger frustration. 【小题3】. These are common phenomenon that people tend to see as natural reactions.

3. The Adjustment Stage

【小题4】. Navigation becomes easier, friends and communities of support are established and details of local languages may become more recognizable during the adjustment stage. People are comfortable with the cultures, people, food and languages of new environments.

4. The Acceptance Stage

Generally — though sometimes weeks, months or years after wrestling with the emotional stages outlined above — the final stage of culture shock is acceptance. Acceptance doesn’t mean that new cultures or languages are fully grasped. 【小题5】. During the acceptance stage, travelers have the familiarity and are able to draw together the resources they need to feel at ease.