Table of contentsSummaryIntroductionBasic knowledge of culture shockPossible causes of culture shockConclusionReferencesSummary Culture shock is becoming a widespread phenomenon that negatively affects not only international students but also workers foreigners from all over the world during the present time. This article, based on secondary research, discusses what culture shock is. In particular, three aspects are discussed, including the definition of culture shock, its causes and some possible solutions to prevent as well as treat the person suffering from culture shock. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Introduction Nowadays, immigrating to a new country for economic or tourism reasons is becoming easier and more common. Culture shock is therefore a major phenomenon in the world. As defined by Matthew Maclachlan (2015), “culture shock is a natural state of psychological and physical disorientation that can occur when encountering a new environment and culture.” The loss of social support networks, independence and the ability to communicate, combined with the differences and challenges of entering a new culture, are all factors that contribute to feelings of culture shock. This article, based on secondary research, discusses the reality, provokes and suggests solutions with the aim of preventing and curing immigrants from culture shock. Basic Knowledge About Culture Shock Statistics from 2000 based on the U.S. Census show that each year, the largest groups of immigrants over the past ten years came from: Mexico (nearly 2 million, or 25%); the Caribbean (11% - 836,200); China/Hong Kong/Taiwan (6.6% - 501,000); South America (5.8% - 443,000); Filipinos (5.7% - 432,100) etc. Almost all psychologists and anthropologists agree that almost all immigrants suffer from culture shock which includes many physical symptoms such as: headaches, lethargy, insomnia, loss of appetite, irregularities digestive or psychological symptoms such as irritability, anger over minor frustrations, confusion about morals and values, feelings of low mood, isolation and insecurity. This takes place in 4 different stages. When a person arrives in a foreign country, he will first find everything interesting and attractive. However, subsequently, he will face many challenges in various aspects of his studies and daily life. All one's predictions and plans will be changed and stress will result from difficulties such as homesickness, feelings of loneliness, overwhelm, weather allergies, etc. This step is called “negotiation”. After overcoming the second stage, he will have to get used to the new environment and develop his routines. Everything will be in order and he will learn how to face difficulties and resolve them in a strong and confident way. He will also know how to enjoy life and encourage himself to continue. This is the final stage illustrating the changes evident in one's mind, lifestyle... Possible Causes of Culture Shock Culture shock is caused by many causes analyzed and written about by Miller and International Business Research ISSN, including major ones such than language (64%); immigration policies (61%); mentality (mental attitude) (60%); education system (58%); interpersonal communication (body language, facial expression) (58%); food (57%) and others. However, it also depends on each individual coming from different regions and theirability to integrate, communicate, manage time, etc. For example, the ISSN shows that language is the major element causing culture shock for students from Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe, while most students from Africa and Western Europe must struggle with interpersonal communication as well as politics and mentality. Culture shock also appears due to age differences. In fact, the youngest must suffer much more than the older ones, because they hardly experience enough to overcome this phenomenon quickly. And gender difference is a less important reason behind culture shock. Agreeing with this argument, world-renowned anthropologist Oberg spoke about the feelings and reactions of people who study and work abroad: despite their ability to communicate and integrate, a series of challenges will put you under a strong pressure that will lead you to feelings of tension, anxiety or even depression. The findings of Myron Loss's (1983) study are similar to the ideas put forward when he highlighted the causes that lead foreign students and workers to culture shock. According to the writer, every person who arrives in a new country must face changes in language, culture, daily routine, relationships and may experience a loss of understanding as well as emotional and evaluative disorientation. More generally, culture shock mainly comes from a misinterpretation of the cultural values, beliefs, behaviors and norms of the new society. People ineffectively use their own culture as a standard for interpreting, judging, and behaving in the new culture. For example, collectivist societies (e.g. Mexico and the Philippines) tend to place greater value on behaviors that promote independence and group goals. In contrast, individualistic societies (e.g. the United States and Britain) are likely to engage in behaviors related to independence from the in-group and individual goals. Culture shock also occurs because individuals are unfamiliar with the reward and punishment systems associated with verbal and nonverbal behaviors in the host culture or because they cannot use their own cultural references to convey and validate the central aspects of their identity in a new culture. How to deal with culture shock? Culture shock is a very common phenomenon that every immigrant, for whatever reason, must suffer from. Many measures have been discovered by famous psychologists not only to treat but also to prevent. Schmitt - a traveler and psychology researcher advises that, to overcome culture shock, you should learn as much as possible about your host country, for example by obtaining as much information as possible through the Internet, travel forums, guides, reports or novels and by preparing well in advance. move abroad. You should also talk to people who have been there or, better yet, are from there. Specifically, it is necessary for you to expand your communication network for advice and support, as well as to learn as much as possible about what is considered polite or impolite. For example, did you know that it is rude to step over someone's bag in Madagascar? Research from the University of Sydney (July 2011) provides insight into some strategies for promoting a 'cultural adventure'. First of all, it is advisable to keep everything in a positive perspective and give yourself the necessary motivation to overcome the