Culture Shock

Symptoms of Culture Shock

• “I hate Japan – why can’t they just see common sense”

• “They are all talking about me”• “They are all starting at me”• “The smallest trivial things make me so

upset” • “Am I going mad?”• “I just want to go home”

Example

• from David Leary – The ironing board

Stages of culture shock

• Preliminary or preparation stage• Initial euphoria on arrival• Irritability• Gradual adjustment• Adaptation and biculturism

Cycle of Culture Shock

Cycle of Culture Shock

Tips to Survive• Keep a sense of humour• Listen, watch and learn • Get involved • But don’t think you have to be a “super jet”• Make new friends• Exercise – go for a ride on your bike!• Sleep• “Juck fapan Days”• Other Gaijin• Drink but not to excess• Travel• In a worst case scenario get help

Reverse Culture Shock

• Not just when you go to Japan, also when you come back

• Come back after this fantastic experience and people don’t understand.