5 Top Tips to Overcome Culture Shock
Getting the chance to be an intern abroad might be an intriguing experience for anyone. It is not suprising if someone has a lot of energy at the beginning that comes from the excitement of travelling to a new place. However, it should be noted that there is a new culture that a person needs to face and adapt. That is why, it is also not surprising if that excitement slowly evaporates as the surprises start to drain the energy. This phenomenon is usually known as culture shock.
If you happen to feel the culture shock, keep it in your mind that it is really important to know how to overcome it. Otherwise, it can affect your work performance and even lead to stress.
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Worry not, these are 5 top tips to overcome culture shock especially for a new intern:
Get to know the culture
One thing that can be done if you want to avoid culture shock is by learning the culture of the host country beforehand. By doing this, you can prepare yourself to face the “surprises” that you will meet later on and lessen the shock. However, do not be only satisfy with this. Keep yourself getting to know the culture even after you arrive to destination country. Be curious, learn the culture, and do not forget to be opened with the differences so that you can adapt yourself with the new circumstances.
Write the things you love when you arrive
Make use of your hype when you arrive at your destination country. Explore the area you’re living as much as you can and spare your time to do what you want to do. Write it in your notebook, gadget, or anywhere. But make sure you can get back to read it again. This will help reminding yourself about the fun that you ever had and make you feel better.
Remember your goal
I believe that you have a certain purpose or goal when you decide to do intership abroad. Keep reminding yourself about your goal; why want to take the opportunity, what you want to achieve, what you can get from the experience. If you need to, you can note it down and put it in your notebook or hang it in you room. Be sure it is in the place where you can reach anytime. This will help your mind to stay positive during yout intership period.
Make friends with local people
This thing will give you several advantages at once; you can broaden your relationship, you will learn the culture directly from the experts, you can have a healthy distraction. So, swallow the fear and try to push yourself to be friends with the locals. Surely, you will meet people who will welcome you.
Be curious and get active
Finding new things means that you’ll have many things to explore. Try new food, go on a trip, attend local events, find new hobbies, and many more. The more you allow yourself to see the good sides, the better you’ll adapt to the new culture.
Internship abroad is not just about travelling but also a challenge. It will be better if you be prepared for the surprises and roller coaster experience that will happen ahead. However, do not let yourself down because it is an experience that is worth to take. Contact us to plan your internship journey!