Culture Shock: Finding Your Feet in a New Culture

You’ve probably heard the term before, especially if you or someone you know has moved to a new country. But what is culture shock, really?

Culture shock is the mix of feelings you get when everything around you suddenly feels unfamiliar — different food, language, norms, ways of communicating, rules, humour, and even the weather. It’s like stepping into a brand-new world where your usual “life map” doesn’t fit anymore. The good news? It’s completely normal and part of adjusting to a new place. (MDPI)

So if you have ever felt confused, frustrated, sad, or overwhelmed after moving somewhere new, don’t worry, you’re not weird or doing it wrong. You’re human.

The 4 Stages of Culture Shock

The four stages of culture shock were first described by anthropologist Kalervo Oberg (1960) and have since been widely used in migration and mental health research. Culture shock is a normal part of adjusting to a new place. Many people experience these stages:

Honeymoon – Everything feels new and exciting.

Frustration – Challenges feel stressful; homesickness may appear.

Adjustment – Life starts to feel easier and more familiar.

Acceptance – You feel settled and more at home.

Remember: Everyone’s journey is different, and it’s okay to move between stages. Support and time make a big difference.

A Couple of Eye-Opening Stats

Culture shock is not uncommon — it’s experienced by most people who relocate:

Around 92% of people living abroad say adapting to a new culture is challenging, and about 65% say it’s extremely or very difficult to adjust at first. (International Citizens Insurance)

Research also shows that a significant number of migrants may experience feelings of stress, loneliness, or emotional strain related to adjusting to a new culture — especially if they lack strong social support or face language barriers. (GOV.UK)

That means if you’re struggling, you’re in good company!

Why Culture Shock Matters in Our Community

Culture shock is not just a personal experience — it affects families, friendships, relationships with services (such as schools or doctors), and even children adjusting between home and school cultures.

Understanding culture shock helps us:

·       Recognise that adjustment takes time

·       Support friends, neighbours, and newcomers more compassionately

·       Build stronger, more inclusive communities

·       Create spaces where people don’t just survive — they belong

Being part of a new culture doesn’t mean forgetting where you come from. It means learning, growing, and building a unique mix of experiences that shapes you — and enriches your community.

How We Can Move Forward Together

Here are simple ways communities can help people through culture shock:

• Talk about it openly — sharing stories makes adjustment feel less scary

• Build support networks — friendships, groups, meetups, and community spaces matter

• Learn about each other’s cultures — curiosity builds connection

• Celebrate small wins — every step of feeling understood counts

Everyone’s journey is different — and that’s the beauty of a diverse community.