Culture Shock: How to Cope with International Travel

There are many issues that Americans face when it comes to International travel, especially if you will be staying in a foreign country for several weeks or months. Far from home, you are forced to integrate yourself in an unfamiliar culture without the comforts of home, which can be overwhelming at times. Most people suffer from symptoms of culture shock when they travel or move internationally, so you should know that you aren't alone. Culture shock can be somewhat intimidating, so here are a few ways to deal.

Essentially, culture shock occurs as a result of disorientation with new surroundings. You've transplanted yourself from the familiar into completely unknown territory, and it isn't the big things -- like language barriers and confusing road maps -- that affect international travelers the most. It is the things that you don't expect which tend to throw you for a loop. You expect to have trouble understanding the locals, but have you considered the timetables of stores and restaurants? What about the way in which people conduct business? How about etiquette?

There are five basic stages of culture shock, so here is a brief explanation and a few tips to deal with each:

Stage 1: Honeymoon

The first stage of culture shock lasts for about two days and isn't the nightmare you might imagine. The honeymoon stage is the feeling of excitement and intrigue that everyone experiences when visiting a new country. You're in awe of everything around you and you still feel connected to life back home. You might call your parents or your friends to touch bases, but you're so preoccupied with the sights, smells and sounds of your new surroundings that you don't have the time or the inclination to feel homesick.

Don't allow the honeymoon stage of culture shock take its hold. While you should feel excited and you should anticipate all of the things you'll see and do, give yourself a chance to relax and unwind. Your nerves will likely be taut and you'll be exhausted by the time you fall into bed at night, so avoid coffee before bed time and try to eat your meals in your apartment or hotel.

Stage 2: Distress