Culture shock is that lost feeling that comes when you’re in an environment for the first time.
On a trip overseas, the sights, sounds, and smells are all different than from what you and your group are used to experiencing. Your sense of normalcy is completely flipped upside down.
Sometimes your brain and emotions have difficulty processing the information overload. Culture shock can leave you feeling like all you want to do is curl up in your bed in a ball, hold your hands over your ears, and yell until it all goes away.
Culture shock doesn’t have to be a debilitating experience, though. There are ways you can prepare yourself and your group for an international mission trip to lower the levels of culture shock you’ll experience.
Be Prepared
Know what you’re getting into. Buy a Lonely Planet or travel guide and read it. Research the climate, cultural behaviors, and country history. Talk to someone who’s been there and ask about their experience. You don’t have to be an expert on where you’re going, but it’s good to not blindly head into the situation.
Not Everyone Speaks English
It sounds simple, but it’s true. While a good chunk of the world does speak English, don’t assume everyone does. Pick up a phrase book, learn a few words, then try using them whenever possible. Showing someone the respect of attempting to speak their language (even if you’re butchering it) goes much further than if you don’t try at all.
Try to Blend In
As someone who’s lived overseas and traveled a fair bit, I can spot a fellow American from a mile away. We stand out. We’re loud, dress differently, and have a knack for causing a stir wherever we go. Do your best to blend in, obey cultural rules, and try not to draw attention to yourself. It might be impossible to completely blend in, but you don’t always have to announce your presence everywhere you go.
It’s Not Weird, It’s Different
This is a good lesson to teach to teens. When you come across something that’s different from what you’re used to, it’s not “weird.” Don’t point and stare (and if it’s a food, be polite and try it). How we do things in the U.S. isn’t the “right way” or “normal” and not everyone does it the same way worldwide. Putting yourself in the right frame of mind will help you experience a new culture better and learn a thing or two.
Ask Questions
If you don’t understand why another culture works the way it does, ask. Use your interpreters, site leaders, or locals as sources for information. It’s perfectly okay to quietly ask, “What’s going on?” when you haven’t got a clue. And it’ll make you feel more comfortable with your experience once you have the answer.
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.
Talk about your experiences with others. If you’re in shock, they probably are, too. It’s easier not to face these things alone. If you’re on a trip by yourself, find someone to connect with (whether back home or in another country) and talk about what you’re doing and seeing. Even if they’re not going through what you are, it helps to talk it out. Don’t discount the power of prayer, either. Ask for the wisdom to understand what you’re experiencing and the strength to continue on.
For those of you who have traveled or done missions work before, we’d love to hear about your experiences. Leave a comment with a coping strategy for culture shock and help out other youth workers!
