STAGES OF CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT

STAGE ONE: Enthusiasm/Excitement
The individual: is very positive about the culture.
is overwhelmed with impressions.
finds the culture exotic and is fascinated by it.
is largely passive, doesn't confront the culture.

STAGE TWO: Withdrawal/Loneliness
The individual: begins to interact with the culture.
finds the behavior of the people unusual and unpredictable.
begins to dislike the culture/reacts to the behavior.
feels anxiety.
begins to withdraw.
begins to criticize the culture/people.

STAGE THREE: Re-emergence/Adjustment
The individual: begins to understand more of the behavior of the people.
Feels more comfortable living in/encountering the culture.
feels isolated.
regains his/her sense of humor.

STAGE FOUR: Achievement/Enthusiasm
The individual: enjoys being in the culture.
functions easily in the culture.
prefers certain culture behavior to that of his/her own culture.
adopts certain behaviors.

SYMPTOMS OF CULTURE SHOCK:
- homesickness
- boredom
- lethargy
- withdrawal
- irritability
- hostility toward local people
- irrational anger
- excessive sleeping