The Rotary Youth Exchange Experience: Culture Shock and Reverse Culture Shock District 5440 Outbound Student Orientation – April 2019 Adapted from a presentation by Dennis White, Ph.D.
Culture An integrated system of learned behavior patterns that are characteristic of any given society. It refers to the total way of life, including how people think, feel and behave.
Culture Shock The profound sense of disorientation and discomfort that comes with extended travel or living in a foreign culture markedly different from one’s own.
Ethnocentrism: The universal tendency for any culture to see its own values and practices as natural and correct.
Ethnocentrism: All cultures are ethnocentric - and must be to impart their values to their members.
In a new culture everything is harder. Our own culture, or sub-culture, comes to us as naturally and unconsciously as our handedness.
Stages of Culture Shock: 1. Initial enthusiasm and excitement 2. Irritability and negativism 3. Gradual adjustment and adaptation 4. Integration and bi-culturalism
Rotary Youth Exchange Typical Culture Shock Cycle Months Pre- Departure 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Return …... Normal Level of Feelings Adapted from a model by Robert Kohls
Reverse Culture Shock (Re-entry Shock) The often unexpected and difficult period of disorientation and readjustment experienced after returning to one’s own culture after an extended period of living abroad.
Culture Shock The profound sense of disorientation and discomfort that comes with extended travel or living in a foreign culture markedly different from one’s own.
The Stages of Reverse Culture Shock are almost the same as those of Culture Shock • Initial Euphoria (may be very brief or not happen at all) • Irritability and Negativism (may be very lengthy) • Gradual Adaptation • True Bi-Culturalism
4 1 3 2 5 Return Home
Most people anticipate some degree of culture shock. Very few people believe they will experience reverse culture shock.
The Wizard of Oz – revisited” “Damn, Toto! We’re back in Kansas!”
THE WAVE Exercise
Culture Shock and Reverse Culture Shock are not just unpleasant side effects of international living. They are the necessary ingredients that bring about quality intercultural education.
Questions? Comments? Will this happen to you?
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