Culture Shock
Drag the dot to explore the stages of culture shock
What it feels like
Everything is new, and your brain is busy just keeping up.
What helps at this stage (micro-actions)
- Learn 5 survival phrases
- Ask simple practical questions
- Start/ keep a small daily routine (walk, coffee, journal)
- Sort out communication with "back home"
- Make yourself a development plan (stuff you want to learn, places you want to visit, etc.)
Typical thoughts
“Wow, this is really happening.”
“I hope I don’t mess this up.”
Typical behaviours
Observing more than speaking
Copying what others do
Sticking closely to familiar people or routines
Arrival
What it feels like
The differences feel exciting and charming rather than difficult.
What helps at this stage (micro-actions)
- Enjoy it, but observe patterns
- Start learning how things really work
- Build one local habit (shop, café, gym)
- Learn how to socialize
- Start implementing your development plan (stuff you want to learn, places you want to visit, etc.)
Typical thoughts
“I love how different this is.”
“Why doesn’t everyone live like this?”
Typical behaviours
Exploring a lot
Posting happy photos
Comparing positively with home
Honeymoon
What it feels like
The novelty fades and the effort of adapting becomes visible.
What helps at this stage (micro-actions)
- Name what exactly feels hard
- Ask “how does this usually work here?”
- Reduce expectations of yourself
- Join expat clubs
- Start an activity (hobby, business, blog, etc.)
Typical thoughts
“Why is this so complicated?”
“At home, this was easier.”
Typical behaviours
Irritation with systems
More comparison with home
Feeling tired after social interactions
Reality Check
What it feels like
Emotional fatigue sets in, and frustration feels personal.
What helps at this stage (micro-actions)
- Talk to someone who understands adaptation, e.g. othr expats
- Limit big decisions
- Do one small thing that feels familiar every day
- Get physically active
- Set challenging goals for your activities (hobby, business, blog, etc.)
Typical thoughts
“Maybe I don’t belong here.”
“They don’t understand me.”
Typical behaviours
Withdrawal
Complaining more
Idealising home
Getting Tough
What it feels like
You start seeing patterns instead of chaos.
What helps at this stage (micro-actions)
- Learn one rule per week (work, social, admin)
- Observe before judging
- Practise without aiming for perfection
- Search for deeper connections
Typical thoughts
“Ah, that’s why they do it like this.”
“It’s different, but it makes sense.”
Typical behaviours
Testing your own new behaviours
Asking more targeted questions
Adjusting communication style
How Things Work
What it feels like
Daily life feels manageable without constant effort.
What helps at this stage (micro-actions)
- Reflect on progress
- Keep both old and new habits
- Build deeper relationships
- Join local activities
- Get interested/ learn local language (aim A2-B2)
Typical thoughts
“This feels normal now.”
“I know how to handle this.”
Typical behaviours
Less emotional reaction
More confidence in interactions
Less constant comparison with home
A New Normal
What it feels like
You feel at home without losing who you were before.
What helps at this stage (micro-actions)
- Keep cultural awareness alive
- Help/ mentor newcomers
- Stay curious instead of rigid
Typical thoughts
“I belong in more than one place.”
“I can function in different systems.”
Typical behaviours
Switching styles and codes depending on context
Explaining cultures to others
Feeling grounded in yourself
Home,
Version 2.0
If you feel stuck here for a long time, this is where coaching helps most.