Cultuurschok

Cultuurschok, or culture shock, is the psychological and emotional response that can occur when a person encounters a culture that is substantially different from their own. It involves disorientation, stress, and a sense of loss of familiar cues, and can affect thinking, mood, and physical well‑being. Common triggers include language barriers, unfamiliar social norms and etiquette, different values and beliefs, climate and food, as well as bureaucratic systems and expectations related to housing, work, and schooling.

Experiences often unfold in stages. The initial stage, sometimes called the honeymoon phase, is marked by excitement and novelty. This is followed by the negotiation or crisis phase, where differences become frustrating and alienating. Gradually individuals may move to adjustment, and eventually to mastery, where some level of comfort and competence in the new culture is achieved. Not all individuals pass through every stage, and some may experience recurrent episodes, especially during re-entry after returning home.

The duration and intensity of cultuurschok vary widely and depend on factors such as personality, previous cross-cultural experience, preparation, language proficiency, social support, and the degree of cultural distance between the origin and host cultures.

Coping with cultuurschok often involves proactive preparation before exposure, active language learning, building social networks, maintaining routines, and seeking culturally sensitive ways to participate in daily life. While challenging, culture shock can contribute to intercultural competence and personal growth, by increasing adaptability and understanding of different worldviews.