Culture shock refers to the stresses and strains associated with adapting to life in a new and different cultural sphere.
Group shock refers to the stresses and strains associated with traveling with a group where norms of personal space and time may be disrupted
Symptoms: frustration, disorientation, mental fatique, failure to relate to others, ennui, loneliness, etc.
What can you do?
- Accept that there will be uncertainties, frustrations
- Be mindful of the traveling / culture shock U curve
- Remember ways in the past you have handled stress
- Accept the challenge of learning to live and study in a new setting
- Recognize the advantages of living in group setting
- Recognize your progress in adapting to the field school
- ‘Check in’ with yourself