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COPING WITH CULTURE SHOCK
Everyone is raised with a different set of values and beliefs which have been ingrained into us as we grow up. Often, people’s perception of what is right and wrong, acceptable or unacceptable is different depending on what country, social class or situation we grow up in. We often don’t realize it, but all of us have filters we’ve grown up with which cloud true open-minded thinking.
Initially, when we move to a place where the culture, lifestyle and language are so different from ours, we may be excited by the prospect of experiencing a new environment. However, at some point, when our values and beliefs start to clash with the different viewpoints of others, culture shock may set in.
Symptoms of culture shock may include frustration, heightened irritability, a strong desire to go back home, unwarranted criticism of the culture and people, the urge to avoid everyone and anything that’s different, and having utopian ideas about your own culture. At some point, a conflict will inevitably arise within yourself about your new ambiguous surroundings. There are two primary ways which people will deal with these conflicting feelings:
-Negative attitude- Withdrawal, depression, and refusal to accept the foreign culture
-Positive attitude- Willingness to understand, to embrace, and to creatively interact with the new culture.
SPECIFIC COPING STRATEGIES
1. Know what to expect- One of the best things you can do to combat culture shock is to arm yourself with information. Read everything you can about Korea and it’s unique culture so you can understand why people act the way the do. Check out these links on this website.
Cultural Insights about Korea
Only in Korea-Find out what weird and wonderful things exist only in Seoul
Also, the tourist information centers scattered around the city are a wealth of information. They have terrific maps of the different neighborhoods as well as good general information on Seoul . Don’t feel left out, find out!
BBB Volunteer translation service- 1588-5644
Itaewon Tourist Info Center- 3785-0942
Tongdaemun Tourist Info Center- 2236-9135
Myong Dong Tourist Info Center- 757-0088
Korea Travel Phone 1330
2. Learn the language- One of the biggest factors contributing to culture shock in Korea is the language barrier. Even if you’re only going to be here for 6 months, it behooves you to at least learn how to read Korean so you can read signs and shop at the supermarket. If you can learn enough to count, to shop and to get around in taxis, then your situation will become even more comfortable. If you can learn enough to make small talk, this will increase your enjoyment of Korea tenfold.
3. Find a hobby or find something to do in your spare time- This entire site- seoulstyle.com is dedicated to leisure activity information. Don’t just sit around moping at home. There are loads of things to do in Seoul ! You can go running in the park, or take pilates or yoga classes, you can sign up for flower arranging classes, painting classes or hanji classes with SIWA (A women’s group. See below). You also might try going to a nice restaurant, check out the terrific nightlife or volunteer your time to a charity organization.
4. Make a network of friends- Luckily, the expat community in Seoul is quite small, so we have a pretty good chance to run into each other. Print out business cards with your contact details and take advantage of opportunities to network and meet each other. You might just find some good friends to help you enjoy your time in Seoul . Some good organizations for ladies are:
Seoul International Women’s Association
http://www.siwapage.com
American Women’s Club-532-4914
http://www.awckorea.org
Wine and Women Korea- a social club for women who appreciate wines
cghamel@hotmail.com
The Chambers of commerce like ANZCCK (Australia and New Zealand) usually also hold regular networking nights.
http://www.anzcck.org/Events/index.html
Also, check the seoulstyle upcoming calendar for other social opportunities.
5. Meet Korean people- Don’t limit your circle of friends to foreigners. Try to befriend and talk to as many Koreans as you can. Korean friends can give you a good insight into the culture and will enrich your life in Seoul . If a Korean becomes your good friend, you can also call them for help with translation if you're ever in a bind.
6. Take advantage of Korea ’s unique traits- Don’t miss what you don’t have in Korea, instead why not enjoy what is uniquely Korean? Go to the Korean sauna, go on an all night shopping spree, get your hair blown out for 15 dollars! Have some tasty Korean barbeque, rent a Korean movie or take a walk in Namsan Park , Insadong or on the Cheonggyecheon stream. Boredom is in your own mind.
7. Get an attitude adjustment-
-Don’t allow little things to annoy you or stress you out. If you get cut off by a bus or get shoved by an ajuma, just get over it. It won’t do any good to you carry around your anger all day.
-Don’t view things as right or wrong. It’s just different. That’s all.
- If you can’t change your situation, then change your attitude. Adjusting well and having positive experiences can only come through the willingness to accept and understand.
Good Luck!
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