|
|
 |
Top Ten Ways to Cope with
Culture Shock
10. Lock yourself in your flat and take the day off. Do something you
really enjoy like reading a favorite novel.
9. Seek out contact with the home culture so that adjusting can occur
over a period of time and not all at once. Expatriates living in Kyiv
have unique perspectives on life in the city. Getting to know some folks
from America and discussing your stress can provide some relief and make
you aware you are not alone.
8. Watch your favorite American movie while eating your favorite American
food.
7. Try to learn as much Russian as possible, making it easier to feel
independent.
6. Take care of yourself: eating correctly, exercising regularly and getting
plenty of sleep help most people relieve the stress of living in a foreign
culture.
5. Carefully share your frustrations with local Christians with whom you
have become friends. You might be surprised to learn that they are often
frustrated by the same things. They may also be able to help you understand
why things are the way they are.
4. Learn as much as possible about the history of Ukraine. This will help
you converse intelligently with nationals and make you feel more a part
of your surroundings. Kyiv and Ukraine share a long and often distressing
past.
3. Just expecting that you will not feel totally normal in a new culture
can help. Some people think that a new culture will have no effect on
them. The truth is, it may take as long as six months for you to feel
at home in your new home.
2. Early on in your stay, make notes of things that are different from
your home culture. Attempt not to assign judgment to these observations
– instead, ask why and seek out answers from nationals.
1. Take time each month to treat yourself to the American way of dealing
with culture shock – Double Cheeseburger at McDonalds! Or find a favourite
hang out spot (many like the Baboon Cafe) and spend the afternoon relaxing
there.
|
|
|
