Culture is fascinating! Did you know that the term Culture Shock was not even identified or defined until 1958? Millions of expats, or global nomads experienced it without knowing it was “normal” or even had a name! Culture shock has been described as the reaction to the psychological disorientation most people experience when they move for an extended period of time into a culture different from their own. One might say that culture shock is an occupational hazard of every expat employee and his/her family. Culture shock can be manifested physically as well as emotionally and does not strike suddenly, but is cumulative. Therefore, each individual, each family member may experience it in different ways, at different times and a different rate. It comes from the experience of encountering ways of doing, organizing, perceiving or valuing things which are unlike one’s own patterns, and threaten the basic, unconscious belief that our “encultured” customs, assumptions, and behaviors are “right”. Symptoms appear at varied times depending on many factors including age, marital status, health, personality, goals and foreignness of the culture. The most successful corporate expatriates are the ones who are prepared to recognize these symptoms, the stages and most of all the strategies for gradual and positive adjustment. Being able to react appropriately is valuable for these corporate travelers and for their families who support the corporation’s efforts. Global LT’s Cultural Training Programs - Culture Shock