Experiencing Culture Shock
by Suhail Alzuhairi
According to the article, Culture Shock by the Study Abroad Center of the University of California at Irvine, people enter a new culture enthusiastically but then they face differences that cause difficulties. I went through this process when I came to attend school in the United States. Culture shock, as it is called, does not happen in one single action, it is an ongoing process. For example, the weather, language, and different constitutions are some factors that make life more difficult and make time consuming to adapt to a new culture. It can be difficult to go through at first; however, people will adapt and get used to living with these differences. When I came to the U.S., I was very excited and eager to know everything about the American culture. However, I quickly became shocked by the differences from my own country, especially the differences in religious practices. For examples, praying and going to religious buildings, such as a church and temple, are very different than my own. In my religion, we are supposed to go to mosques and pray five times a day, while in other religions, people don't have to go to their religions' buildings. Coming from a country that has one major religion to a country with hundreds was very surprising and interesting because although people believe differently, they still are one nation. Furthermore, I noticed many other differences, such as the language, climate, driving practices, and the social practices. It took time to adapt and become comfortable with all of these new and fascinating ideas of the American culture. For example, when I first came to the U.S., I couldn't go out without wearing heavy clothes although it was summer, but now, I usually wear light, short clothes whether in spring or fall. In the end, people, including myself, become a part of the new culture and the new culture will become a part of us, too. Then, when we return to our own culture we will realize just how much we have changed.
Overall, the changes I experienced in moving to the United States were numerous. They were difficult to adapt to and caused me to look at how I could change to fit this culture without changing who I am personally. It took time to become comfortable in the new and different practices from the ones that I grew up with. Over time, I learned how to be immersed into a new culture while still embracing my own and being my own original self.
According to the article, Culture Shock by the Study Abroad Center of the University of California at Irvine, people enter a new culture enthusiastically but then they face differences that cause difficulties. I went through this process when I came to attend school in the United States. Culture shock, as it is called, does not happen in one single action, it is an ongoing process. For example, the weather, language, and different constitutions are some factors that make life more difficult and make time consuming to adapt to a new culture. It can be difficult to go through at first; however, people will adapt and get used to living with these differences. When I came to the U.S., I was very excited and eager to know everything about the American culture. However, I quickly became shocked by the differences from my own country, especially the differences in religious practices. For examples, praying and going to religious buildings, such as a church and temple, are very different than my own. In my religion, we are supposed to go to mosques and pray five times a day, while in other religions, people don't have to go to their religions' buildings. Coming from a country that has one major religion to a country with hundreds was very surprising and interesting because although people believe differently, they still are one nation. Furthermore, I noticed many other differences, such as the language, climate, driving practices, and the social practices. It took time to adapt and become comfortable with all of these new and fascinating ideas of the American culture. For example, when I first came to the U.S., I couldn't go out without wearing heavy clothes although it was summer, but now, I usually wear light, short clothes whether in spring or fall. In the end, people, including myself, 
Overall, the changes I experienced in moving to the United States were numerous. They were difficult to adapt to and caused me to look at how I could change to fit this culture without changing who I am personally. It took time to become comfortable in the new and different practices from the ones that I grew up with. Over time, I learned how to be immersed into a new culture while still embracing my own and being my own original self.
what changes have you made since you are here in US? Do you think your personality has a little change when you return to your home country? such as your lifestyle...Thank you
ReplyDeleteI have changed the way that I express my feelings and thoughts. For example, expressing feelings and thoughts in Saudi Arabia is unwelcome. Saudis don't pay attention to expressions that are unnecessary. They feedback with enough reactions, while Americans react and feedback too much, and that allows me to express more than usual. This's also a change in my personality that I noted when I returned to my home country.
Delete"..it is called, does not happen in one single action.."
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm totally agree this! It is an interaction process.
However, I can't understand this part on the conclusion; ".... how I could change to fit this culture without changing who I am personally." Does it means that, "we have to fit foreign culture without changing who I am personally."? Please, explain that!
Anyway, you are so nice person who has good influences as I heard about your history in Spokane. Thank you!
Wow, Suhail. I love that you say this: "Over time, I learned how to be immersed into a new culture while still embracing my own and being my own original self." That is really hard to do. Besides becoming more expressive (which is the answer you gave to Vinh), what other changes have you had in yourself?
ReplyDelete