How to deal with a culture shock when volunteering

What is a culture shock?

Unfortunately, what often follows the euphoria is culture shock. Accordingly, travelers and also you as a volunteer can suffer from a frightening experience of a foreign culture. The more the culture of the destination country differs from your own, the more likely you are to become a victim of culture shock. Then sobering often sets in abruptly and the first major challenges and misunderstandings suddenly appear in your perfect world. Negative thoughts, the feeling of “I just don’t belong here.” and the desire to return to your home country leave their mark. The good news is that culture shock is completely normal and you can overcome it in no time with a variety of tricks! And how?- don’t worry, I’ll explain it to you in this guide! 

But first you should know that after every low comes a high again. After the culture shock, you usually automatically enter the recovery phase, in which you regenerate from time to time. This phase is characterized by the development of an understanding for your new environment. You get used to the new surroundings and eventually make friends with the new culture.

The final phase of such a process is the adaptation. You see your new world with different eyes, there are fewer misunderstandings and you no longer judge so negatively. Your mood lifts and you are clearly more satisfied, more balanced and even adapt behavioral patterns of the culture.

What an emotional roller coaster! That can be quite scary, isn’t it? Luckily, you’re not alone and I’m going to give you our best tips for your voluntiere journey!

Preparation is key

In general, it can be said that preparing for a different culture can help you face possible challenges. This includes, for example, learning the language in language courses, teaching yourself, or maybe you even know someone who speaks the language you want to learn fluently? It also makes sense to learn about local customs and traditions in advance. This is not only super interesting, but can also lead to less problems with locals. Also, you should question your expectations in advance – are my expectations really realistic? Did I perhaps already put on the rose-colored glasses and idealized everything? In doing so you will know what to expect in reality and you will be able to avoid disappointment.

The arrival

As explained before, arrivals are often initially in the “honeymoon phase” and then fall into a culture shock. During this time, a lot of impressions, reactions and feelings, such as joy, but also fears, can overwhelm you. First, become aware of your feelings and accept them as they are. Then you can use different coping mechanisms to reduce the culture shock. You could, for example, continue with your routine as you are used to it from your home country. If you used to go jogging in the morning, you could try this in your new home. If there is not a forest nearby, look for other options, such as a park or a beach. Try to stay flexible and look around for other ways to go, because often there is not only one solution!

Dealing with culture shock

With a little patience, things will settle down naturally over time. For sure you will become accustomed to the living conditions with some confidence. Through acceptance and adaptation, you may find that not all the peculiarities of the new culture are bad. Realizing that helps to grow your tolerance for new adventures and you become a more diverse person. Maybe some things are even better than in your home country.

If you want to help yourself, language or leisure courses can help you to find new contacts and friends. Exchanging ideas with like-minded people who are on the same journey as you, can also have a positive effect on homesickness and loneliness. By the way: This also includes the communication with locals. In addition it is advisable to remember the purpose of your trip, as this will certainly give you new motivation and strength. Finally, once you have overcome the culture shock and arrived in the new country, you will actually appreciate the culture. Furthermore you may be able to adapt behavioral traits of the new culture.

Local collaboration- how it works

Adapting to a new volunteer environment is also part of a stay abroad. It helps to find out about the NGO in advance and get an overview. “What values are represented?”, “How does the team work?” or “What is expected of me?” are questions that can help you. Commitment and professionalism are also among the skills you should bring to the table. Joining a Volunteer World project also means to cooperate with locals, which means you should keep in mind that other countries have different customs. According to this openness and mutual understanding are key here.

At the same time, there may be language barriers with the locals in general. In this case it helps to speak slowly and clearly, to use gestures and facial expressions and to avoid idioms. And as the saying goes, practice makes perfect! So don’t be shy and just speak for once, because we humans learn best by doing.

Cultural Differences are real

There are many different cultural norms, values, taboos, customs and communication styles to consider. Misunderstandings can quickly get in the way. To avoid this, open communication and respectful interaction are important. In addition, mutual curiosity and the desire to understand your counterpart are good skills for solving cultural differences. You could also ask your counterpart if he or she would be willing to discuss a cultural issue where you challenge typical stereotypes. When it comes to strengthening your cultural awareness, you can share traditions with others and engage with new ones – whether in your personal life or in the volunteer place.