Culture Shock
While in discussion with a Canadian consular official, Samantha, here in Chandigarh, the topic of culture shock came up. Before going on a traineeship, every AIESEC trainee goes through a culture shock seminar, or something along those lines, to learn all about this wonderful natural "syndrome." What I remember from the presentation was that culture shock started with the initial euphoria of being in another country (a week), then a low (another week), and then integration (the rest of the time). Of course, that may not exactly have been it, but it's vaguely what I recall.
What I was somewhat suprised to find out during yesterday's conversation was that the culture shock cycle takes about 6 months. Anywhere between 5-6 months into your time in another country, you start to experience a low. I've been here 5 months and a week now and I'm pretty sure that I'm going through it right now. I can honestly say that the Indian culture is starting to wear me down. One thing I've noticed is that I've lost my normal level of patience when dealing with curious locals that want to know as much as they can about me in as short amount of time as possible. Another thing is that I'm sick of having to bargain for everything and having people try to rip me off at every opportunity.
Apparently, things start to get better after you pass 6 months. Since I'm only staying a total of 7, I probably won't get to feel the full effect. I've often asked fellow trainees what the ideal length of a traineeship is. My personal opinion is 5 months, but others would say more like a year. From what I am experiencing now, 6 or 7 months seems like too short but too long all at the same time - it's like being in culture shock limbo.
Anyone else have ideas on this matter?
posted by kent @ 3:26 a.m.
9
comments
9 Comments:
For me i think my high ended after 6 weeks, and the low is still going on (so i guess 3-4 weeks now)
I think it has also corresponded to friends leaving - at the start it was all good fun, chatting away getting to know people, travelling and marvelling at all the crazy/stupid Indian ways, and of course making movies. But now, there are fewer people here, things are being stolen from the house, there is nothing to do in the evening, and work is pretty boring. oh, and the traffic p*sses me off at every turn.
But, according to the graph i was shown, things should be picking up soon. Maybe that will correspond to Kent leaving!!! Haha
looks like another month or so of hell for ya, then. But ya, the traffic is the same for me. It's a matter of survival out there, instead of an enjoyable way to get to work.
Ya, the stolen articles from the house are really annoying. It's hard to feel comfortable, or happy, when none of your possessions are safe.
Ya
I think that the big part of the problem with Indians trying to rip you off is in your attitude. I guess that if you didn't wear that friendly, merry-go-lucky face all the time, the Indians wouldn't bug you as much, nor try your bargaining skills (and patience :) ). Every now and then, when I get tired of their curiosity or when I NEED to buy something, I just put on my don't-touch-me-or-I'll-bite-off-your-arm hat :), and immediately the initial bargaining prices drop and curious questions stop. I think my horrible beard also helps. :)
But, you are right: there are up and down periods. Though, in my case, they are mostly connected to our roomies leaving. :(
Damn Canadian habits. And, yes, that is one horrible beard....
Unfortunately, i have a problem not being nice to people. My "wrath" consists of a frustrated "leave me alone" or the silent treatment - not the most effective tactics here.
Honestly, I think i'm just letting the people, and other things, get to me. Normally, I just shrug stuff like this off...without any problem whatsoever, but now it all seems different.
To me, it's a sign that it's time to go home. I've seen a ton of stuff over the last 11 months and have had to adapt/re-adapt more times than i care to think about.
I've been reading your blog regularly and have to say I am impressed with how up to date you've been. It sounds like India is taking a toll on all of you. Welcome to India! You guys should live in Delhi for awhile and then go back to Chandigarh, that'll perk you up for sure.
It's nice to hear that fellow Canadians are feeling the same way as I am and believe me, even if I am Indian and know some Hindi, it is still a challenge.
I'll be in India until March/April. Let me know next time you are in Delhi.
Thanks, Shelly.
I'm not sure I could handle the pollution day in and day out. The only difference in delhi is that there's something to do...or at least that's the vision I have.
It sounds like you work a lot, so you probably have less time than we do, which makes it irrelevant that there is lots to do.
Just yesterday, I had a guy demand that I help him get a canadian visa. It wasn't about being polite, either...it was, "help me because you're rich and i'm not." Don't even get me started...
Anyways, i will let you know the next time i'm in delhi.
that's ok!! u will survive!!!
Yes! I think I'll keep my beard, no matter how horible it is! Yesterday I got us (Ry & me) a rickshaw from work to Fun Republic for Rp 30! Earlier, when I used to do it with Sal and no beard :), we were happy to get it for 50! :)
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