Cultural Shock Essay

1) Cultural Shock

First and foremost, the most significant change I recall of experiencing was migrating from Nepal and settling in the UK with my family. Moving into a country of different tradition and society offered various challenges. The transition of moving to a completely different country welcomed surprise element of ‘shock’ with a primarily negative aspect of changes (Kubler-ross, 1969). The cultural shock was very apparent and inevitable which resulted in challenges such as adopting the new language, recognising social behaviour and responsibilities.

Due to my ‘denial’ mental attitude of accepting changes, ‘acceptance’ and transitioning towards western lifestyle were quite difficult and lengthy process. It displayed my obstacle

This shows that similar actions in the future could be experienced with ‘foreign element’ problems of resistance and lack of resilience towards risky changes that require a response (Satir et al, 1991).

Future implications

However, it did not seem to be the case during this past summer when I went to China to do an internship for the duration of the two-month period. I experienced similar element of ‘shock’ with tradition and cultural differences but eventually was able to quickly accept and adapt to the situation (Kubler-ross, 1969). It applies to the Kolb’s learning cycle of conceptualizing on the past experience and interpreting them to reflect and conduct effective action when confronted by a similar event (Kolb, 1984). As I was able to effortlessly transition towards dealing with adjustment to change during my time in China.

In Nepal, the educational system was very rigorous and strict with a structured method of teaching and individualistic learning style for the local students. However, the contrast approach shifted more towards flexible and collaborative manner when I moved to the UK.

Having the required attention to react and adapt to the changing situation process triggered my psychological mindset of feeling the ‘sense of incompetence’ (Kubler-ross, 1969). The sense of uncertainty in my confidence truly presented itself as it obstructed my ability to naturally blend within my year group.

Reflecting on it, one of the prominent influencing factors was language issue that hindered my progress. Although academically my English was sufficiently adequate I would struggle with the practical aspect of speaking. During any sort of communication and interactive exercises, I would struggle to speak English because of the fear of being judged and the impulsive decision of overthinking