Those of us who are new to Mexico have the opportunity to learn a great deal about this country and its culture. In addition, we have the unique opportunity to learn about yourselves. We are experiencing the fascination of living in another country as well as the frustration of missing things that were so familiar to us at home. As we continue to experience living in Mexico and it's culture, it has become important for us to reflect on and discuss our experiences with others here. Thus the bond of new friendships becomes so very important to us both.
Anyone who is going to live in another country for an extended period of time should be aware of culture shock. While living in a new setting with unfamiliar social behaviors and a different language is certainly exciting, the excitement invariably includes feelings of disorientation and sometimes a little anxiety. I researched this a little and below is an excerpt of what seems to be agreed on by many new transplants here...............
Anyone who is going to live in another country for an extended period of time should be aware of culture shock. While living in a new setting with unfamiliar social behaviors and a different language is certainly exciting, the excitement invariably includes feelings of disorientation and sometimes a little anxiety. I researched this a little and below is an excerpt of what seems to be agreed on by many new transplants here...............
Culture shock is the emotional reaction to difficulties you may experience when you are cut off from familiar cultural patterns, including the subtle, indirect ways in which you normally express yourself and when you are unable to understand or predict what is going on around you. The everyday activities that you are used to accomplishing with ease in your home country, now sometimes seem like major endeavors. The symptoms frequently associated with culture shock include boredom, the need of excessive sleep, compulsive eating or drinking, family tension and conflict, and chauvinistic feelings. These symptoms may last from a few weeks to several months. Because everyone responds to culture shock differently, just be aware that it is a normal process and it happens to everybody. Culture shock is the process of adjusting to a new country and a new culture, and it has some stages with which you should become familiar.
The Honeymoon stage: upon arrival, your first reaction will most likely be that great enthusiasm, even dream-like. Adjustments are easily made in this phase. During this stage you should do as much as possible to get settled down.
The crisis stage: As your life settles into a routine, your initial euphoria fades and the challenges of adjustment become more apparent. For example, growing frustration with the language and cultural differences is common, turning some everyday events into significant challenges and small difficulties into major hindrances.
The flight stage: In response to these frustrations and anxieties, you may deny the reality that you are living in a different culture. You consequently adopt any number of avoidances techniques, such as refusing to go out regularly, burying yourself into books, or frequently contacting family and friends in your home country in order to resist engagements with the new culture.
The integration stage: All the different stages start to balance out and you begin to adjust in more positive ways to your surroundings. Your ability to interpret cultural signs improves. You are able to enjoy and begin to understand and grasp the Mexican customs while appreciating those of your country. You feel more capable and outgoing. However, this still includes moments of the earlier stages and difficult times. These fluctuations are normal and eventually you will experience the new culture from a more balanced perspective.
We have found that one of the best ways to deal with culture shock and to learn more about the Mexican culture is to get involved and participate in the varied social and cultural events offered here. Greg and I are slowly and steadily adjusting to our new world and at this time, after reading the above, feel we have hit the Intergration Stadge.
The Honeymoon stage: upon arrival, your first reaction will most likely be that great enthusiasm, even dream-like. Adjustments are easily made in this phase. During this stage you should do as much as possible to get settled down.
The crisis stage: As your life settles into a routine, your initial euphoria fades and the challenges of adjustment become more apparent. For example, growing frustration with the language and cultural differences is common, turning some everyday events into significant challenges and small difficulties into major hindrances.
The flight stage: In response to these frustrations and anxieties, you may deny the reality that you are living in a different culture. You consequently adopt any number of avoidances techniques, such as refusing to go out regularly, burying yourself into books, or frequently contacting family and friends in your home country in order to resist engagements with the new culture.
The integration stage: All the different stages start to balance out and you begin to adjust in more positive ways to your surroundings. Your ability to interpret cultural signs improves. You are able to enjoy and begin to understand and grasp the Mexican customs while appreciating those of your country. You feel more capable and outgoing. However, this still includes moments of the earlier stages and difficult times. These fluctuations are normal and eventually you will experience the new culture from a more balanced perspective.
We have found that one of the best ways to deal with culture shock and to learn more about the Mexican culture is to get involved and participate in the varied social and cultural events offered here. Greg and I are slowly and steadily adjusting to our new world and at this time, after reading the above, feel we have hit the Intergration Stadge.
Moving to Lake Chapala has been and continues to be one of the greatest, most exciting experiences of our lives to date. We are looking forward to being here for the rest of our lives!
Viva Mexico we say!
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