Adapting to culture shock
Common stages of adapting to culture shock
Though each person is different and will have a unique experience settling in to their new home, many people will go through four common stages of adapting to life in a new culture, often referred to as “culture shock.”
Contact an immigrant-serving organization to find out what resources are available in your community to help you cope with culture shock.
Stage 1: Happiness and fascination.
Just before or shortly after arriving in Canada you may:
- Have high hopes and expect great things
- Feel this is a very exciting time
- Feel everything is new and interesting
- Feel confident and that you can easily cope with problems and stress
- Tend to focus on what is similar between Canada and the culture and country you come from
Stage 2: Disappointment, confusing feelings, frustration and irritation.
During the first six months you may:
- Feel happy about the challenges you have overcome
- Feel frustrated, confused and disappointed
- Feel very positive one day and very negative the next
- Focus on the differences between yourself and Canadians
- Miss your family and feel no connection to Canada
- Have difficulty going to work or looking for work
- Feel loneliness for your country and loved ones
- Feel guilty about leaving family members behind
Stage 3: Gradual adjustment or recovery.
During this stage of adjustment you may:
- Feel more in control of your life as you gain a better understanding of Canada
- Feel more confident in your language skills
- Gradually get involved in the community
- Have a better understanding of how to adapt to life in Canada
- Have a better sense of what you need to do to get what you want in Canada
Stage 4: Acceptance and adjustment.
During this stage of adjustment you will likely:
- Feel more comfortable in Canada
- Have made some friends and be more involved in your new community
- Understand better how things are done in Canada
- Be studying, planning to return to school or working at better jobs
- Generally feel content about having come to Canada
Living in Canada Video
This video offers information about:
- Meeting people and making friends in Canada
- Getting used to your new home
- Children growing up in Canada
To watch the video, select your language and the topic “Living”.