Adapt to a new culture

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

Learn more about:

• Integrating
• Enjoying winter
• Shopping
• Carrying identification and traveling outside of Canada