Research shows that culture shock has four distinct stages – honeymoon, negotiation, adjustment, and adaptation.
Honeymoon Stage
The honeymoon stage of culture shock is the first stage and is usually the most euphoric time where you’ll be thrilled to be in a new environment and fascinated by all the exciting and different aspects of a different country and its culture.
Everything from the sights sounds and smells to the local people, their cultural habits, and the way of life is exciting. Sadly, however, the honeymoon period must always come to an end.
Negotiation Stage
As the initial excitement of being in a new place wears off, feelings of disorientation and irritation begin to set in. You’ll find begin to feel overwrought from misunderstanding others’ actions or language, cultural differences, or ways of doing things that you instinctively understand at home.
These feelings can make you begin to feel disconnected and lonely and unable to cope, and you begin to miss your old way of life. It is during this stage that physical symptoms may begin to appear, and you could experience minor health ailments from stress.
Adjustment Stage
At around six months life gradually starts to get better and routine sets in. You will start to become more familiar with everything from local customs and culture to the language and food. You will begin to gain a better understanding of the local way of life abroad. You will have made some friends, perhaps learned a bit of the language, and gained your bearings around town.
Adaptation
The adaptation stage is also known as the bicultural stage as you now feel comfortable in your host country and will feel like you have the ability to cope with things. You will have a strong sense of belonging, and will finally begin to feel comfortable in your new home abroad.