Experiencing a new culture --the W curve

For the benefit of those not from Communication Studies (and also for those who are and didn't pay attention in class!), there are basically 5 stages that one goes through when one experiences a new culture.

1. The "Honeymoon" Stage
When you first arrive in a new culture, differences are intriguing and you may feel excited, stimulated and curious. At this stage you are still protected by the close memory of your home culture.

2. The "Distress" Stage
A little later, differences create an impact and you feel confused, isolated, or inadequate as cultural differences intrude and familiar supports (eg family or friends) are not immediately available.

3. "Re-integration" Stage
Next you may reject the differences you encounter. You may feel angry or frustrated, or hostile to the new culture. At this stage you may be conscious of mainly how much you dislike it compared to home. Don't worry, as this is quite a healthy reaction. You are reconnecting with what you value about yourself and your own culture.

4. "Autonomy" Stage
Differences and similarities are accepted. You may feel relaxed, confident, more like an old hand as you become more familiar with situations and feel well able to cope with new situations based on your growing experience.

5. "Independence" Stage
Differences and similarities are valued and important. You may feel full of potential and able to trust yourself in all kinds of situations. Most situations become enjoyable and you are able to make choices according to your preferences and values.

If you're interested to see how the stages fall on the W curve, go:
http://www.queensu.ca/quic/wsa/orientation/guide/SWTA_15.pdf

Now you know what interesting stuff i learn in school. But that's beside the point. It's cool to be able to apply something you learn to your life. No that's not the point. The point is...

I'm in the "distress" stage! Yes i'm feeling confused, isolated and inadequate as cultural differences intrude and family and friends (that's you! haha) are not immediately available.

I'm beginning to feel disturbed and out of place when:

An article used as an example in journalism class writes about the milestone of losing your virginity (among many others) and goes: Make sure you're ready for the experience. Don't ever be coerced into doing things you don't really feel comfortable about. And my lecturer says: "Who is the writer kidding? Unless she is writing for 16-year-old teens, most people who read this would have gone past that. There is no point giving such advice to them."

A guy you barely know says he's had 25 one night stands since 16. And he's only 23 now.

People have sex on the beach at night during a school trip (no i didn't see that! haha).

You walk down the hostel corridor and it smells of alcohol.

Signs in the TV lounge write: No beer bottles. Use beer cans instead.

I'm officially having a culture shock.