3.2 Symptoms of Culture Shock

People going abroad for various reasons: for academic or professional expertise, for better job opportunities, for relaxation, or just to do something significant. Besides, the time spend in interacting with another culture varies from a few days to several days. However, most of the sojourners will experience some symptoms of culture shock.

According to Oberg, when entering an alien culture, the inpiduals are like fish out of water. Replaced by a feeling of frustration and anxiety, all or most of their familiar cues, which may be gestures, words, customs or facial expressions are detached. People’s reactions to the frustration are almost the same and Oberg describes them vividly and concretely, such as excessive concern over food dishes, drinking water and bedding; fear of contact with attendants; an inattentive, wandering stare.