In the blog last week , we explored some of the negative consequences arising from the initial honeymoon experience when entering an unfamiliar cultural context. We focused specifically on the potentially debilitating encounter with the progression from overstimulation to sensory overload. This week, we will examine the concept, causes, and some of the consequences of culture shock. Finally, we shall briefly review an alternative model of cultural adaptation known as the J-Cu

In the blog last week , we explored an overview of the U-Curve process of cultural adaptation when living overseas for extended periods by briefly reviewing the four key phases known respectively as the Honeymoon, Shock, Recovery, and Mastery. This week, we will take a closer look at the initial Honeymoon period focusing specifically on the potential threat arising from overstimulation that can lead to the debilitating experience of sensory overload. The Honeymoon phase and e

In the blog last week , we concluded our exploration of the critical importance of learning more about the contrasting cultural values of our domestic and the new host nation when planning to live overseas. The English-speaking nations (ESNs) were selected as an example of a domestic or home context while the Confucian and Muslim national clusters were examined as reflecting common expat destinations. This week, we will attempt to gain an initial exploratory overview of anoth

In the blog last week , we not only extended our understanding of the cultural values of the English-speaking nations (ESNs), but we also compared these with what is called the Confucian cluster by exploring the Schwartz cultural map and Hofstede’s dimensions. The four Hofstede dimensions were selected as they have most relevance to living overseas. This week, we will repeat the process but now focus on the Muslim cluster of nations as defined by Hofstede and Inglehart on his

In the blog last week , we began our focus on the importance of researching both the domestic and proposed new host culture when planning to live for an extended period overseas. We commenced this project by exploring what are commonly referred to as the English-speaking nations (ESNs) as an example domestic or home context. This week, while continuing to deepen our understanding of the ESNs cultural orientations, we will also explore the contrasting characteristics of the Co

In the blog last week , we completed a brief examination of key cross-cultural models that included an investigation of how contrasting behavioural expectations and values that distinguish global societies evolved over time. This week we begin a new series exploring how to manage living successfully overseas in a new cultural context. Consequently, we shall periodically consider the application of some of the insights gained during the previous series such as understanding t

In the blog this week, we will explore the issue of cross-cultural communication shock that needs to be anticipated prior to studying or...

This week we will explore one of the most frequently reported experiences that unexpectantly, perhaps even surprisingly, can trigger a...

In the previous post, we explored the more general issue of culture shock that, at least to some extent, can be experienced by students...

In this new blog series, we will be exploring some of the common challenges faced by students during the early stage of studying at an...