For foreigners who have lived in Beijing for a long time, returning “home” often highlights the main differences between cultures, resulting in what’s known as reverse culture shock. With so many members of our community stuck outside of China, and often in their home countries, we thought we’d take a closer look at this interesting phenomenon.
What is Reverse Culture Shock?
Reverse culture shock affects those who return to their home country after spending a long period of time abroad and like regular culture sock, refers to the emotional and psychological distress caused by re-adjusting to a different value system and culture. What sets reverse culture shock apart is that most people do not anticipate experiencing it. When traveling to a foreign country, most people prepare for and expect cultural shocks however when they return home, they generally expect to have a smooth and easy transition back into their culture and their old lives. Most expect things to be comfortable and familiar, however, this is not always the case. Previously familiar things now become foreign, causing people to feel shy, intimidated, and out of place in their own country.
When living abroad, you discover new things and gain a wider perspective on issues you were previously unaware of. You adapt and soon become accustomed to new habits, for example, no longer tipping a waiter. Adapting and creating new habits causes you to scrutinize your native traditions and make slight changes. Therefore, once you return home it becomes difficult to revert to your previous lifestyle. Additionally, you begin to notice the main differences in cultures such as restaurant service and street-life.
What are some effects of Reverse Culture Shock?
John and Jeanne Gullahorn have developed a reverse culture shock W-Curve
The impact of reverse culture shock generally relates to the length of time spent abroad: as a rule of thumb, the more time you spend overseas, the greater the reverse culture shock will be when returning home.
Researchers John and Jeanne Gullahorn developed a model for reverse-culture shock known as the W-Curve, which traces the typical cycles that people experience when adjusting to a foreign culture, then re-entering their own. According to their model, once you return home, you will likely experience a “honeymoon” period, during which everything seems to be going great, you’re excited to be home and you’re relishing being able to see family and old friends. However, this only lasts for a short time and afterward, you’ll begin to notice the challenges of adjusting to a change in environment and cultures. The stress typically begins to weigh you down and you start running into various complications. For instance, in Beijing, you may have become accustomed to biking or walking to your end destination and may struggle to adjust to a car-dependent country like the US.
Asking Beijing-Based Families about their Reverse Culture Shock
We interviewed Kenneth Asiedu, who has been living in Beijing since 2010 but is currently stuck in the US. He stated that the main cultural difference he readjusts to when traveling between the US and China is bargaining for lower prices and treatment of elders.
“When it comes to shopping in Beijing, I am often able to bargain for lower prices. However, bargaining is practically non-existent in the US. Once the price is set, it is generally accepted. For example, purchasing produce at a farmer’s market could be more expensive compared to grocery store prices. Additionally, children’s respect for parents and elders is alarmingly different. In the US, children have more individuality and can speak freely with little fear of being rude towards parents and elders. Yet, in China children speak to parents with much more respect and tend to follow their parents’ wishes.”
How should you deal with Reverse Culture Shock?
Once you return home, it is recommended that you establish a routine to distract you and make the days pass by faster. Getting exercise, catching up with friends, and enjoying activities that make you happy are also recommended. Most importantly: accept that the transition back home can be difficult and it will take time to settle in. Take each day one at a time and address the problems you encounter, adjust your expectations, and stop comparing life at home to your life overseas.
KEEP READING: “That’s Not Bing! It’s Roti!”: When Indian and Chinese Food Unite
Images: JESHOOTS.COM (via Unsplash), John and Jeanne Gullahorn
Information from state.gov
