Culture shock refers to the feelings of confusion and uncertainty that you experience when

you come into contact with a new culture. Explore the five stages of culture shock, learn
about reverse culture shock, and more.
Imagine that you are an American college student going to study abroad in Australia for the
summer. You are excited to take your first trip overseas and cannot wait to go. You figure that
since it is an English-speaking country, it won't be that different from America.
Once you step off the plane, reality sets in. You realize that although it was summer when you
left home, it is winter in Australia. You have trouble following the language and find it hard
to fit in. You feel alone and lonely, especially on the 4th of July when you would normally
have a huge party with family and light fireworks. You cannot connect with any of the locals
and feel like no one understands what you are going through. You cry at night and wish you
were at home. What you are feeling is culture shock.

What Is Culture Shock?

Culture shock is the term we use to describe the feelings of confusion and uncertainty that are
experienced when you come into contact with a culture that is vastly different from your own.
Culture shock can be commonly seen in foreign students, immigrants, and refugees. Even
students who stay in their home countries suffer from culture shock as they make the
transition into the foreign environment known as college.

Stages of Culture Shock

There are five stages of culture shock. Each stage has its own unique characteristics. The
length of each stage varies depending on the individual. You may find that it is easier and
quicker to move through some stages than others. There are several factors that can affect
how fast you move through the stages, including:

Mental health

Personality type

Previous experiences with other cultures

How familiar you are with the language

Support systems you have in place

Education level

Stage 1: Honeymoon Phase

Try to recall the last time you experienced something new. Maybe it was a new restaurant or a
new clothing store. You probably experienced a rush of euphoria and excitement at the
prospect of getting to try something different. This is the same type of high that people get
when they first experience a new culture. The honeymoon phase, also known as the

incubation stage, is characterized by feelings of excitement and fascination about your new
culture. You have a romanticized view about the new culture, but it doesn't last for long.
Stage 2: Distress
Once you come down from your high, the differences between your home culture and the
new culture become apparent. As you make the transition between the old ways of doing
things and the ways of the new culture, you may experience some crisis or difficulty in your
daily life. For example, you may find that there is limited public transportation and have
trouble getting where you need to go or you have difficulty adjusting to driving on the left
side of the car and road. You experience feelings of anger, sadness, frustration, and
dissatisfaction during this stage. This stage is also referred to as the negotiation phase.
Stage 3: Reintegration
You start to understand some aspects of the new culture and your ability to function
increases. However, you are not happy with the changes. You view the new culture as
inadequate and inferior to your home culture. You begin to blame the new culture for causing
difficulties and feel resentment and anger toward it. You may even show hostility toward the
locals. It is believed that this is the most important and common stage of culture shock.

Culture shock
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other uses, see Culture shock (disambiguation).

Culture shock is the personal disorientation a person may feel when experiencing an
unfamiliar way of life due to immigration or a visit to a new country, a move between social
environments, or simply travel to another type of life.[1] One of the most common causes of
culture shock involves individuals in a foreign environment. Culture shock can be described
as consisting of at least one of four distinct phases: Honeymoon, Frustration, Adjustment, and
Mastery.
The most common problems include: information overload, language barrier, generation gap,
technology gap, skill interdependence, formulation dependency, homesickness (cultural),
infinite regress (homesickness), boredom (job dependency), response ability (cultural skill
set).[2] There is no true way to entirely prevent culture shock, as individuals in any society are
personally affected by cultural contrasts differently.[3]
Contents

1 Four phases
o

1.1 Honeymoon

1.2 Frustration

1.3 Adjustment

1.4 Mastery

2 Reverse culture shock

3 Outcomes

4 Transition shock

5 See also

6 References

Four phases

Honeymoon

During this period, the differences between the old and new culture are seen in a romantic
light. For example, in moving to a new country, an individual might love the new food, the
pace of life, and the locals' habits. During the first few weeks, most people are fascinated by
the new culture. They associate with nationals who speak their language, and who are polite
to the foreigners. Like most honeymoon periods, this stage eventually ends.[4]
Frustration

After some time (usually around three months, depending on the individual), differences
between the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety. Excitement may
eventually give way to unpleasant feelings of frustration and anger as one continues to
experience unfavorable events that may be perceived as strange and offensive to one's
cultural attitude. Language barriers, stark differences in public hygiene, traffic safety, food
accessibility and quality may heighten the sense of disconnection from the surroundings.[5]
While being transferred into a different environment puts special pressure on communication
skills, there are practical difficulties to overcome, such as circadian rhythm disruption that
often leads to insomnia and daylight drowsiness; adaptation of gut flora to different bacteria
levels and concentrations in food and water; difficulty in seeking treatment for illness, as
medicines may have different names from the native country's and the same active
ingredients might be hard to recognize.
Still, the most important change in the period is communication: People adjusting to a new
culture often feel lonely and homesick because they are not yet used to the new environment
and meet people with whom they are not familiar every day. The language barrier may
become a major obstacle in creating new relationships: special attention must be paid to one's
and others' culture-specific body language signs, linguistic faux pas, conversation tone,
linguistic nuances and customs, and false friends.
In the case of students studying abroad, some develop additional symptoms of loneliness that
ultimately affect their lifestyles as a whole. Due to the strain of living in a different country
without parental support, international students often feel anxious and feel more pressure
while adjusting to new cultureseven more so when the cultural distances are wide, as
patterns of logic and speech are different and a special emphasis is put on rhetoric.
Adjustment

Again, after some time (usually 6 to 12 months), one grows accustomed to the new culture
and develops routines. One knows what to expect in most situations and the host country no
longer feels all that new. One becomes concerned with basic living again, and things become
more "normal". One starts to develop problem-solving skills for dealing with the culture and
begins to accept the culture's ways with a positive attitude. The culture begins to make sense,
and negative reactions and responses to the culture are reduced.[citation needed]

Mastery

In the mastery stage individuals are able to participate fully and comfortably in the host
culture. Mastery does not mean total conversion; people often keep many traits from their
earlier culture, such as accents and languages. It is often referred to as the bicultural stage.
Reverse culture shock

Reverse culture shock (a.k.a. "re-entry shock" or "own culture shock"[6]) may take place
returning to one's home culture after growing accustomed to a new one can produce the same
effects as described above. These are results from the psychosomatic and psychological
consequences of the readjustment process to the primary culture.[7] The affected person often
finds this more surprising and difficult to deal with than the original culture shock. This
phenomenon, the reactions that members of the re-entered culture exhibit toward the reentrant, and the inevitability of the two are encapsulated in the following saying, which is
also the title of a book by Thomas Wolfe, You Can't Go Home Again.
Outcomes

There are three basic outcomes of the Adjustment Phase:[citation needed]

Some people find it impossible to accept the foreign culture and to

integrate. They isolate themselves from the host country's environment,
which they come to perceive as hostile, withdraw into a "ghetto" and see
return to their own culture as the only way out. These "Rejectors" also
have the greatest problems re-integrating back home after return. [citation
needed]

Some people integrate fully and take on all parts of the host culture while
losing their original identity. This is called cultural assimilation. They
normally remain in the host country forever. This group is sometimes
known as "Adopters" and describes approximately 10% of expats.

Some people manage to adapt to the aspects of the host culture they see
as positive, while keeping some of their own and creating their unique
blend. They have no major problems returning home or relocating
elsewhere. This group can be thought to be somewhat cosmopolitan.
Approximately 30% of expats belong to this group.

Culture shock has many different effects, time spans, and degrees of severity.[8] Many people
are handicapped by its presence and do not recognize what is bothering them.[citation needed]
Transition shock

Culture shock is a subcategory of a more universal construct called transition shock.

Transition shock is a state of loss and disorientation predicated by a change in one's familiar
environment which requires adjustment. There are many symptoms of transition shock, some
which include:

Excessive concern over cleanliness

Feelings of helplessness and withdrawal

Irritability

Anger

Mood swings

Glazed stare

Desire for home and old friends

Physiological stress reactions

Homesickness

Boredom

Withdrawal

Getting "stuck" on one thing

Suicidal or fatalistic thoughts

Excessive sleep

Compulsive eating/drinking/weight gain

Stereotyping host nationals

Hostility towards host nationals

Click on the button beside the correct answer.

Part 5: Culture Shock

You have read about Romulus and Remus whose culture shock came when they
went back to the world of human beings after being raised by a wolf. Tarzan's
culture shock came when he discovered that he was not a "white ape" but a

human being. Emily Carr preferred the culture of the First Nations people and
the life she led on her explorations to the dresses and polite conversations of her
own culture. You now know that First Nations culture did not include school or
even business activity, people spent most of their time in nature or around the
fire of their home talking, telling stories and making the things they needed to
survive.

Psychologists tell us that there are four basic stages that human beings pass
through when they enter and live in a new culture. This process, which helps us
to deal with culture shock, is the way our brain and our personality reacts to the
strange new things we encounter when we move from one culture to another. If
our culture involves bowing when we greet someone, we may feel very
uncomfortable in a culture that does not involve bowing. If the language we use
when talking to someone in our own culture is influenced by levels of formality
based on the other person's age and status, it may be difficult for us to feel
comfortable

communicating

with

people

in

the

new

culture.

Culture begins with the "honeymoon stage". This is the period of time when we
first arrive in which everything about the new culture is strange and exciting.
We may be suffering from "jet lag" but we are thrilled to be in the new
environment, seeing new sights, hearing new sounds and language, eating new
kinds of food. This honeymoon stage can last for quite a long time because we

feel

we

are

involved

in

some

kind

of

great

adventure.

Unfortunately, the second stage of culture shock can be more difficult. After we
have settled down into our new life, working or studying, buying groceries,
doing laundry, or living with a home-stay family, we can become very tired and
begin to miss our homeland and our family, girlfriend/boyfriend, pets. All the
little problems that everybody in life has seem to be much bigger and more
disturbing when you face them in a foreign culture. This period of cultural
adjustment can be very difficult and lead to the new arrival rejecting or pulling
away from the new culture. This "rejection stage" can be quite dangerous
because the visitor may develop unhealthy habits (smoking and drinking too
much, being too concerned over food or contact with people from the new
culture). This can, unfortunately lead to the person getting sick or developing
skin infections or rashes which then makes the person feel even more scared
and confused and helpless. This stage is considered a crisis in the process of
cultural adjustment and many people choose to go back to their homeland or
spend all their time with people from their own culture speaking their native
language.

The third stage of culture shock is called the "adjustment stage". This is when
you begin to realize that things are not so bad in the host culture. Your sense of
humour usually becomes stronger and you realize that you are becoming

stronger by learning to take care of yourself in the new place. Things are still
difficult,

but

you

are

now

survivor!

The fourth stage can be called "at ease at last". Now you feel quite comfortable
in your new surroundings. You can cope with most problems that occur. You
may still have problems with the language, but you know you are strong enough
to deal with them. If you meet someone from your country who has just arrived,
you can be the expert on life in the new culture and help them to deal with their
culture

shock.

There is a fifth stage of culture shock which many people don't know about.
This is called "reverse culture shock". Surprisingly, this occurs when you go
back to your native culture and find that you have changed and that things there
have changed while you have been away. Now you feel a little uncomfortable
back home. Life is a struggle!

ax Haven Where Are the Best Tax Rates in Switzerland?

By Caputo & Partners AG
Firm's Profile & Articles

Call +41 (44) 212-4404 Free Consultation

Find a Law Firm:

Type any w City, State

How many taxes do you have to pay? And where can you actually pay
fewer taxes? The Swiss Tax Report 2015, from the highly regarded
auditing and consulting firm KPMG, provides you with all the answers.

The wealthiest 10% with the highest incomes actually pay for 80% of direct
federal income tax. The ultra-high-net-worth individuals, who represent 1 percent
of the tax payers in Switzerland make up for 45% of the total tax burden.
Where you can save taxes in Switzerland?
But where do you pay less? People with very high income should definitely settle
down in the Canton of Zug with a maximum income tax rate of 22.86% for a
super high income, closely followed by Obwalden, Nidwalden and Uri. One of last
years top runners, the Canton of Schwyz, however, falls back from No. 2 to No.
6. The highest tax burdens are to be found experienced in the Canton of BaselLandschaft with 42.17% and Geneva with 44.75%.
The average cantonal tax rate for high income slightly climbed in 2014. However
we expect the average tax burden in Switzerland to decline for the year 2015.
The report not only compares the net profit and income tax rates of all 26
cantons, but also compares these numbers with additional 130 different
countries. And since it appears: Switzerland ranks at a good midfield position and
central Swiss cantons are top ranking. There, the wealthiest only have to pay as
much as in Bulgaria, Lithuania, Hungary and the Channel Islands. Sounds good,
right?
However, the true tax havens are to be found abroad. There are Caribbean states
of Bahamas, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. Or the Arab states of Bahrain,
Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. There, believe it or not, you pay nothing.

Where there is heaven, there also is hell

According to the KPMG ranking, the tax hells are to be found among the Nordic
countries. Denmark with incredible 55.41% tops the list, closely followed by
Sweden with 57%.
Board members pay attention! KPMG has also examined how much the
companies have to pay. In Switzerland, companies should prefer the Canton of
Lucerne with 12.32% corporate tax, closely followed by Nidwalden and
Obwalden. If we compare tax rates in western Switzerland it will be more
expensive for companies: Vaud 22.79 % and Geneva with 24.16 % top
everything.
Since 2006 however, some cantons have dramatically reduced their corporate
tax rates. Above all, Graubnden with a corporate tax rate reduction of breath
taking -12.42%. This will attract companies. Be more competitive and attractive
and come to relocate your company in Switzerland.
Compared with other countries, the income tax rates offered in some Swiss
cantons are only topped from the Channel Islands, Guernsey and the Isle of Man,
which ask no taxes at all. At the forefront in this category are also some Eastern
European countries like Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria and
Macedonia.
And of course there are the world famous financial strongholds such as Hong
Kong and Singapore with particularly low rates. In countries where high-networth individuals dont pay any taxes, companies also dont have to pay.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Enzo Caputo
Enzo Caputo, Swiss Banking Lawyer
Copyright Caputo & Partners AG

Deal with tax havens

ET Bureau Feb 14, 2011, 04.54am IST

Tags:

Tax|

India|

Black Money

Sound move to make it more costly for anyone to ferret cash abroad.
India's move to consider sanctions against countries that refuse to share information on
suspected tax evaders is wholly welcome. Sanctions will raise the cost of doing business with
these countries and remove the sheen for potential tax evaders to stash their wealth in such
jurisdictions.

The government needs legal backing to impose sanctions. It should empower itself under the
law to identify countries that shield tax cheats. The proposal on sanctions has come from an
internal government panel set up to recommend a tool-box of measures fight tax evasion.
Two measures charging a higher withholding tax on payments made to companies in
offending countries and bringing transactions with entities in such countries under transferpricing regulation will curb tax haven abuse. A higher tax burden will raise transaction
costs for Indian taxpayers with business links in non-cooperative jurisdictions.
Multinationals often use transfer-pricing to under-report income in India and shift profits to
countries with zero or low tax rates. However, the government cannot lift the corporate veil
and establish audit trails in many of these transactions when tax havens do not share
information. The answer is to deem any transaction with a company in the offending country
as a related party transaction and bring it under transfer pricing scrutiny.
The government should amend the income tax law to make this possible. Again, this will
raise the compliance cost for Indian taxpayers and make tax havens lose their sheen. Both
policy initiatives will check future black money generation. However, the government should
not give up its efforts to trace the past flight of capital to offshore tax havens. India has a
legislative framework to secure information on suspected tax evaders.
It should negotiate better treaties on information exchange to obtain information even for past
cases. The government should also simplify tax laws and lower tax rates to reduce the cost of
compliance. However, the most fundamental reform is to have a s ystem of transparent
funding of political activity, to remove the need for companies to generate black money.