Travel Tips • Culture Shock

Tips for Traveling Abroad

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!

2. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the United States. Remember, that while you are in the United States, you are subject to our laws.

3. Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport. Apex USA will also have a copy of your passport on file, should you need it.

4. Upon departure from your home country, do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.

5. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.

6. To make your stay more enjoyable, contact the local tourist office in the State you will be working. Tourist offices can give you specific information about area attractions

 

 

 

Not knowing what is appropriate or inappropriate is standard when living in a new environment. If you are feeling physical and emotional discomfort, a lack of direction, or not knowing what to do -you are probably experiencing culture shock.

Symptoms:

  • Unwarranted criticism of the culture and people

  • Heightened irritability

  • Constant complaints about the climate

  • Continual offering of excuses for staying indoors

  • Utopian ideas concerning one's previous culture

  • Continuous concern about the purity of water and food

  • Fear of touching local people

  • Refusal to learn the language

  • Preoccupation about being robbed or cheated

  • Pressing desire to talk with people who "really make sense."

  • Preoccupation with returning home

  • Unable to solve simple problems

  • Lack of confidence

  • Feelings of inadequacy or insecurity

  • Developing stereotypes about the new culture

  • Developing obsessions (ex: obsessive cleanliness)

  • Longing for family

  • Feelings of being lost, overlooked, exploited or abused

  • Preoccupation with health

  • Changes in sleep patterns

What to do:

  • Maintain confidence in yourself.
  • Find ways to live with the things that don't satisfy you completely.
  • Establish simple goals and evaluate your progress.
  • Develop a hobby
  • Pay attention to your relationship with co-workers. Develop friendships where they will occur most naturally.
  • Relax. Read a book, meditate, exercise. Do what comes naturally to you that will help you relax and keep a positive attitude.
  • Allow yourself to feel sad about leaving your home country, it's natural to miss your friends and family.
  • Teach others about your Home country and its culture.
  • Be positive. Enjoy the differences.

                    Culture Shock