Offices & Resources

Cultural Adjustment Curve

You may be surprised when you go home for the first time to discover that you are once again experiencing feelings of culture shock. This will be particularly surprising since you are at home! However, be aware that there is also the phenomenon of reverse culture shock that is the emotional and psychological stages of readjustment to be at home again. The below graphic encapsulates the cycle of culture shock and reverse culture shock that you will experience each time you go back and forth from home to St. Mark’s. Be reassured, however, that each cycle will be less intense than the one before!

From: Susan C. Schneider and Jean-Louis Barsoux Managing Across Cultures 2003, page 188.

More Information on "Culture Shock"

Definition
Symptoms of Culture Shock
Managing Culture Shock
Managing Homesickness