stopover.ca

I just taught a session in Saskatoon where an old friend, Rob Shepherd graciously hosted me. At one of his sessions, Rob talked about the Five Stages of Cross cultural stress (the U- Curve Hypothesis). The point i liked was the 4 possible responses to regression and hostility … namely fight, flight, filter and flex … i have definitely seen a variety of these responses in international travellors …

Stage 1. Expectation and Optimism

Stage 2. Acceptance and Fascination

Stage 3. Frustration and Rejection

Stage 4. Regression and Hostility

Four possible responses:

1. Fight – for change
2. Flight – escape, go home
3. Filter – see only the bad of the present culture
4. Flex – work thought it.

Stage 5. Adjustments, Acculturation and Assimilation.