When I travel, I find that sometimes I just hit the wall. I am sick and tired of being there and just wish I was home already. The adventure fades and reality is just tiring … I know! poor me! what a hard life I have 🙂
I also know that this is normal. I am a unique individual who feels these feelings just like everyone else!
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.
Stage 1. Expectation and Optimism
Stage 2. Acceptance and Fascination
Stage 3. Frustration and Rejection
Stage 4. Regression and Hostility
Stage 5. Adjustments, Acculturation and Assimilation.
Rob unpacked the normal responses to stage 4: Regression and Hostility in this way. People choose to fight, flight, filter and flex. I have definitely felt each of these responses during my travels
- Fight – for change
- Flight – escape, go home
- Filter – see only the bad of the present culture
- Flex – work thought it.
Have you experienced any of these stages?
Mark Crocker