Culture Shock 
 

So you are finally here. In Israel.

Whether you are an oleh hadash or a toshav hozer, you are probably going now through one of the most significant and powerful experiences in your life.

Aliyah constitutes as a major life transition that shakes the ground we stand on. It strikes at the core of our being, the very sense of who we are, our values and perceptions. Adjusting to life in Israel can be very challenging and demanding. The change from one culture to another is a complex process that takes time and patience, and typically involves symptoms of culture shock.
 

When moving to a new country everything is suddenly unfamiliar: the weather, language, food, dress, values, customs, communication, social roles – basically, everything you are accustomed to is different now. 
 

Culture shock is the term used to describe the impact of moving from one's familiar culture to a different and unfamiliar one.  It refers to the feelings sometimes experienced when adapting to a new culture such as confusion, nervousness, anxiety, and even disorientation. Culture shock is, to some degree, inevitable. Adaptation and integration into a new culture is a gradual process. Most people experience four basic phases, with varying lengths and intensity. 
 

Stages of Culture Shock

1. The “honeymoon” stage 
 

At the beginning there is a sense of euphoria and fascination with the new culture. Everything is exciting and different, stimulating and there is a heightened curiosity to know how things work. It is usually short term and may last a few weeks following the move.

2. The “distress” stage 
 

In this stage the novelty of the new place starts wearing off, and there may be feelings of discontent, isolation, confusion, inadequacy, anger, and sadness. The transition between the culture of origin and the new one is a complex process and it takes time to adjust. During this transition, there can be strong feelings of dissatisfaction, mood swings, and even depression. You may find people's habits annoying, rude, and irritating, dislike the food, the sounds, complain and notice only the bad things around. At this stage, you may feel like an outsider and even the simplest things become a challenge. During this stage you feel homesick and miss the people and things you left behind.

3. Adaptation Stage

This stage involves a beginning of understanding and acceptance of the new culture, and you are able to develop a more balanced view of your experience. A sense of pleasure and direction may be experienced and a sense of humor begins to re-emerge. As you become more comfortable and relaxed in your new environment you feel more settled and confident in dealing with the new culture. There is a certain psychological balance and the feelings of isolation decrease.

4. Integration Stage

This stage is characterized by an increased sense of belonging. You are now able to enter and function in the mainstream culture. Differences and similarities are accepted and many of the customs, habits and cultural practices are easily adopted and integrated. There is a general sense of stability and an ability to better cope with new situations. You no longer feel "a fish out of water", and start finally feeling more at home. This is a significant period as you start appreciating where you are and you begin feeling the satisfaction of working through this major transition in your life.

Strategies to cope with culture shock

1. Know that what you are experiencing is normal and temporary. What starts as an exciting experience can often lead to a bumpy period of time. Know that there are many ways to work through the transition and that, as you acculturate to your new community, opportunities and enjoyment increase. Be gentle and patient with yourself.
2. Take good care of yourself. Rest, develop daily routines, exercise, find a hobby and engage in activities that you enjoy.
3. Maintain flexibility and an open mind.    Stay positive and focus on what you can control. Don't spend energy on things you cannot change.
4. Humor, humor and humor. Be able to laugh at yourself and some of the pretty amusing situations you find yourself in. After all, laughter is the "best medicine" and can alleviate some of the frustration experienced.
5.  Create a wide support network. Find community resources, join clubs, get involved in community centers, and establish relationships with locals as well as with people from your previous culture. This will diminish the feelings of loneliness and help you connect with your new culture. You'll find that Israelis are very warm and welcoming and willing  to lend a hand. Learning the language is imperative in order to communicate and understand what's going on around you, but never confuse your ability to speak the new language with your intelligence.
6. Set realistic, short-term goals. Maintain your perspective and break up your goals into manageable tasks. Focus on your progress so you can move forward. Establish priorities and make choices and decisions based on your needs.
7. Find a balance.
8. If you feel overwhelmed seek help. There is always someone or some service available to help you. 

On the up side of things, this emotional rollercoaster eventually will be over. It will grant you an opportunity to redefine your life objectives, clarify values, consider the possibilities, and a chance for personal growth and development. This journey can be an amazing learning experience that can stimulate personal creativity and help you develop a better understanding of yourself.  

Here's to a smooth and successfull klita (adjustment) in Israel!

 
Sylvia Kassoff, M.A.