Culture shock - embrace it!
Culture shock is a real thing, although I actually felt it more when I came back to S.A. than when arriving in Germany. My suggestion... Embrace it. It can be a little scary at first, but as Susan Jeffers said; "feel the fear and do it anyway". Before leaving for my study programme, I was told by my coordinator that one would go through different phases when in a new country. First; excitement and positivity, then an extreme low where you struggle with the differences in culture, language etc. (culture shock at its prime) and then finally you adjust, love the place and don't want to leave. When you return home it begins again and you end up experiencing culture shock in your own country.
While I may have struggled at times regarding language and norms in Germany, I never hit a low and loved every moment. However, upon my return to S.A I experienced major culture shock and serious post-travel blues. It is difficult to come back to a place where the culture, norms and traditions are so different to what you have now become accustomed to. Not to mention trying to adjust to something simple, like the lack of public transport. This seems odd, considering I have lived in South Africa my whole life, and only lived in Germany for a month... but it really happens. I think even more so if you get to experience a country that is so incredibly efficient.
Soon people get tired of hearing your stories and being forced to see ALL your photos for the 10th time. You however, do not want the memories to fade or the experience to end. It is difficult, but if you embrace it and think of your home as the new adventure... it helps. It also helps to try not compare your life back home to what you had overseas. They are incomparable.
I will be doing a blog post soon on how I handled the post-travel blues. So be sure to check that out.
Much love, laughter and safe travels.
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