One of the things a person working and living abroad should be prepared for is the experience of culture shock. Culture shock involves the feelings of homesickness, anxiety, unease, and severe difficulty of adjusting to a new place or surroundings. These types of emotions actually result from the fact that you are placed into a different environment where you have to deal with different people and meet expectations that are extremely different from what you were accustomed to. Another reason why it can be hard for those who work in Canada or other countries to overcome culture shock is that they are likely to miss everything and everyone from home. They miss their friends, family, their house, or even the car they used to drive. And if their native language is not English, which is the language used in Canada, they could have an even harder time adjusting because they need to use a language not natural to them. This can be a serious problem especially when they start working in a company where they have to communicate with their employer and colleagues in the said language. Dealing with Culture Shock in the Workplace While it can be difficult for an immigrant to overcome homesickness and culture shock, there are ways that can help make the adjustment period easier. What’s important is that you learn how to deal with it. First of all, you need to identify what you are feeling. It is important that there is understanding and acceptance of the fact that culture shock is a natural feeling and a state that many others go through when they move to an unfamiliar place. Acceptance is a strong first step towards overcoming culture shock. The bright side here is that if you choose to live in a country that offers a better living condition than where you come from, it will be easier for you to adjust and settle in. In Canada, for instance, many immigrants find it more comfortable to work, live, and raise a family there. It also helps that Canada is a country that welcomes immigrants, so there are very few cases of discrimination against foreign settlers. Since not everybody has the ability to adapt to a new environment so quickly, there are many organizations that offer assistance to immigrants who are struggling to get used to the Canadian way of life. What’s amazing about joining these groups is that you can have the chance to work with a life or career coach who will guide you all the way until you successfully find a job and a place to live in. This is indeed an invaluable service and support that they offer to new Canadian immigrant workers.
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