From the Culture Shock to the Amazement: Enjoy our differences

How about arranging something? Aren't you scared that they will not understand you? That they will think you are dumb while you I know, you can continue on, and on for hours!

For the worker of the family, it is extremely stressful to achieve on the workplace, for the home maker it is more isolated than the one who at least has connections at work! It is hard for everyone!

But do you know that this is quite natural for everybody who came from another culture? It is called: Culture Shock! It is a general feeling of insecurity, confusion, lack of confidence and isolation because of the cultural differences, because of the loss of the usual reference points.

This is normal, not an illness! Even though, you can make it easier, you don't have to suffer from it!

You wouldn't think everything can be so different, would you?

Every little step needs assistance, but you are afraid of asking for help because you don't understand the same old English with this pronunciation! Even harder the case if you don't speak the language very well. I know how it feels: like falling back to childhood when you need help for almost everything! Insecure, embarrassing!

Doorknobs, taps, toilet flushes, ATM machines and gas stations are enemies. Kind enquiries about your Well being are embarrassing. The simple question "How are you doing?" makes you wonder how sincere and detailed you should answer. (Did you notice the surprise on the face of the cashier when you really told her How are you doing today?)cannot express yourself?

"What's your name?"- is tricky, since at home you use names differently, and you have more names, but never ever had a middle name?

What about everyday communication? What is polite to ask, what is not? Why did that lady say she was fine, when her eyes were red from crying? How close can I go to them? Is it OK to hug someone? Is it a custom to give kisses?

Counseling can decrease your tension, help to understand the new culture, accept its norms and standards, and bring disturbing emotion closer to rational understanding. Through this understanding, you can make the adaptation process quicker. You can choose your individual way of keeping your old values and old identity and at the same time adjusting yourself to the expectation to the new country! It can be enjoyable, even playful sometimes!

Don't worry about with the "language barrier"! The communication flows about 80% in nonverbal signs. We'll understand each other!

Let me help you to adapt easily!