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