Reverse Culture Shock
10:13 AM
You may have heard many
definitions of reverse culture shock. I
loosely define “reverse culture shock” as “readjusting to your native culture
after experiencing a different lifestyle.”
I did not notice my changes or assimilation to New Zealand culture until
I returned to my life in the States. In
other words, I felt more culture shock when I returned home than when I entered
New Zealand. Reverse culture shock is
not just emotional; it is also habitual.
The conflicting emotions of relieving homesickness and longing for where
I was did not allow me to think properly. I fell into a little depression when
I realized I could not alleviate both.
Instead of trying to
define “reverse culture shock” better, here are a list of examples of the
feelings and adjustments I went through:
1 1.) Discretely mourning the end of a trip.
2 2.) Panicking while driving because I momentarily forgot which side of
road I was supposed to drive.
3 3.) Tapping the top of the toilet expecting to see options for how to
flush and forgetting to pay attention to the direction of the circling water.
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| Moments before First Bungy Jump in Auckland |
5 5.) Remembering
to tip again.
6 6.) Saying Kiwi words and phrases then realizing nobody around me
understands.
7 7.) Encountering
a surprising amount of people who think New Zealand is Australia.
8 8.) Having New Zealand be the only subject I want to talk about for 3
weeks or more upon return to the States.
9 9.) Looking at my New Zealand mementos in disbelief that I was there
and that the trip is over.
1 10.) Missing listening to Si
& Gary’s morning radio on More FM show on my way to work and now having class or work
during their show.
1 11.) Feeling incomplete as I
watch rugby alone because I have no one to share my predictions of the game.
1 12.) Questioning whether I am
more Kiwi than American.
1 13.) Realizing new goals and
dreams I have for my life since what I thought was possible was shattered by what IS possible.
14.) Being thankful for the
opportunity.
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| The northern most point of New Zealand, Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. |
