Culture Shock Encountering a culture very different from the culture someone’s accustomed to is usually accompanied with a feeling of confusion and anxiety which is called a culture shock1. Culture shock is very common among students and immigrants in the US. It is very difficult to avoid even with extensive preparation because there are many things about each culture that cannot be found or reflected in books. There are three main causes to culture shock are the absence of familiar culture, presence of seemingly alien or irrational culture, and lacking the ability to overcome the barriers and adapt to new culture rapidly. The absence of the normal environment and everyday life can be a nightmare to many people. Change is not a very comfortable thing to do especially when it is at the cost of spirituality, clothing, and food. To some, the absence of prayer calls sounds calling out loudly alone is depressing. To others, the fact that they cannot wear the comfortable cloths they are used to is a burden. Clothing can be sometimes a religious duty which is very difficult to fulfill in many societies. In addition, many find it extremely difficult to adapt to local food and would do anything for a male prepared just the way they are used to.
The presence of seemingly irrational, inscrutable, offensive or even hostile aspects of the new culture is another cause of culture shock. Some people find it irrational to have the driver seat on the left side. This caused a lot of confusion in perception as to where to walk, drive, stop, and park. Ideologies also can be vague for a lot of new students and immigrants. Understanding democracy for instance can take a great deal of re-defining a lot of ideologies which cannot be achieved by everyone and depends mainly on personal intellectual ability. Other examples of seemingly unique American values include personal control over