What is culture shock, and what are its stages?

Culture shock is a universal phenomenon experienced by people when moving to a new cultural environment, especially when immigrating to another country. For newcomers to Calgary, this process has specific characteristics related to the unique characteristics of Canadian culture, the climate of Alberta, and the specifics of life in one of Canada's most multicultural cities. Understanding the nature of culture shock and its stages is critical to successful adaptation and integration into Canadian society.

The term “culture shock” was first introduced by anthropologist Karlo Ober in 1960, who described it as an “illness”caused by psychological stress from experiencing an unfamiliar way of life. The modern understanding of culture shock views it as a natural process of adaptation that consists of several stages and can have both negative and positive aspects. In the context of Calgary, culture shock can be particularly intense due to the drastic climate change, differences in social norms, and the need to adapt to the Canadian system of politeness and indirect communication.

Definition and nature of culture shock

Culture shock is a psychological and emotional state of disorientation that occurs when a person is exposed to a cultural environment that is significantly different from the one to which they are accustomed. It is not a one-time event, but a complex process that develops gradually through a series of incidents and experiences. Culture shock can manifest itself at different levels, from superficial differences in behavior and customs to profound differences in value systems and worldviews.

In Calgary, newcomers face a unique combination of factors that can cause culture shock. The city combines traditional Canadian values with a cosmopolitan multicultural environment, representing over 120 languages and cultures from around the world. This diversity can be both a source of support and an additional challenge to adaptation, as newcomers must learn to navigate not only the mainstream Canadian culture but also the complex mosaic of ethnic communities.

A distinctive feature of culture shock in Calgary is its multidimensional nature:

  • Climate shock (especially for those arriving from warmer countries)
  • Social shock (due to differences in communication and behavior norms)
  • Economic shock (due to the need to adapt to the Canadian labor market)
  • Cultural shock in the narrow sense (due to differences in values, traditions, and lifestyle)

It is important to understand that culture shock is not a sign of weakness or failure to adapt. On the contrary, it is a normal and healthy reaction to change, indicating an active process of adaptation to a new environment.

The classic four-stage model of culture shock

The most common model of culture shock is the classic four-stage model developed by Karlewo Oberga and refined by subsequent researchers.

Stage 1: Honeymoon Stage

The first stage is characterized by enthusiasm, curiosity, and a positive attitude toward the new environment. In Calgary, this stage can last from a few days to several months.

Characteristics of this stage:

  • Enthusiasm for new opportunities and beautiful scenery of the Rocky Mountains
  • Positive perception of Canadian friendliness and high standard of living
  • Idealization of the new environment
  • Tourist behavior: taking pictures, sharing impressions

Specific to Calgary:

  • Stunning natural scenery
  • Sunny climate (333 days of sunshine per year)
  • Hospitality of local residents
  • Many activities (Calgary Zoo, Glenbow Museum, national parks)

It is important to understand that the honeymoon phase is temporary and can create a false sense of ease in adaptation.

Stage 2: Frustration

The second stage is the most difficult in the cultural adaptation process. When the initial enthusiasm wears off, newcomers begin to face the real challenges of everyday life.

Main challenges in Calgary:

Climate challenges

  • Temperatures as low as -30°C
  • Snow and short days
  • Need to wear layers
  • Simple tasks become complicated (commuting, shopping)

Social norms

  • Canadian politeness can seem cold
  • Indirect communication and conflict avoidance
  • Constant use of the word “sorry”
  • Respect for personal space

Economic challenges

  • Problems with recognition of foreign qualifications
  • Need for “Canadian experience”
  • Discrimination in the labor market
  • Unskilled work

Housing challenges

  • Unfamiliarity with the Canadian real estate market
  • Lack of credit history
  • Discrimination by landlords
  • High housing prices

Symptoms of this stage:

  • Fatigue and irritability
  • Homesickness
  • Feelings of isolation
  • Sleep and eating problems
  • Anxiety and loss of self-confidence

Stage 3: Adjustment Stage

The third stage is characterized by gradual adaptation to the new environment and the development of skills for effective functioning.

Manifestations in Calgary:

Development of social connections

  • Participation in Immigrant Services Calgary programs
  • Interaction with the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA)
  • Connection to the Centre for Newcomers

Improvement of language skills

  • Participation in LINC programs
  • Other language courses
  • Greater confidence in communication

Professional adaptation

  • Participation in bridging programs
  • Obtaining Canadian certifications
  • Searching for work based on qualifications
  • Starting a business

Cultural understanding

  • Understanding Canadian values of individualism
  • Acceptance of tolerance and gender equality
  • Balance between preserving identity and adapting

Practical skills

  • Understanding the banking system
  • Navigating the healthcare system
  • Using public transportation
  • Orientation in the city

Stage 4: Acceptance

The fourth stage is characterized by a sense of belonging to a new community and the ability to function effectively in Canadian society.

Manifestations in Calgary:

Active participation in community life

  • Volunteering
  • Participation in local organizations
  • Voting in elections
  • Contribution to community development

Professional success

  • Achieving positions commensurate with qualifications
  • Leadership in professional fields
  • Successful entrepreneurship

Cultural mediation

  • Working as translators
  • Cultural consulting
  • Activism

Sense of home

  • Calgary becomes a real home
  • Purchasing a home
  • Long-term plans
  • Desire to stay permanently

Five-stage model: Re-entry shock

Some researchers include an additional stage of “re-entry shock” for newcomers who visit their home country after a long stay in Canada.

Symptoms of reverse culture shock:

  • Disappointment in one's home country
  • Critical attitude toward local customs
  • Alienation from old friends and family
  • Difficulty explaining the Canadian experience
  • Realization that Calgary has become a real home

Specific challenges of culture shock in Calgary

Climate challenges

Physical challenges

  • Investing in quality winter clothing
  • Learning layering techniques
  • Adapting to short days
  • Understanding the importance of quality winter shoes, gloves, and hats

Psychological challenges

  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
  • Feeling isolated due to the desire to stay home
  • Stress from planning activities around the weather

Economic challenges

  • Winter clothing expenses (hundreds to thousands of dollars for a family)
  • Use of assistance programs (winter clothing drives from the Centre for Newcomers)

Social norms and communication styles

Politeness and the “sorry culture”

  • Overuse of the word “sorry”
  • May seem insincere
  • Different contexts of use

Personal space

  • Avoiding physical contact
  • May create a feeling of coldness
  • Cultural differences in social interaction

Indirect communication style

  • Phrases such as “maybe we could...” or “it might be good if...”
  • Potential for misinterpretation
  • Difficulty understanding true intentions

Multiculturalism as a challenge and opportunity

Advantages

  • Presence of ethnic communities for support
  • Opportunity to find people with similar backgrounds

Challenges

  • Need to navigate between different cultural expectations
  • Interaction with representatives of other ethnic groups
  • Difficulty adapting to a multicultural environment

Economic and professional challenges

Recognition of foreign qualifications

  • Difficulties in obtaining Canadian accreditation
  • Unskilled work for highly educated immigrants

“Canadian experience”

  • A vicious circle: no experience means no job, no job means no experience
  • Frustration and feeling underappreciated

Networking and professional connections

  • Critical importance of informal employment channels
  • Lack of access to relevant networks

Symptoms and manifestations of culture shock

Emotional symptoms

  • Homesickness - idealization of the homeland
  • Anxiety and stress - constant interpretation of new social cues
  • Irritability and anger - critical attitude toward Canadian norms
  • Feelings of isolation and loneliness - difficulty establishing deep connections

Physical symptoms

  • Sleep disturbances - insomnia, nightmares, changes in sleep patterns
  • Changes in appetite - loss of appetite or overeating
  • Headaches and muscle tension
  • Fatigue and exhaustion - constant mental tension

Behavioral symptoms

  • Social isolation - avoidance of social situations
  • Excessive criticism of Canadian culture
  • Excessive idealization of one's homeland
  • Compulsive behavior - excessive work, shopping

Factors influencing the intensity of culture shock

Individual factors

  • Age - younger people adapt more easily, older people have more experience
  • Educational level - can facilitate or complicate due to high expectations
  • Previous experience of traveling or living in other countries
  • Language skills - critical for integration
  • Personality traits - openness, extroversion, adaptability

Social factors

  • Social support - family, friends, ethnic community
  • Economic status - access to resources for adaptation
  • Reasons for migration - voluntary vs. forced migrants
  • Family status - additional motivations vs. challenges

Cultural factors

  • Cultural distance between native and Canadian culture
  • Religious beliefs - support vs conflicts
  • Gender roles - conflict with Canadian norms of equality

Support and resources in Calgary

Professional organizations

Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC)

  • Comprehensive support for newcomers
  • Settlement services, language training, vocational training
  • Experience working with over 178,000 newcomers

Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA)

  • Specializes in supporting immigrant women
  • Over 50 programs
  • Serves 140+ countries and 135 languages

Centre for Newcomers

  • Settlement services, employment services
  • Youth programs, specialized programs for LGBTQ+
  • Reputation for inclusivity and cultural sensitivity

The Immigrant Education Society (TIES)

  • Focus on educational programs
  • English language classes, employment workshops
  • Childcare to support families

Government programs

  • Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) - Free language training
  • Calgary Gateway - Comprehensive support partnership initiative
  • Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS) - Support for children in schools

Community initiatives

  • Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (CBFY) - support for newcomer youth
  • Calgary Newcomers' Club - social organization for women
  • Ethnic and cultural organizations - support for specific communities

Professional psychological support

  • Culturally Sensitive Therapy - therapy that takes cultural context into account
  • Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre - resources in different languages

Strategies for overcoming culture shock

Active adaptation strategies

  • Openness and curiosity towards the new culture
  • Active socialization through community events and volunteering
  • Language improvement as a priority
  • Cultural learning through reading, courses, communication

Supportive strategies

  • Maintaining ties with home without avoiding adaptation
  • Creating new traditions that combine cultures
  • Physical health through exercise, nutrition, sleep
  • Mindfulness and stress management techniques

Practical strategies

  • Detailed planning of daily activities
  • Gradually expanding your comfort zone
  • Documenting your experiences through a journal or blog
  • Realistic expectations regarding the timing of adaptation

The role of family and intergenerational challenges

Children and teenagers

  • Children adapt faster due to their flexibility and school
  • Teenagers balance peer pressure and parental expectations
  • Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth provides specialized support

Parents and adults

  • Loss of authority as children adapt better
  • Gender roles as a source of conflict
  • CIWA supports parents in navigating change

Elderly family members

  • Biggest challenges due to language barriers and isolation
  • Community Initiatives for Immigrant Seniors Program through ISC

Long-term effects

Positive effects

  • Increased cultural competence
  • Greater flexibility and adaptability
  • Expanded networks of contacts
  • Deeper understanding of identity

Negative consequences

  • Chronic social isolation
  • Professional failure
  • Intergenerational conflicts
  • Loss of cultural identity

Culture shock as an opportunity for growth

  • Resilience building through overcoming challenges
  • Cultural bridge building - the role of intermediaries
  • Innovation and creativity from the intersection of cultures
  • Global citizenship through multicultural experience

Culture shock in Calgary is a complex, multifaceted process that can be both a challenge and an opportunity for newcomers. Understanding the stages of culture shock, available support resources, and effective adaptation strategies can greatly ease this process and help newcomers successfully integrate into Canadian society while maintaining their cultural identity.

Calgary, with its unique combination of Canadian values, multicultural diversity, and well-developed infrastructure to support newcomers, offers a supportive environment for overcoming culture shock and building a successful life in Canada. The key to success is active participation in the adaptation process, utilizing available resources, and being open to new experiences and opportunities offered by this dynamic and welcoming city.