Psychologists tell us that there are four basic stages that human beings pass through when they enter and live in a new culture. This process, which helps us to deal with culture shock, is the way our brain and our personality react to the strange new things we encounter when we move from one culture to another.

Culture begins with the “honeymoon stage”. This is the period of time when we first arrive in which everything about the new culture is strange and exciting. We may be suffering from "jet lag" but we are thrilled to be in the new environment, seeing new sights, hearing new sounds and language, eating new kinds of food. This stage can last for quite a long time because we feel we are involved in some kind of great adventure.

Unfortunately, the second stage can be more difficult. After we have settled down into our new life, we can become very tired and begin to miss our homeland and our family, friends, pets. All the little problems in life seem to be much bigger and more disturbing when you face them in a foreign culture. This period can be very difficult and lead to the new arrival rejecting or pulling away from the new culture.

The third stage is called the “adjustment stage”. This is when you begin to realize that things are not so bad in the host culture. Your sense of humour usually becomes stronger and you realize that you are becoming stronger by learning to take care of yourself in the new place. Things are still difficult, but you are now a survivor!

The fourth stage can be called “at ease at last”. Now you feel quite comfortable in your new surroundings. You can cope with most problems that occur. You may still have problems with the language, but you know you are strong enough to deal with them.

There is a fifth stage of culture shock which many people don't know about. This is called “reverse culture shock”. Surprisingly, this occurs when you go back to your native culture and find that you have changed and that things there have changed while you have been away. Now you feel a little uncomfortable back home. Life is a struggle!

1．When does culture shock happen？

       A．When you reach your teens

       B．When you move to a big city

       C．When you meet foreign people for the first time

       D．When you go to live in a foreign culture

2．How do you feel during the first stage of culture shock？

       A．Lonely and depressed                  B．Bored and homesick

       C．Happy and excited                    D．Angry and frustrated

3．How could the second stage be described？

       A．Adjustment          B．Rejection            C．Enthusiasm         D．Anger

4．Why might reverse culture shock be a problem？

       A．It hardly ever happens.                B．It is extremely stressful.

       C．Most people do not expect it.           D．It only happens to young people.