How to Help Yourself
There are several things you can do to help yourself through the stages of culture shock. First, fight the urge to retreat and join a club, try out for a sports team, volunteer, attend a local church or take a language class. Mixing, meeting new people and forcing yourself to become part of the community will help you through Step Three.Get out. Walk around your neighborhood. Be seen. Smile. Visit the same coffee shop or book store or market. You'll soon be recognized. There's nothing that says you're at home, like a neighbor saying "good morning" in any language.
Go on tours. Be a tourist in your own town. Sign up for local excursions. Get to know your city, its history and culture. This will help ease you into Stage Four, and eventually, Stage Five.
