Culture Shock Reflection Report: COMM8090, Canada Experience

This report provides a detailed reflection on the culture shock experiences of an international student in Canada. The author begins by discussing initial worries about moving to Canada, which were largely based on internet research, and whether these concerns proved accurate. The report then explores the duration of the adjustment period and identifies distinct stages in the process, including linguistic and behavioral adaptations. Specific actions, both conscious and subconscious, that aided in adjustment are highlighted, alongside valuable lessons learned from the experience, particularly regarding social interactions and equality. The report also addresses current stressors, such as financial concerns, and coping mechanisms employed. Finally, the author offers advice to others planning to relocate to Canada, emphasizing the importance of appropriate behavior, self-sufficiency, financial prudence, and suitable winter clothing. The report is based on personal experiences and observations, offering a comprehensive view of the challenges and rewards of cultural adaptation.

Running head: REFLECTION ON CULTURE SHOCK EXPERIENCES
Reflection on Culture Shock Experiences
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1REFLECTION ON CULTURE SHOCK EXPERIENCES
What worried me the most as I prepared to move? Did this worry turn out to be accurate?
Completely taken out of my personal experiences, when I decided to prepare for my
journey to Canada for moving out, the thing that scared me the most is my own random
researches about Canada and the fear of all these retrospections to be untrue. Since neither me
or any of my friends and family members have ever been to Canada, my only source of
knowing everything about Canada was based on my internet researches. This is why, I was
worried more as I had a constant fear of seeing a different picture of Canada, that might not
be as wonderful worth living as seeing over the internet.
However, my worry was not accurate as living in Canada is as beautiful as I saw and
read on the internet.
How long did it take before I was comfortable or content in the new environment?
The first time I came to Canada, I had experiences so much of Culture Shock every
day at every point of time that I could not even think of. I was shocked to find some English
names of vegetables that I knew were actually called differently here, the buses in my place
had hanging passengers from the windows and here buses did not have a permission to stand.
It took me about to month to be accustomed to the new culture here.
Can I, in retrospect, identify any distinct stages in my adjustment to the new place?
I have experienced so many distinct stages while my stay that I started to keep notes
about the changes I had to bring onto myself to be accustomed to the culture here. Firstly, I
started to say “Pepper” for what I knew to be “Capsicum” and “Cilantro” for “Coriander”.
The country from where I belong, littering is casual and even the cleanest person has
sometimes littered unknowingly. It took me a great deal of concentration to keep myself from
even casual littering as Canada has strict rules for these activities.
Identification of 2 or 3 specific things I did, consciously or subconsciously, that helped me
to adjust.
I can recall one subconscious thing that I picked up. I started to say “eh” more in
conversations to represent my exclamation. Consciously, I learned and started to drive right
as my country has a drive-on-the-left rule and I also learned to speak “loonie”, “toonie”,
“nickel” and “dime” for exchanging money.
What lessons from this experience can be useful to me now?
One of the very effective experience that I have had in Canada is how people treat one
another over here. I have never seen people being rude to one another or even a political
drama in Canada during elections. There are no caste system and people treat each other
equally. This is a rare in my country. I needed this experience and I hope I can move forward
with this positive atmosphere I am in now.
What stresses I am experiencing? (If any). What are some things that I am doing to help
you deal with the stress?
As of now, I am not dealing with any other stress than few expensive items, which are
not that expensive in my country. Sometimes my car insurance and my data plans worry me. I
am learning to save money at every instance and not waste even a dime. I am sure I can save
some good amount and not worry about expensive things anymore.
What advice I would pass on to others about to do the same thing?
I would like to recommend that to live in Canada, one should always be at their best
behaviour, start doing all household chores by themselves, save money and definitely get
extremely warm clothes to be able to thrive here during the winters. It can get as bad as -35
degrees.

2REFLECTION ON CULTURE SHOCK EXPERIENCES
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