J is for Journalling
Did you know journalling can be an effective tool to reduce culture shock and reverse culture shock?

Journalling has become quite trendy in the wellness and productivity industries – and for good reason. In a society which is often feeling the impact of information and sensory overload, taking time to write your thoughts and feelings down and reflect inwardly has the ability to give you a sense of clarity and calmness.

It can also be very useful for processing the differences you are experiencing in another culture. One definition of culture shock is, “the feelings of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.” Using a journal before, during and after your trip can help you process your experience reduce culture shock. It can mitigate the “disorientation.”

Here is a sample of three journalling prompts you can use:

Before: What do I expect to find easy? What do I expect to find challenging?
During: What stands out to me as being different from my culture, and how do I feel about it?
After: Did any of my responses/feelings about a situation (on the trip) surprise me?

A-Z of Cross-Cultural Awareness
This blog post is part of a series of short posts on cross-cultural awareness. Keep an eye out for the rest of the series.