An Experience of Culture Shock -- Hanako Iwatsuki

 I have been in New Zealand to study since this February. New Zealand is the first country outside of Japan I went. Thus, I have experienced many different customs from Japan, however, at the same time I have faced culture shock.

Firstly, I have shocked at a lot of cultural differences from Japan. For example, people in New Zealand eat potatoes rather than rice. Although I could enjoy these differences in the first month, I began to struggle with differences especially in customs. For instance, there is little public transportation in Dunedin where I am staying, so it is inconvenient for me. In addition to the bus timetable, buses often come late or come too early. Consequently, I have missed a bus and waited for thirty minutes at a bus stop. It made me really irritated because I have never experienced them in Japan. Furthermore, I was also shocked that most of the shops and cafes close in the early time, and many Kiwi people go to bed early and wake up early. In contrast, many Japanese tend to stay up late and wake up later. So, I felt bored especially on weekends and after school at first. 

I believe I overcame these New Zealand culture shock because I have become accustomed to the habits. Learning about culture shock and New Zealand culture before I came here helped to overcame it, and in fact, this culture affected on my attitude in a positive way, I have stopped rushing through everything and become more relaxed. However, it took approximately 3 months to adapt to it.

In conclusion, I experienced culture shock in New Zealand and overcame it by trying to become accustomed to it. It was an opportunity for growth, Therefore, I will face difficulties although instead of avoiding them.