An experience of culture shock -- New

      People are usually familiar with the culture that they grew up in since they were young but not with a new environment that they have never experienced.  As a result, when they go to study or work in a foreign country for a long period of time, they are likely to experience some culture shock during their first few days or months in that place.  In terms of my experience, what follows is my culture shock in New Zealand.

     As I have stayed with a host family since I came to study English here in February 2025.  The most significant experience of culture shock for me was the custom or the way of having a meal at home with my host mother.  On the first day that we had dinner together, I noticed that there was a round table with two chairs and I thought we would sit there and have dinner together.  This was because in my culture, when it comes to a mealtime, especially dinner, my family and I always sit and have food together at a dining table.  However, my host mother told me that she is more comfortable sitting on a sofa while she is eating food.   As a result, at first, it felt quite strange because it seemed that we were having dinner together at the same time but we were sitting separately. 

     Then, after about 2 months, I got used to it and understood that we just have different cultures but that doesn’t mean either one is better.  Therefore, even though we have sat separately while we have dinner, I have managed to always sit at the side of the table that faces towards her so that we can still see and talk to each other conveniently.  Moreover, since I have adapted to this custom, I’m much happier and feel more relaxed at home.

     In conclusion, I believe that it is normal to initially feel culture shock when we go to stay in a foreign country for a long time.  However, if we try to accept, understand and adapt to the differences, it will make us have an opportunity to experience new traditions which eventually could be some of the memorable moments in our lives.




Comments

  1. Hanako IwatsukiAugust 14, 2025 at 4:20 PM

    I'm glad that you get used to it! you will be more acceptable or generous about different culture when you go back to Thailand, and this skill will help you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MilaeAugust 14, 2025 at 4:33 PM

    Oh I didn't know that many people in New Zealand have dinner at sofa, because my host family always have dinner in dining table. It sounds comfortable! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. David WoodfieldAugust 14, 2025 at 4:37 PM

    Thanks for sharing your story, New. To tell the truth, my wife and I typically eat dinner sitting on the sofa while watching the news on TV. When our kids were still at home, though, we had dinner sitting round the dining table & if we have guests now, we do the same.
    David :-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Miyu TOKUMOTOAugust 14, 2025 at 4:45 PM

    I have the same experience as well. We sometimes have dinner together at the dining table. It's one or two times per week. I'm sometimes sad when I have dinner by myself.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Keigo TominagaAugust 14, 2025 at 4:49 PM

    When we look backward, we firstly realize its worth.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Meri OBARAAugust 15, 2025 at 7:24 PM

    Wow. If I experienced it, it would be pretty strange for me as well. But I'm happy that you are used to it.

    ReplyDelete

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