We have already dealt with the phenomenon and phases of culture shock in another article.
Culture shock is a term that describes the emotional and psychological difficulties that people experience when they are immersed in a new, often foreign culture. This process can be triggered by various factors, such as different customs, norms, values, language or lifestyles.
Reverse culture shock is (even) less well known than the culture shock phenomenon and at least as unexpected if you have lived and worked as an expatriate in another country for a certain period of time, integrated into society there and built up friendships, and then, coming back to your origin country, you experience something similar:
Now the period of expatriation is over and it's time to move back to your home country. The feelings are often ambivalent, as you have grown fond of many things in your "new" country. You have taken off your rose-colored sunglasses and now see the country with a realistic view and all its pros and cons, and it is painful to say goodbye. At the same time, however, you are very much looking forward to the familiar surroundings in your home country, rekindling old friendships, familiar structures and mechanisms.
It is all the more surprising for many people when they come back and realize that the earth has continued to turn in their home country and that many things are no longer as they were when they left. This is true on many levels - depending on how long you have been away. Friendships have changed, perhaps the city they come from is also structured differently, some people no longer live there.
Many people experience this foreignness in an environment in which they least expected it as a new shock, namely a reintegration shock, or: reverse culture shock.
What is this? - Reintegration is the process of reintegrating into their own community and, as with the experience of culture shock, it also takes place in several phases:
Phase 1: anticipation
In this phase, the person realizes that some things have changed in their new/old environment that they need to adapt to.
Phase 2: culture shock
In this phase, the person is confronted with the difficulties of reintegration. This can be a major challenge, as many structures and rules may have changed.
Phase 3: Adaption
In this phase, the person accepts their new situation and slowly finds their place in the old/new environment. They recognize many structures and can now see the differences more clearly. They begin to feel comfortable and integrated again.
Phase 4: integration
This is the final stage of the adaptation process - at this stage the person has successfully reintegrated and accepted their new circumstances. They are able to fully develop and grow in their new environment.
These phases can vary in length or take several rounds and repetitions. At the end of this process, there is compatibility between the two cultures, between which the expat can switch back and forth smoothly. Here too, it is advisable to be accompanied by an experienced person who can provide mental support during this reacclimatization phase.
I regularly publish articles on the topics of “Living abroad”, “Living in Germany” and expatriates. If you would like to be coached on your individual path to make this phase in your life easier, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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