Content introduction

§2.2 Prevention measures and ways to overcome cultural shock
If you are going to stay abroad for a long time, prepare for the trip properly. After all, it is impossible to know for sure whether you are in danger of a culture shock – even those who have already been to other countries on short tourist trips are not immune from it. Prevention is in any case better than treatment.
Going to another country, try to learn as much as possible about its history, geography, customs and traditions of the inhabitants. Just as our compatriot will treat a foreigner living in Russia with contempt, but who does not know who Peter I is, so residents of other countries will look at the traveler with bewilderment if he does not know their leaders and heroes.
Try to get rid of stereotypes. Strange as it may seem, but in our age of rampant globalization, many have completely "primitive" concepts about representatives of other cultures.
Remember that as you treat people, so they treat you. Alertness entails alertness, aggressiveness will inevitably encounter aggressiveness, and benevolence and a sense of humor (first of all, in relation to oneself) will always find a response in the hearts. Even "mysterious" foreigners.
If a cultural shock has come, in order to weaken the cultural shock or shorten its duration, you need to realize in advance that this phenomenon exists and that you will have to face it one way or another. But the main thing to remember is that you can handle it and it won't last forever! So:
Prepare in advance for the fact that you may experience a culture shock. And this is quite natural. You're not sick! And the "roof" you have not "gone"!
Know that these feelings are temporary. As you become familiar with the new environment, they will gradually disappear.
Take with you your favorite book in your native language, a film with your favorite music and photos that will remind you of your culture when you are homesick.
Occupy yourself with something.
Try not to criticize everything around you and not to focus on the negative.
Prepare your favorite dish.
Try to establish friendly relations with people around you (work colleagues, fellow students ...).
Try to overcome mood swings and try to adapt to a new environment, absorbing as much knowledge and experience as possible. This in itself will reduce the effect of culture shock.
If you feel that the environment is beginning to weigh on you, remember that the problem is not in the people around you, but rather in your adaptability to them. The main thing is to try to become flexible, preserving your cultural identity and at the same time respecting the fact that people of another culture will also retain their identity. Know that, no matter how difficult it may be, culture shock gives you invaluable experience in expanding your outlook on life, deepening your perception of yourself and developing tolerance for other people.
So, having lived in another country for some time, you have voluntarily or unwittingly accepted part of the norms of the new society. And returning to your homeland is connected with the opposite process – to abstract from the way of life that has already become familiar to you and get used to the new situation at home.