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your relationship. The transition to a new culture may be very

difficult for your partner. Your partner may feel very isolated;

he/she has been transplanted from your culture and separated

from family and friends. Simple tasks can be stressful due to the
language barrier. Often times they do not have opportunities to

engage in a productive, meaningful activities such as pursuing a

degree, and it may be more difficult for them to make new

friends.(International Students and Cultural Shock, 2022)

C. The Stage of Culture Shock
Oberg’s anthropological discussion of culture shock identified four

stages of cultural adjustment that describe the process that people go through
when they are adapting to a new cultural environment.(Oberg, 1960) Being

aware of these stages can help to identify intervention points and strategies
to help people experiencing culture shock. Each person passes through these

stages will depend on how a student is affected by cultural distance and

personality.
1. The Honeymoon Stage.

This stage is an exciting time when individuals explore new

cultures, but involvement in the new culture is superficial and
tourist-like. Students in this stage are excited to be in a new

country and may neglect their studies as they explore their new

environment. They will seem happy and adjusted and may not

anticipate difficulties ahead. At this stage, advisors can prepare

students for what they might experience and create opportunities
for them to begin learning the new social rules as quickly as

possible. It may help to assure students that everyone experiences

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