So, you finally made it. You packed your bags, said your teary goodbyes, and landed in a whole new country—ready to live the dream!
But now… instead of feeling like the main character in a Netflix travel documentary, you’re feeling more like a confused extra in a foreign film—without subtitles.
Everything is new, exciting… and also kind of terrifying.The food tastes different. The streets look different. The people talk so fast. And why is everything so expensive! 😭
Welcome to the emotional rollercoaster of culture shock and homesickness. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. In fact, every international student and intern goes through it. The secret is knowing how to handle it like a pro.
Stage 1: The Honeymoon Phase (a.k.a. "I’m Living My Best Life")
At first, everything feels magical. You're walking around wide-eyed, trying new foods, taking aesthetic pictures for Instagram, and feeling like an international superstar.
💡 Pro Tip: Enjoy this phase, but don’t overspend! It’s tempting to eat out every day and buy souvenirs for the entire barangay back home, but trust me—reality will hit your wallet soon.
Stage 2: The "Wait… What Did I Just Sign Up For?" Phase 😨
And here comes the first drop of the rollercoaster. You suddenly realize:
You miss your family (even your annoying little sibling).
The food you once found "exciting" now just makes you crave Jollibee or some sinigang.
You are tired of smiling politely when you don’t understand what someone just said.
The time difference means your friends back home are asleep when you need to rant.
💡 Pro Tip: Find comfort in little things. Call home regularly, cook a dish from your country, or find a local store that sells your favorite snacks. Homesickness is normal—but it doesn’t last forever.
Stage 3: The "WHY IS EVERYTHING SO WEIRD?!" Phase 🤯
This is peak culture shock. You’re over the initial excitement and everything starts to annoy you:
Why do people walk so fast here?
Why is the milk in the U.S. so sweet?!
Why do they smile at strangers in Europe?!
Why does NO ONE understand your accent no matter how hard you try?
This is the frustration phase, and it’s where a lot of people start seriously considering buying a return ticket.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t isolate yourself. The best way to get through this is to make friends—especially with locals or other internationals who get it. Joining student clubs, meetups, or even just chatting with coworkers can help you adjust faster.
Stage 4: The "Okay, I Kinda Get It Now" Phase 😌
One day, without realizing it, you:
✔️ Order food without panicking.✔️ Stop converting prices in your head (because you finally accept you’re broke 💸).✔️ Pick up local slang.✔️ Start liking some of the new customs.
Congratulations—you’re adapting! This is where things start getting fun again.
💡 Pro Tip: Embrace the experience. Try to learn some of the language, visit local spots, and remind yourself why you came here in the first place. This is when you truly start feeling at home.
Stage 5: The "I Never Want to Leave" Phase ❤️
Fast forward a few months—you’re thriving.
You’ve built a routine, made great friends, and actually prefer some things here over back home. (Gasp! 😱)
Then one day, it hits you…You only have a few months left. And suddenly, the thought of leaving makes you just as emotional as the thought of arriving did.
💡 Pro Tip: Enjoy every moment. Travel, explore, take a million photos, and leave with zero regrets. This experience will change you forever, so make the most of it!
Final Thoughts: You Got This. 💪
Culture shock and homesickness are normal, but they won’t last forever. The key is to stay open-minded, be patient with yourself, and build a support system.
And remember: Someday, you’ll look back on this and laugh at all the things that once made you cry. 💙
If you found this helpful, share it with someone who might need it! Tag a friend who’s also going through culture shock right now! 😉👇