Valentina, how do you experience culture shock? | MAGAZIN herIDEA

„I remember, when I first stepped into the airport, I
felt very happy. I feel like I was in another world. In that
moment, I felt very strong and I felt, that I was ready to start
my new life.“
Valentina is 21 years old and studies International Business
Management at Furtwangen University at the Villingen-Schwenningen
Campus. In 2021, Valentina came from Argentina to Germany
together with her sister and her mother. Her father is still in
Argentina and will also come to Germany if the family succeeds in
the adjustment process.
 


In the process of getting to know a new culture, the so-called
culture shock often occurs.


When a person moves from a familiar environment to a completely
foreign culture, it often leads to feelings of fear, loneliness
and uncertainty. Culture shock has two faces: One is the new
country, the new culture. On the other hand, the home country,
the culture left behind.

„I knew, that changing your culture is like escaping of your
comfort zone, and try to adapt to a new culture. I knew, that it
was going to be difficult, yes, absolutely, but yes, I tried to
make new friends, to connect with people from the first time,
even when sometimes I feel, that I am not able or I can’t.“