Image source: http://allaitan.blogspot.ca/2013/11/acculturation.html

The Acculturation Process:

When moving to a new country many people go through an adjustment period. This period can be broken down into four stages, or the four H's.

-Honeymoon (Initial Enthusiasm)

-Hostility (Culture Shock)

-Humour (Recovery)

-Home (Integration)

Image Source: http://media.fclmedia.com/global-images/fc/holidays/hero_wide/wedding-honeymoon/1.jpg

Honeymoon (Initial Enthusiasm)

This stage occurs when the person first arrives in their new community. Their is a sense of excitement for a change of atmosphere and culture. It is like going on your honeymoon.

Students may:

-Show excitement, idealism, and eagerness towards all activities

-There may be some anxiety about their future

-They are optimistic about their new opportunities and experiences

Image Source: http://blog.flywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/moving-house-relocation-culture-shock-480x280.jpg

Hostility (Culture Shock)

This is a period of time where 'reality sets in' and the newcomer starts to see that their values and customs are not the same as those around them. They start to 'hate' their new community and wish to return 'home', even if it means returning to danger.

Students may:

-See themselves as outsiders and feel isolated

-Complain about their situation and only want to associate with those who speak their language or share their culture

-Be irritable and express anger towards people or activities

-Develop a sickness (headaches, tiredness, stomachache, etc).

image source: https://monterre.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/acceptance.jpg

Humour (Recovery)

Newcomers start towards accepting their new community as 'home'. They start making meaningful friends, discover that there are good thing about their new situation, and start to see value in both 'old' and 'new' cultures.

Students may:

-Have more constructive attitude and feel less anxious about new activities

-Demonstrate stronger oral skills (listening and speaking)

-Test new behaviours and test the limits of acceptable behaviour

image source: https://edspired.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/peoplearoundtheworld.jpg