The Move Abroad Coach Podcast

#83 How to Handle Culture Shock Like a Pro (+ Some Wild Stories From My 12 Years Abroad)

Season 1 Episode 83

Moving abroad is an incredible adventure, but let’s be real—culture shock can hit hard. In today’s episode, I’m sharing ALL the wild stories from my 12 years of living abroad. Want to hear about the time someone literally made eye contact with me while watching me pee? Or the moment I thought I’d need to hide from an air raid on my first day in China? (Spoiler alert: it wasn’t an air raid). 

In this episode, you're going to laugh, but more importantly, you’ll walk away with practical tips on how to navigate culture shock like a pro.

We’ll break down:

  • What culture shock is and why it happens
  • The four stages of culture shock and how to recognize where you are
  • How to embrace discomfort and turn it into an opportunity for personal growth
  • Practical tips for navigating everyday challenges in a new country
  • Long-term strategies for cultural integration and building confidence in your new home

Resources Mentioned:
Join the Move Abroad Crash Course
Contact us for Coaching Options
Follow Move Abroad Coach on Instagram

Love this Episode? What to Listen to Next:

  • #74 No fluency required: how to move abroad without speaking the language
  • #62 "I chose this": releasing victim mentality so you can love your life abroad 
  • #54 Choose your hard: navigating the discomfort you know vs the discomfort you don't know 
  • #49 How to make friends and meet people abroad 
  • #40 Moving abroad saved my life: travel and mental health with my husband Chris 

Join the Conversation: Have you experienced culture shock? What strategies helped you adjust faster? Share your story on social media and tag me @MoveAbroadCoach