Friends and family
I think it really depends on someone ability to adapt. Yes, moving to a country where you have friends and family can be an advantage but it also can be the opposite. I know a lot of people who moved to countries to join their significant others and when the relationship fell apart, they moved back home (because all their acquaintances were linked to that other).
I don't know about Shalena besides her posts but working in another country (crazy hours in a city that I hate), leaving my children behind for week at times, being pregnant with my 4th child from someone whose ex is threatening me, I WOULD HAVE LOST IT TOO (don't care how tough you are), even if I were home (wherever that be).........And people lose it differently, some take it on their environment, on themselves, etc....Not convinced it is culture shock
When you get down to it home really is where the heart is and the country or language aren't important. I grew up in Charleston SC but left as soon as I was an adult and have always felt like a stranger when I returned. Not so here in Santiago. I think wherever one goes that feels welcomed and has sufficient family, friends and acquaintances that all the peripheral issues are manageable. This didn't happen overnight of course but in a matter of a few years.
I think in Shalena's case what made it so difficult apart from moving from a consumerist oriented society to a much more social one was that the real reason she came here, her friend, let her down. Not only did she and her family have to adjust to the culture which was difficult in itself but then she was basically stranded which made the situation all but unbearable.
I honestly think maybe the majority of Westerners who come to the DR without some familial affiliation eventually will move away due to similar circumstances. Generally if you move to a new area in the States where you don't have friends and family who make you feel welcome you at least have a job where you can make acquaintances or plenty of "inanimate" diversions to keep you busy(gym, the mall, movies,restaurants).
I think it really depends on someone ability to adapt. Yes, moving to a country where you have friends and family can be an advantage but it also can be the opposite. I know a lot of people who moved to countries to join their significant others and when the relationship fell apart, they moved back home (because all their acquaintances were linked to that other).
I don't know about Shalena besides her posts but working in another country (crazy hours in a city that I hate), leaving my children behind for week at times, being pregnant with my 4th child from someone whose ex is threatening me, I WOULD HAVE LOST IT TOO (don't care how tough you are), even if I were home (wherever that be).........And people lose it differently, some take it on their environment, on themselves, etc....Not convinced it is culture shock