I have started a few posts regarding cost of living and moving to the DR. However, one of the biggest areas I'd like to address when moving is the impact of culture shock. I've been researching this and been given little bits of advice from various sources, but wonder if we could get our heads together, to collate this information.
Examples of experiences when a past 'newbie' first arrived in the DR; misunderstandings; how they made true friends; how they and Dominican women dealt with men 'hollaring' at them; difficulties they found in leaving behind their own social standards/ behaviour; aspects of integration including the attempt to overcome the view that all Dominicans assume wealth, (in some perspectives I understand the view that this would be impossible) and so on.
On the Living section there is a theoretical/ practical list of advice which is a good starting point, (I've pasted this section below- my comments to each point in bold) regarding overcoming culture shock, but could you experienced posters give some up-to-date examples of experiences, and expand on this advice please?
What can I do to overcome culture shock?
1. Recognize that you are in a cultural transition and be gentle with yourself.
Ok. Good advice. And something to keep telling yourself when disorientated and feel the need to reject all that's unfamiliar.
2. Reduce other tensions in your life. Find ways to laugh.
Again good.
3. Build your support system. Find friends who can listen and support (not just enjoin in your complaints).
How? Difficulty in separating those genuine friends and those that seek cash or a visa.
4. Learn the language of the host culture. Without this, it will be extremely difficult to reach the adjustment stage of feeling comfortable.
Again. No problems with this advice and no need for expansion.
5. Make every attempt to understand situations and relationships from the host culture's view without comparing it negatively to your own.
Please expand with your knowledge. Social interaction regarding visiting friends, personal relationships, cultural differences, examples of 'situations' whereby an expat could 'put their foot in it', etc
6. Increase your self-awareness of your home culture, your own values, basic assumptions, attitudes, and rules.
Again, I would appreciate expansion with regards to this statement. Dominican values; what assumption not to make; varying cultural and class attitudes; any rules particularly?
8. See a professional therapist to deal with some past issues that may be intersecting with the current transition, or simply to get perspective and clarify current issues.
I'm sorry, but I disagree with running to a therapist and therefore will not be doing this. It's a personal perspective; everyone's different. I would prefer to gather the facts and rely on friends and experienced ex-pats/ Dominicans to gain support and understanding
I'd appreciate any help and views, updated or otherwise. I will be a new resident and may be visiting the DR a few times for extended holidays beforehand, so if you could take the view of what it was like when you FIRST arrived as a resident, through to now, incorporating lessons learned, shared anxieties, advice given before and after arrival, that would be great.
Warm regards,
Cheryl
Examples of experiences when a past 'newbie' first arrived in the DR; misunderstandings; how they made true friends; how they and Dominican women dealt with men 'hollaring' at them; difficulties they found in leaving behind their own social standards/ behaviour; aspects of integration including the attempt to overcome the view that all Dominicans assume wealth, (in some perspectives I understand the view that this would be impossible) and so on.
On the Living section there is a theoretical/ practical list of advice which is a good starting point, (I've pasted this section below- my comments to each point in bold) regarding overcoming culture shock, but could you experienced posters give some up-to-date examples of experiences, and expand on this advice please?
What can I do to overcome culture shock?
1. Recognize that you are in a cultural transition and be gentle with yourself.
Ok. Good advice. And something to keep telling yourself when disorientated and feel the need to reject all that's unfamiliar.
2. Reduce other tensions in your life. Find ways to laugh.
Again good.
3. Build your support system. Find friends who can listen and support (not just enjoin in your complaints).
How? Difficulty in separating those genuine friends and those that seek cash or a visa.
4. Learn the language of the host culture. Without this, it will be extremely difficult to reach the adjustment stage of feeling comfortable.
Again. No problems with this advice and no need for expansion.
5. Make every attempt to understand situations and relationships from the host culture's view without comparing it negatively to your own.
Please expand with your knowledge. Social interaction regarding visiting friends, personal relationships, cultural differences, examples of 'situations' whereby an expat could 'put their foot in it', etc
6. Increase your self-awareness of your home culture, your own values, basic assumptions, attitudes, and rules.
Again, I would appreciate expansion with regards to this statement. Dominican values; what assumption not to make; varying cultural and class attitudes; any rules particularly?
8. See a professional therapist to deal with some past issues that may be intersecting with the current transition, or simply to get perspective and clarify current issues.
I'm sorry, but I disagree with running to a therapist and therefore will not be doing this. It's a personal perspective; everyone's different. I would prefer to gather the facts and rely on friends and experienced ex-pats/ Dominicans to gain support and understanding
I'd appreciate any help and views, updated or otherwise. I will be a new resident and may be visiting the DR a few times for extended holidays beforehand, so if you could take the view of what it was like when you FIRST arrived as a resident, through to now, incorporating lessons learned, shared anxieties, advice given before and after arrival, that would be great.
Warm regards,
Cheryl
