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Judaism originated in the Fertile Crescent. Since the 2nd century BC, Jewish populations inhabited the region of Babylonia and were sharing their land with people of other religions. The beginnings of the Diaspora in the 6th century BC and the Muslim presence in the Holy Land in the 7th century with the capture of Palestine led to a linguistic influence on Jewish populations that adopted the Aramaic language. Jewish urban residents, who specialized in trade and crafts, were speaking Arabic.

Under the rule of Umayyad Caliphate (661-750) in the Middle East, North Africa and Spain Jewish populations flourished. Their exceptional prosperity took place, for the most part, in Spain, under the reign of the Caliphate of Cordoba (756-1031). For the Jewish populations of Spain, known as Sephardic Jews, this period is considered the Golden Age because they have exposed an increased activity in commerce, agriculture, medicine and finance, although initially Muslim bureaucrats had tried to keep them out of the political sphere of influence.

Beyond any doubt, Arabic culture and language had a lasting effect on the Sephardic cultural evolution. The adoption of Arabic language, not only facilitated the integration of the Jews into the Arabic culture, but it also influenced Sephardic philosophy and science. Educated Jews had the opportunity to come in contact with intellectual achievements of Arabic culture as well as Arab texts and translations of classical Greek and Roman literature. The thorough regard of the Arab grammar and style stirred an interest for philology, while a wider interest in the arts, math, medicine, astronomy, and geography led to a mental awakening of the Sephardic population.

In the 11th century, the Jews suffered the invasions of the Seljuk Turks in Jerusalem in 1071 and the Siege of Jerusalem by the Crusaders in 1099. Because of the poor relations between the Muslims and the Christian Western Europe, in 1096, nearly 30,000 Crusaders gathered upon the call of Pope Urban II to fight against Islam to recover control of Jerusalem and to hinder the expansion of Seljuk Turks into Anatolia. On July 15, 1099, the Crusaders captured Jerusalem, invading it through the Jewish quarter. Jews, greatly disappointed from Christian anti-Semitism that was strongly evident before the Crusades, fought side-by-side with the Muslims to defend the Holy Land.

In the 19th century, a great number of non-Arabic speaking Jews emigrated to Palestine and Egypt. Many Jews from Baghdad emigrated to India and the Far East. After 1945, Arab nationalism turned against the Jewish populations of Syria and Iraq leading them to immigrate to Israel. Because of the Suez War, in 1956, large part of the Jewish population in Egypt had to leave the country. Because of the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), most of the Jews had to immigrate.

Jews who have been living in the Arab world are widely known as Arab Jews. Advocates of the term suggest that ‘Arab’ refers mostly to linguistic and cultural influences rather than to ethnic identity. Many people use this term to define Arabic-speaking Jews, but definitely not to identify Jews as Arabs in terms of religion, race or ethnicity.

Christina_Pomoni

Education is the knowledge of putting one’s potentials to maximum use. Without education, no one can find the proper right path in this world.

This importance of education is basically for two reasons. Education makes man a right thinker. Without education, no one can think properly in an appropriate context you. It tells man how to think and how to make decision. The second reason for the importance of education is that only through the attainment of education, man is enabled to receive information from the external world. It is well said that

“Without education, man is as though in a closed room and with education he finds himself in a room with all its windows open towards outside world.”

This is why Islam attaches such great importance to knowledge and education. When the Quran began to be revealed, the first word of its first verse was ‘Iqra’ that is, read..

The reflective book of Holy Quran is so rich in content and meaning that if the history of human thought continues forever, this book is not likely to be read to its end. Every day it conveys a new message to the humanity. Every morning, it gives us new thoughtful ideas and bound us in the boundaries of ethics.

Islamic Education is one of the best systems of education, which makes an ethical groomed person with all the qualities, which he/she should have as a human being. The Western world has created the wrong image of Islam in the world. They don’t know that our teachings are directly given to us from Allah, who is the creator of this world, through our Prophets.

The Muslims all over the world are thirsty of acquiring quality education. They know their boundaries and never try to cross it. It is the West, which has created a hype that the Muslim are not in a path of getting proper education. They think that our education teaches us fighting, about weapons, etc., which is so false. This is true that there are certain elements, which force an individual to be on the wrong path, because as we will mould a child, they will be like that, but it doesn’t mean that our religion teaches improperly to us.

Our Holy Prophet (SAW), said,

Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.

And:

Seek knowledge even [if it is to be found in a place as distant as China. At the battle of Badr, in which our beloved Holy Prophet (SAW) gained victory over his foes, seventy people of the enemy rank were taken to prison. These prisoners were literate people. In order to benefit from their education the Prophet declared that if one prisoner teaches ten Muslim children how to read and write, this will serve as his ransom and he will be set free. This was the first school in the history of Islam established by the Prophet himself with all its teachers being non-Muslims. The Sunnah of the Prophet shows that education is to be received whatever the risk involved.

Today, the Muslims are acquiring good ideas, thoughts, knowledge, and skills, from all corners of the world. The world is moving very fast, and in this industrialize world, It is the duty of the teachers to give quality ethical integrated education to the Muslim students worldwide, because children are invaluable assets of future generations.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encouraged all Muslims to acquire knowledge and share it. He said:

“Acquire knowledge, for he who acquires it in the way of Allah performs an act of piety; he who speaks of it, praises the Lord; he who seeks it, adores Allah; he who dispenses instruction in it, bestows alms; and he who imparts it to others, performs an act of devotion to Allah.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

All the teachers of either secular or religious education should give more attention to the pupils inside the classroom. It is necessary that in the Islamic system that we should consider these dear children as our own children, and put aside all other considerations, and rise above all such things and realize our duty and our mission. We should raise the standards of education and attend to the needs of these children. We should realize our duties with earnestness and awaken to the sense of responsibility. It has been seen that there are certain teacher who are not fulfilling their duties with keen interest. I would like to request all the teachers that for the sake of God, for the sake of your revolutionary duty, teach the children with devotion and dedication.

It is important that we advance our work through discussions, debates, studies, and through proper distribution of work among ourselves.

We must never forget that we are living in an Islamic State, and our aim should be simultaneously to create both an independent as well as an Islamic culture in character. Independence and richness of content are indeed among the characteristics of the Islamic culture. Our system is an ideological system.

We should make our child enthusiastic, dynamic, and this search should pervade every corner of our society. We should aspire them to be truthful and sincere.

Self-sacrifice and generosity, love of freedom, the resolve for resistance and headstrong perseverance, the courage to welcome martyrdom-all these are the new values of the new generation, which should be taught according to the teaching of Islam.

The doors of the school should always be kept open for the sake of Islam, for the sake of the Muslim Ummah.

Munir_Moosa

Cross cultural communication is critical to the business world. The diversity of people in cities and countries means an element of cross cultural communication will always be needed whether it is between staff, colleagues, customers or clients. Awareness of cultural differences can favourably impact the success of a business. Improved staff interaction, better customer relations and effective client management are all areas that will reap benefits through cross cultural understanding.

Although cross cultural communication competency can only be truly achieved through cross cultural awareness training, language acquisition, foreign travel and cultural immersion there are some guidelines that can enhance your cross cultural communication skills.

Cross Cultural Communication needs …Listening Skills

Although emphasis usually lies on being a competent speaker, listening is a key skill that many business personnel do not exercise enough. For cross cultural communication, attentive listening is critical to be able to understand meanings, read between the lines and enable to empathise with the speaker.

Cross Cultural Communication needs…Speaking Skills

Listening and speaking must work in tandem for effective cross cultural communication. Speaking well is not about accent, use of grammar and vocabulary or having the gift of the gab. Rather, cross cultural communication is enhanced through positive speech such as encouragement, affirmation, recognition and phrasing requests clearly or expressing opinions sensitively.

Cross Cultural Communication needs… Observation

Large amounts of cross cultural information can be read in people’s dress, body language, interaction and behaviour. Be aware of differences with your own culture and try to understand the roots of behaviours. Asking questions expands your cross cultural knowledge.

Cross Cultural Communication needs… Patience

Man has been created differently and we need to recognise and understand that sometimes cross cultural differences are annoying and frustrating. In these situations patience is definitely a virtue. Through patience respect is won and cross cultural understanding is enhanced.

Cross Cultural Communication needs …Flexibility

Flexibility, adaptability and open-mindedness are the route to successful cross cultural communication. Understanding, embracing and addressing cross cultural differences leads to the breaking of cultural barriers which results in better lines of communication, mutual trust and creative thinking.

Following these five cross cultural communication needs will allow for improved lines of communication, better cross cultural awareness and more successful cross cultural relationships.

Neil_Payne

Getting admission in one of the top US Universities is indeed a decision of lifetime. The country has the potential to rule the world in all fields and thus, education is certainly not an exception in this direction. But before you actually start your process of learning from one of these universities, it is of indispensably important to visit all factors associated with it. You must take into account the factors like financial aids, location and weather conditions, placement prospects, reputation gained by the university and so on.

Hoe Important Is Location

The location of university is of great importance and must play its role in your process of decision. You must choose the university with a suitable location, which is decided by following factors:

The universities located in most advanced cities of admired states are amongst top preferences of students.

Some students choose to enroll with universities located in their own areas to save a considerable amount of money on accommodations.

If you are non-US student, it might appear convenient to you to choose the university located in area with large number of people from your community.

Apart from this, weather of the location may also affect your decision, as there are distinct capabilities of students to exist in different climatic conditions. Thus, it is always important to gain advanced information about weather conditions.

Financial Scoring of Universities

The choice of US Universities is significantly driven by financial requirements of each option available. Thus, keeping some important aspects in mind will help you to take a good decision:

Overall fees on annual basis, which include tuition fees, food and accommodation charges amongst others

You must also find about student loan options, scholarship benefits, and other types of financial aids provided by university.

It is recommended to go for public universities, which are more economical options for learning.

Which Course you Want to Enroll in

The type of course you want to get enrolled in also helps you to decide the most appropriate option for you. You must have the information about the value and future prospects of course provided by each university. For this, you can take help of online discussion forums and university directories. Also, you can discuss it with old students and seniors from the same university and enrolled with same course.

Thus, it is not a rocket science to choose the most appropriate choice amongst existing US Universities. All you need to do is to evaluate each university on various measures mentioned above and reach down at final decision

Peters_Salazar

Basically, a college education is an investment in your future. Just as in evaluating the merits of any investment, you need to perform a cost-benefit analysis, with the cost being the tuition and fees, and the benefits being the increase in pay you could expect due to attaining your degree. The higher the costs, the larger the benefits need to be for the investment to make sense.

Let’s say you have a full ride college scholarship with all the trimmings. You would be crazy not to take advantage of such an opportunity. On the other hand, what if your college education will cost over a million dollars? The higher pay you could expect had better be much, much higher for such an enormous investment to be justified financially.

Learning Versus Formal Education

Often times people graduate from college and believe that their learning years are over for good, and for this they are usually thankful. This is unfortunate. In fact, I believe that your best learning years normally occur after you graduate from college. Please let me explain.

While we are part of the “school” system, we normally don’t feel inspired to learn, mainly because we are forced to be there. Even in the case of a college education, we are often “socially” forced to be there by family, friends, and society at large. Because we usually feel uninspired in such a rigid environment, the amount of learning we truly absorb is minimal.

Once we have graduated from college, we are now freed from the bondage of a formal education and can pursue knowledge on our own terms. We can choose to study astronomy, history, or basket weaving if we wish. The reason I believe we are able to learn more effectively after college is because now, for the first time in our lives, we are truly in pursuit of knowledge, and not some piece of paper. From this point forward, learning is conducted on our own terms and at our own pace. Now, learning has become our choice. And thanks to the internet and your local library, it’s usually free!

A “Quick and Dirty” Look at the Numbers

Let’s say you’re considering a career in medicine specializing in, say, pediatrics. Since it normally takes around 12 years to finish your schooling and residencies, you would not be able to call yourself a pediatrician until you’re around 30 years old. Assuming you owe $125,000 in student loans that are to be paid off in 10 years at 5% interest, you would be paying $15,780 in loan payments annually until you reach 40 years old. This is not a major problem because pediatricians make around $135,000 per year, but it will probably put your investing program on hold until the loans are paid off. Let assume once your loans are paid in full you begin investing 10% of your salary, or $13,500 annually. If your investments earn you 8% per year, you will have accumulated $1.1 million dollars by the time you reach retirement at 65.

Now let’s look at someone going to be a hair stylist. Assuming you are able to finish your training in 2 years, you will be ready to begin work at 20 years old. Now you begin investing 10% of your $30,000 yearly income, or $3,000. If your investments earn you 8% annually, your account will have grown to $1.3 million dollars by your 65th birthday.

As you can see, the high educational investment required of the pediatrician coupled with the early start of the hair stylist makes the financial decision more or less a wash. The main takeaway from this discussion is that your decision to pursue a high paying career requiring an extensive amount of education should be due to your passion for the field, and not because you believe it will make you rich. Furthermore, a large difference in annual salary between careers does not always translate into a large difference in accumulated wealth.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Hebert

One of Indonesia’s amazing cultures is the country’s unique art-forms and that expresses mixed cultures. There are the Indonesian’s traditional puppet shows that is influenced mainly by the Hindus and Islam that among the villagers of Java. The western culture in the other hand has influenced Indonesia with modern entertainment features and techniques like the art of TV shows and movies together with their songs. Their political system was influenced mainly of the Western’s.

Though the Indonesians have been influenced by many foreign lads, the many remote places of the country still possess and reserve the country’s unique culture, rituals, customs and old traditions.

Indonesian music has been a very big part of the Indonesian community making it a very important role in every Indonesian lives. The dance together with their music has also been a big part of Indonesian civilization. There are lots of traditional dances that are being played and performed during special occasions in some public places.

Apart from their dance and music, the Indonesian’s drama and theatre are being performed in certain Indonesian occasions. Performances subjects with the country’s history. They actually perform folk stories and get to play each unique character that will give life to the performances.

Painting is also been well known for the Indonesians and that they are very artistic and detailed with colorful and traditional designs that are unique by the Indonesians. These paintings are used to be backgrounds of the theatre arts performances that give life to the show.

Here are the some of the traditional customs and traditions behind the Indonesian culture. Through the years, their culture has diverged and lots of styles and techniques are added that made their culture more colorful and lively. There are lots more to be revealed with the culture of Indonesia that is only be discovered when one is to relate himself with the Indonesians and get to know them personally. So visit this beautiful country any time and learn more about their vibrant culture and their way of living.

Pinky_Mcbanon

Cultural awareness is having the appreciation and recognition that people are different all over the world. It means having tolerance and sensitivity in many situations and controlling our attitude towards others.

Because we are all humans, we instantly believe that we must be all the same, ok yes, we have different nationalities, different languages and we may have a different colour of skin, but apart from that we are all the same.

When we travel to another country, on business or on holiday, we only have a short glimpse of the country and people we are visiting and we readily accept the lifestyle, however it is, because we know we will not be there long.

We may have to cope with understanding a few words in another language, or a new currency and getting used to some new tastes, in food and drink, but this is all part of the experience of being somewhere different.

But if we stay longer or decide to live in another country, we then start to notice some significant differences and realise that the lifestyle is quite a bit different from what we may have expected. In fact we start to judge everything by our own standards.

We ask, “Why don’t they do things the way we do?” “Why don’t they understand what I am saying to them?” “Don’t they have any manners?”

We have a slow realisation that it is not just the language that is so different to our ears, the whole situation is different. The people here have different tastes, different ideas and a very much different understanding to what you are accustomed to.

Over time, we start to have a stronger perception of some of the things that make these people the way they are. Their politics and laws are different, their beliefs and even their religion may be different and their education systems may also be unlike the ones we appreciate.

Their customs, values, ideas, attitudes and social activities may be totally different to what we have become used to. In fact you now have the complete realisation that it is not just the lifestyle that has changed for you.

But was it not that lifestyle that first attracted you to this country and these people. If they had come to your country with the expectation of everything being the way that they knew in their country, would you have changed everything for them, no you would not, so don’t expect them to change everything for you.

Take a deep breath and ask yourself this question, “How do so many people in the world manage to live together in mixed environments without any of the circumstances that you are experiencing affecting their way of life?”

How? This is how. They have realised that it is only their own attitude to the situations that are presented to them that determines the outcome.

By showing tolerance and sensitivity to other people’s feelings, with a recognition and respect for their ideas, you will very soon find that it becomes a natural way of thinking and your attitude will reflect this fact.

Their politics, laws, beliefs, religion, customs, ideas, values and education systems will all remain the same, you just have to give some patient attention to them, to gain better appreciation and understanding.

Getting more involved with the people, in social activities, you will begin to have a much fuller immersion in their ways and they will want to help you to become more integrated with them. They will put a lot of effort into communicating with you, by teaching you some of their language and learning some of yours.

You will find that their ideas, beliefs and values are not so far away from your own. And the enlightenment that families, children, relationships and friends are just as important to them as they are to you will reinforce your sense of belonging.

The creativity and artistic flair that is apparent in many countries will be presented to you by the people in their customs, traditions and folklore. You will have the opportunity to see some very spectacular sights and enjoy some wonderful enthusiastic experiences.

Whether it is just a long visit, relocation due to employment, or your new home, this country and these people are now a part of your way of life. And they will give you, as warm a welcome, as you give them.

Tolerance, sensitivity, respect and the knowledge that we are all the same, despite our differences, can and will, give us an attitude to life and to the people around us, that truly provides us with recognition of why we were put on this earth; to live in harmony and complete the successful fulfilment of our lives.

James_V_Chapman

Constructive elements of the US culture and American characteristics separate American society from Europe and other world countries, even American neighbors. This distinction becomes clearer with comparison of America and Canada. Both countries were established by European migrants, but Canadian culture has more similarity with European culture. In one hand, American culture is consequence of reaction and interaction between European cultural elements and American geography. On other hand, contact between different cultures of European and non- European culture, particularly African culture. America ethnicity is collection of many migrants ethnic. It is mix of diversity race and ethnic. Plurality and unity is one of important element of American culture.

Emerging of national identity and culture shaped before people conscious. Collection of values system, norms, history, geography, and immigration created a new way of life that I called American culture. American society is like a pot that various things were added and out put of this pot has principle difference with primary things. As a result, understanding American culture and society needs to studding of human process and geography parallel European culture.

When we talk about American culture, values, or specific manners, we mean values, manners, and characters of white mid-class. However, we should emphasis to mid-class in American cultural studies. American culture has constructed of five main elements; 1- individualism and equality 2- immigration and cultural disturbance 3- American-African race and American culture 4- Puritanism 5- expansionism.

Individualism and equality are to element that sometimes seem antonym, and sometimes complementary to each other. Nonetheless, they create significant part of American culture and identity. Both of them have had many agreements and critiques in American history. Many scholar emphases to individualism and equality, these are important constructive elements of culture, society, and government in the United States of America.

Alexis de Tocqueville believes that individualism is avoidable result of equality and democracy. Because, every person in equal circumstances follows their ideas, in this situation, all of their sentiments concentrate only on their interests. Individualism differs from the selfishness.
Individualism is visible in many layers of American society and history. American society and land mixed with individualism. Individualism was the pattern of rural settlement, that in which one house located among miles of lands and separated from others houses and villages. Individualism has effected in shaping of American cities. Also, individualism is observed in American high education system and religious patterns.

These were positive aspects of American individualism. But without doubt, it has negative aspects; inattention to keeping the structure and form of city, leaving the farm lands and old buildings without attention to environment problems and immigration to original lands, inattention to poor peoples. According to these issues, uncivilized individualism was being popular.
Before Discovering American Continent by European Adventures, there were several ethnics, but after that some ethnics added them, and after two centuries American became a multi- ethnic continent. Then United States declared independency, and frequently expended to his original territory by war, purchase, annexation. But principle source of variety had been immigration from any where, especially Europe. Potential of this people to acceptance other culture created one of significant constructive of American culture and identity. America is a territory that its history derivates its people from having a common forbears.

Hector St. John de Crevecouer in his book, “letters from an American Farmer” (1782), mentioned that “I can indicate a family that their grand father is from England with Poland’s woman, his son got married with a French girl, and their four sons got married with four diverse nations. He is an American, who left his traditional behaviors and prejudices, and choused new behaviors and ideas. These treatments, ideas originate from new way of life, government, and social positions. Here, individuals from any nations melting within a new race that in future their attempts will bring important changes in globe”.

Revolutionary war led to American independency. It was first successful anti-colonial attempt in contemporary history. Winners built a nation that had not the common, conventional pre- conditions of nation-building. United States had not natural territory, history with unique religion versus European countries. There weren’t Narrative, ancient poem, folklores, and forefathers of one race.

Since the begging of immigration to United States, English’s were major group and cant ignore significant of English language, English law, religious ideas, thinking, theoretical and thinking ideals and principles of English in construction of America and American culture. In spite of these issues, English race don’t account native race of American people. English were half people that lived in America in 1790 and African were second category with 20 percent. Answer of constructors of this new country was ideological. They introduced American as new human beings who created based on new ideas, new principles, and new thinking methods. However it was an only way to state about this young country in world.

Traditional pattern for allocating the American-African history is a route from bandage to freedom. Some historians like Nathan heukinze believe that pattern of continued campaign for representing the historic experience of American blacks. History and race relationship of American-African investigate not only considering political, economical, and social situation, but through expand cultural perspective. Establishing modern and global slavery system differed by place, time, race background and European or African formation. In eighteenth century, North American colonies had more population of slavery. Main question is that how the very variety of African people with different believes, behaviors, and language could create the society and culture of modern black world.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Javad_Alipoor

Culture shock is the term used to describe how people feel when they are exposed to an unfamiliar culture or way of life, and the feeling of disorientation and separateness they experience. It’s a condition that every international teacher feels in varying degrees, whether they’re new to teaching abroad or old hands at it.

Luckily culture shock follows a fairly predictable cycle and there are a number of ways you can prepare for it and lessen the impact of it once you’ve made the move overseas.

Unfortunately, when describing culture shock, it comes across as a negative thing to be avoided at all costs, and I’ve just told you it’s inevitable for anyone wanting to teach abroad. It’s important for you to remember that teaching overseas is an opportunity to explore other cultures and enjoy a better teaching environment. Yes, you will experience culture shock, but you can manage this and it’s not all bad!

Factors that can contribute to culture shock are :

* People speaking a different language, dialect or with an unfamiliar accent.

* Dealing with a different currnecy, money that is a different colour, feel and value. Keeping track of exchange rates can become a tiresome chore when living abroad, so once you’ve received your first paycheck, don’t bother. Earn local, spend local!

* People behaving in unfamiliar ways, even local customs can vary from one end of a country to another.

* Spicy and/or unfamiliar food. You may need to substitute ‘like’ ingredients in your favourite recipes too.

* People staring at you, if you are in a country where your skin colour or facial features stand out as being different, this will happen.

On top of this you’ll be the new teacher in school, so the procedures and policies will be different to what you’re used to at home.

Recognising culture shock

Recognising culture shock for what it is and acknowledging which stage you’re in is the first step to lessening the grip it has on you. For example, if you suddenly feel like you hate your new teaching job because of how hard it is to make the purchasing department understand what it is you’re trying to order, recognising this as an effect of culture shock can help you adjust your behaviour.

When you first get to your new home you’ll feel happy to be there and everything you see or experience will be wonderful and new. This is the ‘honeymoon’ stage of culture shock and it feels great! It can last from several days to several months. This is the time where you’ll be sending loads of emails to your friend using words and phrases like ‘awesome’, ‘best decision I’ve ever made’, ‘don’t know why I didn’t do this years ago’. Recognise this stage of culture shock and enjoy it.

Next comes the period of frustration, full of situations like the example above. When you sink into this part of the cycle you’ll begin to dislike everything about your new home. It’ll be too hard, too smelly, too hot, too loud, and everything else ‘too’!

This is also when homesickness could strike you with a vengeance. You may find yourself developing a hostile attitude towards every one not of your own nationality and culture. Your old home will suddenly seem like the best place in the world and you may regret ever leaving it.

Strategies to cope with the stress of culture shock

1. Learn some of the local language before you leave home. You’ve signed a contract that means you’re going to be living in your host country for 1-2 years, learning the language will help you get around and make friends.

2. Take time to get used to the new time zone, the different weather and smells, sounds etc.

3. Begin building friendships as soon as you arrive and meet the other new teachers. You’ll form a bond with these teachers in the first year especially because they’ll be coping with culture shock as well. This will be your support group.

4. Stay in touch with people you’ve left at home. In my most recent move I found the best medicine for the frustration phase was an email from my old colleagues telling me how unsatisfied they were at my previous school.

5. Cut yourself some slack. When you recognise the symptoms of culture shock, give yourself a break, watch a favourite movie, look at pictures from home, have a meal at your favourite restaurant. Revel in the great things you’re experiencing in your new home so that you can put your frustration in perspective.

The Up-Side of the Frustration Stage

Finally you will start to see the funny side of it all and most of the things that made you angry during the frustration stage will either cause you to laugh or you’ll be able to shrug your shoulders and pass it off as being a feature of your new home. When you’re in this stage of the cycle you’ll begin to remember your old home without your rose-coloured glasses again.

You may wonder how I can write with so much confidence about culture shock, and it’s because I’ve experienced it all. I’ve moved country 7 times in the last 11 years and each time I’ve been hit with culture shock. Sometimes only a mild dose, but it’s always there.

Culture shock has never put me off seeking teaching jobs abroad. I recognise it and work with it. In this article I’ve given you 5 methods of alleviating the stress of culture shock. Remember that all international teachers feel culture shock to some degree. You won’t be alone, so don’t let it stop you from enjoying the fantastic experiences you’ll have teaching abroad.