It is common knowledge when you are going to study abroad, you may encounter some form of culture shock. At least that's what the study abroad advisors tell you; but does it really exists? I have been in Japan for about a month now living with a host family and while I have experience things that are different, have I truly experience culture shock? First of all, culture shock is defined by Merriam-Webster's dictionary as:
"Culture Shock (noun): a sense of confusion and uncertainty sometimes with feelings of anxiety that may affect people exposed to an alien culture or environment without adequate preparation."
By this definition, the things that I have experienced can't be culture shock because I have had "adequate preparation" in both the language and culture. At least this is what I wish I would say. There are little things here and there that took sometime getting use too. Some of which are normal adjustments such as the currency difference, language barrier, and even the concept of no tipping in Japan. However, there are something's that took longer to adjust too. Things such as having no take-home boxes at restaurants when you don't finish your food and transportation.
On that topic, one thing that shocked me was the silence on public transportation. When I say people don't talk, I really do mean no one talks. This is usually limited to the morning when every one is still sleepy and nights when people are tired from the days work. There is a sign on buses and trains that says no phone calls while on them and it is heavily enforced. Not only by the employees but by the people around you as well. Nothing is more scary than an old lady yelling at you.
Another example of culture shock that I experienced was when I first arrived at my host family's house. I never thought that I would have to be taught how to take a bath but that is exactly what happened. In Japan people take a shower and then soak in the bath. The bath tub is never to be used to clean yourself. On the bright side, the water can be set to a specific temperature and feels so nice! My family likes to put it at 41 degrees C but sometimes I want to make it even hotter. This is probably the one and only (so far) culture shock that I will gladly accept.
On the other hand, I recently experienced what was the most shocking thing thus far that I can't see myself getting use to. I went shopping with a friend and we found some shirts we wanted to try on. When we went to the changing room, the lady gave us this cloth like half bag that looked like a dryer sheet. I was really confused on what it was for. When the lady explained what it was too me in Japanese, I thought that I translated it wrong. She pointed to a sign on the wall and I realized I did hear correctly.
The bag was meant to cover your face so that when you try on shirts, your makeup doesn't rub off onto the merchandise. In theory and idea it seems like a great idea but when you actually put it to practice, it's really weird.
In terms of the definition of culture shock, I would say that yes I have experienced some form of culture shock during my one month of study abroad. However, people become accustomed to the environments they live in. At the end of my study abroad trip, I wonder if I will find the same things as culture shocking as I do now. Yet I don't think I will find anything as culture shocking as the this makeup-clothing-bag but I still have three more months left here in Japan.
