“Shocking Cultural Differences: What Americans Don’t Realize About the Rest of the World, According to a New Zealand TikToker”
Ever landed in a place where a simple loaf of potato bread sparks a full-on cultural meltdown? Yeah, me too. Culture shock isn’t just about crazy language barriers or drastically different foods — it’s those tiny, eyebrow-raising moments that make you question everything you thought you knew about “normal.” Whether it’s having to flash your ID just to buy nasal spray (seriously, what is going on?) or figuring out why American stores are basically mini cities inside Target, adjusting to a new culture can feel like decoding an elaborate joke nobody’s explaining. Jazz Thornton, a sharp-witted Kiwi mental health advocate, dives headfirst into the whirlwind of culture shock after moving to the US for work, turning her baffled discoveries into viral TikTok gold. From school start times that could traumatize any teenager to the mystical world of tipping and jaw-dropping portion sizes, Jazz’s hilarious observations make you laugh, think, and maybe even scratch your head in disbelief. Ready to see America through the eyes of someone who’s genuinely puzzled and wildly entertained? Let’s jump in. LEARN MORE.
It might be difficult to adjust yourself to a new culture. Whether it’s leisurely travel, work-related trips, or other voyages, immersing yourself in a new setting can bring up all sorts of emotions. They are part of the culture shock phenomena, caused by a sudden change in the environment after coming to a new location.
Each place takes time to get used to. And it doesn’t have to be a land far far away for you to feel culture shock. Differences as minor as unfamiliar hand gestures can cause confusion, let alone a new language, food, and climate, among others, that all require getting accustomed to. Research suggests that there are four stages of cultural shock that expats might encounter after relocating: the honeymoon phase, the frustration phase, the adaptation phase, and the acceptance phase. Some might be easier to bear than others, but in the long run, going through them makes the place more of a home away from home rather than a stop somewhere in between.
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