Packing your bags and hopping on a plane to start a new working holiday adventure abroad is exciting—but let’s be real: it can also feel overwhelming. New foods, new slang, new social norms, new transit systems… it’s a lot!
The good news? Culture shock is totally normal, and with the right mindset (plus a few strategic tips), you can not only survive it—you can thrive.
Whether you’re heading to a ski resort job in Japan, working in a pub in the UK, or surfing in Australia, here’s your guide to navigating culture shock like a pro.
What is Culture Shock?
Culture shock is the feeling of confusion, stress or disorientation that hits when you’re suddenly surrounded by unfamiliar customs, language, or routines.
Most people go through the same four stages:
-
The Honeymoon Phase 🤩
Everything feels exciting and Instagram-worthy. You’re hyped! -
The Frustration Phase 😕
You get lost, misunderstand slang, or feel a little homesick. Small things can feel big. -
The Adjustment Phase 🤔
You start finding your rhythm—learning the transit, making friends, discovering your favorite grocery store snacks. -
The Adaptation Phase 😌
Suddenly, this new country feels like home.
Every traveler goes through this cycle differently, and that’s okay. What matters is knowing how to handle it.
Why Culture Shock Happens
When you land in a new country, your brain is processing everything:
• new accents
• new rules
• new workplaces
• new expectations
• new social habits (like how to queue, or how direct people are)
It’s… a lot. But it’s also where the growth happens.
How to Thrive Through Culture Shock
1. Embrace the “Beginner” Mindset
It’s okay not to know everything. In fact, leaning into curiosity is one of the best ways to adapt. Ask questions, laugh at mistakes, and let yourself be new. Everyone has been the newbie at some point!
2. Build a Routine (Even a Small One)
Culture shock feels worse when everything is unfamiliar. Creating little anchors helps you feel grounded, like:
• making coffee the same way every morning
• going for a daily walk in your neighbourhood
• visiting one favourite café or park regularly
Predictability reduces stress.
3. Make an Effort to Connect with Locals
Locals know where the best cheap eats are, how to avoid tourist traps, and which customs you absolutely shouldn’t ignore. They’re also the key to feeling at home faster.
Try joining:
• a sports team
• a language exchange
• a hostel social event
• a community Facebook or WhatsApp group
Even one good local friend can transform your experience.
4. Stay in Touch with Home (But Not Too Much)
Homesickness is normal—but be careful not to spend your entire Working Holiday glued to FaceTime.
Set healthy boundaries:
✔ Check in with family and friends a few times a week
✘ Avoid spending all your free time online
This helps you stay emotionally connected without missing the world around you.
5. Keep a “Wins” Journal
It’s easy to focus on what’s hard—but celebrating your tiny successes builds confidence.
Examples:
• “Ordered food in another language.”
• “Took the bus without getting lost.”
• “Made a new friend today.”
After a month, flip back and see how far you’ve come.
6. Ask for Help When You Need It
You’re not alone! Whether it’s your employer, a Go International program coordinator, or a fellow traveler, someone is always willing to help.
If you’re part of a Go International program, you also have access to ongoing support. We’re here for the good days and the tough ones.
The Unexpected Upsides of Culture Shock
Believe it or not, culture shock can actually be a good thing. It can:
✨ Boost your confidence
✨ Improve your communication skills
✨ Make you more adaptable
✨ Create lifelong friendships
✨ Teach you resilience
These experiences shape who you become—not just as a traveler, but as a person.
Final Takeaway
Feeling overwhelmed abroad doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It means you’re growing, learning, experiencing, and stepping outside your comfort zone—exactly what a Working Holiday is all about.
Wherever you’re heading next, remember: culture shock is temporary, but the benefits of international experience last a lifetime.
Ready to take the leap?
Start your adventure abroad today! Explore our Work and Travel destinations and take the first step toward the experience of a lifetime!
Our team is always here for you, so don’t hesitate to contact us today to start planning your Working Holiday abroad.