Finding yourself in a different country – whether for work, study, or family reasons – undoubtedly brings with it practical and emotional challenges. Two of the most underrated but profound influences on daily adjustment are culture shock and climate shock. These concepts are sometimes treated lightly, but their impact is often long-lasting and complex.

What is culture shock?

Culture shock refers to the confusion and discomfort you experience when you suddenly find yourself living in a culture whose values, customs, and norms are different from your own. It’s not just the foreign language or accents; it’s the different ways people discipline their children, the different approach to time management, and even the way friendships are formed and maintained.

South Africans come from a diverse, sociable culture where humour, informal conversations, and family gatherings are central. When you find yourself in a more reserved or formal society, such as in Scandinavia, Germany, or even parts of Canada, you may easily feel you don’t quite fit in. The feeling of not belonging where you are can lead to frustration, longing, and emotional fatigue.

Climate shock: More than just different weather

Climate shock involves more than adjusting your wardrobe and heating bill. It is the subtle but lasting impact that a new climate has on your body, mood and lifestyle.

South Africans are used to sunlight, the outdoors and seasonal balance. However, in countries with extreme rainfall, snow or heat, daily habits change dramatically. In cold countries, you can’t enjoy outdoor activities for weeks, and in hot climates, you are forced to spend afternoons indoors. Even the length of daylight during certain seasons can affect sleep, energy and emotional stability.

The climate not only affects you physically but also emotionally. People often report lower energy levels, winter depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)) or simply a feeling of being trapped during long, cold seasons. The weather affects your daily routine, social life and emotional well-being.

When culture and climate change simultaneously

What happens when you experience culture and climate shock simultaneously?

The adjustment becomes even more complex when you experience cultural and climatic changes simultaneously. You miss not only your people and customs, but also the smell of rain on dry soil, the sounds of a Saturday braai, the comfortable company of people who share your frame of reference … And you cannot quickly drive to family or friends for comfort.

Suddenly, you find yourself in a small apartment surrounded by snow, wondering why no one understands your sense of humour. You are physically cold and emotionally far from home. It is in moments like these that the combination of these two forms of “shock” feels profound and overwhelming. This combination can make adaptation particularly challenging, especially during the first year.

How do you deal with culture shock and climate shock?

Many people do not emigrate because they want to, but in response to their circumstances. Therefore, it is important to think realistically and intentionally about adaptation. Below are practical ways to navigate these challenges meaningfully.

1. Acknowledge the reality of what you are feeling
Suppressing your feelings of confusion or isolation will not help. It is normal to feel confused, alone, or discouraged. Write it down, talk about it, and acknowledge it to yourself.

Even the simplest form of recognition often brings relief.

2. Build a new support network
Find people with whom you can identify, such as other South Africans or individuals who have also experienced a culture change. A network, no matter how small, can make a big difference and bring stability.

3. Create new habits and keep traditions alive
You don’t have to stop braaiing, only to adjust it.

Braai in the rain. Celebrate Christmas with familiar dishes. Adapt, but don’t let go of what has meaning for you. Use your language and listen to music that resonates with you. Your culture is not tied to a place; it lives in what you do and how you do it.

4. Be curious about other people’s way of life
Instead of constantly comparing, try to understand. Cultural differences are the product of centuries of development. This does not have to frustrate you. The more you learn, the more you become part of the new world without leaving your own behind.

5. Stay physically and mentally healthy
Even in a cold or wet climate, make time for activities in the fresh air; it can improve your mood. Do some exercise every day. Seek sunlight if possible. Follow a healthy diet, get enough rest, and create balance.

6. Be patient with yourself.
Adaptation takes time – often more than you expect. Don’t measure your progress by the experience of others. Each person experiences this journey in their own way.

Adapting to a new country requires resilience. Adapting is much more than just paperwork and passports – it’s an inner journey of acceptance, rediscovery, and growth. Culture shock and climate shock are not flaws in the system; they are part of what it means to find your place in a new world. Fortunately, you are not alone – thousands of others are in the same boat.

At AfriForum Worldwide, we believe that community, connectedness, stories and shared experiences are the key to meaningful adaptation. By building bonds, sharing stories, supporting each other and keeping your culture creatively alive, you can find meaning and stability – even far from home.