I haven't forgotten the F-1 and J-1 stuff but my brain hurts trying to put it all together (and it doesn't seem like there's a huge market for those visa types on here anyway -- except in the context of "how can I get
PR from a non-immigrant visa?".
HOWEVER, I have noticed on the Oz thread and now on this thread that when people are in the "hostility stage" of cultural adjustment, they are confused and even ashamed of the way they are feeling. It seems to take a very brave soul to admit "hey, sometimes it really sucks here" and once they do, they get tons of support from people who say "I know EXACTLY how you feel" (but were maybe afraid to speak up when they were going through it?)
Maybe it'd be worth it to list the Stages of Cultural Adjustment either on this sticky or on its own sticky -- it'd probably be worth it to have it on all the country forums and the general forum too -- so that people will realise that YES, it's normal (and it does exist) and NO, it's nothing to be ashamed of.
Here are my stages, borrowed from years of personal, interpersonal, and professional experience with culture shock..
Stage 1: Euphoria Stage. Usually right after arrival. Everything is new and interesting and you can't wait to learn about this fascinating new place. This is the "I LOVE THIS PLACE!" stage of cultural adjustment.
Stage 2: Hostility Stage. Often within several months of arrival. You start to realise that the place is not Utopia, and things start to irritate you about the culture. You may isolate yourself from locals and, if possible, attempt to interact with people from your home culture. Depressive symptoms can often ensue. This is the "THESE PEOPLE ARE ALL CRAZY!!" stage of cultural adjustment
Stage 3: Acceptance Stage. After several months to a year. You begin to understand the rationale behind the differences you have noticed and realise that just because the culture is different doesn't mean it's wrong. You notice that certain aspects of your new culture are even desirable compared to your home culture. This is the Lightbulb-Goes-Off, "OH, I GET IT!" stage.
Stage 4: Biculturality. Usually this takes several years to achieve. You feel equally at home in both cultures and have a full understanding of each. You are no less the person you were, but you are happy to adopt aspects of the new culture and integrate them into your home culture. This is the "I CAN LIVE HAPPILY IN BOTH PLACES" stage.
Please note that not all of these stages will be experienced by each person, and not necessarily in the time-frame mentioned. These are simply guidelines. An individual may go through waves of euphoria, hostility, and acceptance for several years before finally reaching biculturality. Some people may never feel 100% bicultural, and others may never experience euphoria or hostility.
All of this, however, is normal. Part of the point of this forum is to help you through your stages of cultural adjustment. If, however, during the "hostility stage" you start to notice prolonged symptoms of clinical depression such as sleeplessness, hopelessness, or change in appetite, please consider speaking to your physician. Above all, do not retreat into isolation or interaction only with your compatriots. The best way to get through the hostility stage is immersion in your new culture, and meeting locals who can help you understand why they are the way they are.