MODULE 3 Extension Name:

(Bloque 3 Comprensión escrita: 1. Identificar instrucciones; 5. Localizar información en textos periodísticos; Bloque 4 Producción escrita: 4.
Escribir notas, mensajes o comentarios; 6. Escribir correspondencia personal y participar en foros)

1 The words below appear in the text in Exercise 2. Write the words in your own language. You can use a dictionary.
1. host country 3. distress 5. enriched
2. honeymoon 4. accepting

2 Read the text about culture shock.

HOW TO SURVIVE CULTURE SHOCK

Culture shock is often felt by travellers, expats and
exchange students. It’s the surprise of a new environment
and a new way of life. It’s also caused by separation from
friends and family. Other factors like a new climate,
different food and only hearing a foreign language can
also make settling down difficult.
Even if you are well prepared, you will probably
experience some culture shock, and you may spend most
of your time with people from a similar background. But if
you do this, you won’t get to know people from your host
country. It’s important to be aware of the stages of culture
shock, so you’ll know what to expect.
Stage 1: The Honeymoon Stage During this stage, you
will be enthusiastic about the new environment and
culture. At the same time, you will still feel close to
everything back home.
Stage 2: The Distress Stage By this time, things that you
are experiencing will no longer feel new. You will feel
anxious and alone because you are far away from your
family and friends. You may also feel it is hard to keep in
touch with them. This is one of the most stressful stages.
Stage 3: The Re-integration Stage The culture, the
language and the food of your host country will bother
you during this stage. You may feel angry and you
might even idealise your life back home. At this point,
many people question their decision to live abroad.
But don’t allow those angry feelings to control you.
They are a sign that you are dealing with your
situation.
Stage 4: The Autonomy Stage At this stage, you will
start to accept the differences between your host
country and your own country, and you will feel like
you can begin to live with them.
Stage 5: The Independence Stage You will feel
comfortable with the beliefs, customs and daily life of
the people around you. You will start to feel at home.
Remember, when you live abroad, you don’t just
expand your horizons. You also become more
accepting of other cultures. After you have been
through the stages of culture shock, your life will be
enriched forever.

3 Complete the sentences. Use the Present Simple Passive, the Past Simple Passive or the Future Simple Passive.
Then match each example to a stage of culture shock.
1. Mia is upset because her family didn’t answer her phone call, and her call
(not return). Stage
2. Kim and Ann (not bother) by not drinking coffee in the morning. They are just
beginning to get used to eating rice for breakfast. Stage
3. Sam and Dan are excited to taste the new foods in their host country. Lots of dishes
(try out) by them. Stage
4. Zoe has made many friends and feels relaxed in her host country. She knows that her life in the future
(enrich) by her experiences and the knowledge she has gained. Stage
5. Ben missed his family and friends and wanted to go home. He (convince) by his
host family to stay. Stage

 Think Ahead ESO 4 Photocopiable © Burlington Books  1

 MODULE 3 Extension

4 Write questions using the words below. Then answer the questions about the text.
1. who / culture shock / usually / experience / by

2. can / you name / four things / culture shock / often / cause / by

3. why / people / anxious / during / the second stage

4. when / the new country / finally / accept / by most people

5 Imagine an exchange student from the UK is coming to your school. Write an e-mail to the student with advice
and suggestions about how to adapt to life in your country. Include the following information:
• the climate in your country
• the food
• customs students should be aware of

 Think Ahead ESO 4 Photocopiable © Burlington Books  2