Culture Shock Resources

Our culture shock resources shall tell you what to expect when moving abroad and help you cope with culture shock.

Culture shock can hit really hard! Expats who have relocated know the feeling. However, you can lessen the impact if you are prepared, know what to expect and learn about cultural differences.

The books on our resources listing are great reads to find out how people act and react in different cultures react and how their own culture affects their behavior. They will provide you with insights in various topics regarding intercultural communication.

Best Culture Shock Guide Books

These are some of my favorite books on communication between different cultures:

Axtell, Roger E. (2005) Gestures: The Do’s and Taboos of Body Language Around the World. Wiley. This book includes a catalogue of gestures used in over 80 countries around the world.

Hall, Edward T. (1990) The Hidden Dimension. Anchor. Classic read. Distance and space in cross-cultural context are explained in this valuable book

Hall, Edward T. (1989) Beyond Culture. Anchor. Internalized cultural cues which define us are explained in varied context.

Hall, Edward T. (1990) The Silent Language. Anchor. In this book, Hall reflects on the concepts of space and time which play a huge part in nonverbal communication and define our relationship to another in a silent way.

Hofstede, Geert (2004) Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind. McGraw Hill. This book is based on a research project of different 70 countries across the globe and gives insight in the basics of cultural differences.

Hofstede, Geert/Pedersen, Paul (2002) Exploring Culture. Intercultural Press. Explanations and practical advice on putting Hofstede’s five values into action.

Pollok, David (2009) Third Culture Kids. Nicholas Brealey Pubishers. Great introduction when moving with children.

Rabe, Monica (2009) Culture Shock - Living and Working Abroad. Wipf & Stock. General tips and insights in to living and working in foreign lands.

Rissik, Dee (2011) Culture Shock South Africa. A Survival Guide to Customs and Culture. Marshall Cavendish. Specifically suited to readers considering moving to South Africa.

Samovar, Larry A. /Porter, Richard E./McDaniel, Edwin R. (2008) Intercultural Communication: A Reader. Wadsworth. This classic reader in intercultural communication is a great collection of the most valuable articles on intercultural communication.

These above mentioned culture shock resources helped me a lot to understand the different cultural cues I encountered when moving abroad. So should you want to order any of the books above, please make sure you go into Amazon via the links above. Thanks for your support.

South Africa Culture Shock Resources

If you are looking for insights into culture shock in South Africa, please refer to our new expat guidebook 'Living in South Africa.'

There you will find 12 pages of information in a comprehensive 'Culture Shock' section with tips for adjusting, information on third culture kids and the various culture shock stages as well as a thorough greetings and gestures section, customs and etiquette and additional resources, all highly relevant when moving to South Africa.

Are you interested in more in-depth, well-researched and up-to-date information? Then order your copy of the Living in South Africa guidebook (published in April 2014) directly from us. Click on the book to read about its contents and then simply click on the button below and find relevant information how and where to buy the book.