Culture Shock in four phases: from euphoria to settling in

The four-phase model was developed by anthropologist Kalervo Oberg, who published it in 1960. It begins with euphoria: everything is new and exciting, the differences seem charming, and, according to Oberg, this feeling can last from a few days or weeks up to six months. Then comes disillusionment—which Oberg himself described as a crisis—when everyday life begins and the little irritations start to add up: government agencies, language, and different social customs.

Recovery, Adaptation, and the Limitations of the Model

In the third phase, recovery, a sense of humor returns: You develop routines, understand the rules of the game, and find your way on your own. The final phase is adaptation: The new country feels familiar, without the old one fading from memory. Oberg’s model describes possible experiences, not a fixed sequence. Hardly anyone goes through the four phases in a neat, sequential order; not everyone experiences all of them, and some people skip the initial euphoria entirely. Returning to Germany can also trigger its own culture shock.

What Matters for Classification

The following factors are taken into account for classification: current load and on-site support, rather than the position within a phased model. If the disillusionment seems never-ending, the same applies as with the Homesickness: German-language counseling helps with coming to terms with the situation, and in cases of persistent or severely distressing symptoms, medical or psychotherapeutic Assessment on that.