The following article is taken from Anthropological Insights for Missionaries by Paul Hiebert,

Every missionary should study and be prepared for Culture Shock. Read this article then click on the links below to gather more information.

We also face feelings of frustration that arise out of the cross-cultural setting. After the initial excitement of being abroad, we become homesick and begin to dislike the unfamiliar ways.

We feel guilty because we cannot live up to our own expectations.

We are angry because no one told us it would be this way and because we make such slow progress in adjusting to the new culture.

There also hangs over us the sword of unrealistic expectations. The public's image of a missionary is a hardy pioneerwho suffers great deprivations; a saint who never sins; an outstanding preacher, doctor, or personal worker whoovercomes all obstacles-in short, a person who is creative, brave, sensitive, and always triumphant. When we are young,we almost believe that we can become such persons when we cross the ocean.

It is not surprising, then, that we face depression, often severe, when we discover that we are still very human. Goingabroad has neither changed our weak and sinful natures nor given us new talents.

Other interesting quotes and articles about Culture and Culture Shock

Dealing with Culture Shock and Adapting to a new field

Dealing with Culture Shock and Adapting to a new field Part 2

Culture Shock and Adapting to a new field, part 3

Culture Shock and Adapting to a new field, part 4

Study Culture

Is One Culture really Superior to Another?