Question 1

An expatriate is someone who __________.
A) immigrates to a second country as a child
B) has been deported from their home country
C) is a resident of a foreign country
D) obtains citizenship in a new country

Accepted Answer

An expatriate is someone who lives and works in a foreign country, but still retains their citizenship or residency status in their home country. This is the definition that best fits option C. Option A refers to an immigrant, someone who permanently moves to another country, but this may not necessarily be the case for an expatriate. Option B refers to someone who has been forcefully removed from their home country, which does not apply to most expatriates. Option D refers to someone who has obtained citizenship in a new country, but this is not a requirement for being an expatriate.

Question 2

__________ will experience all the symptoms of culture shock, but __________ will experience some.
A) Not everyone; almost all
B) Not everyone; most people
C) No one; most people
D) No one; almost all

Accepted Answer

Culture shock is a common experience when encountering a new culture. However, not everyone is affected by it to the same degree. Some people may have a smoother transition and experience fewer symptoms, while others may be more drastically affected. Therefore, it is accurate to say that not everyone will experience all the symptoms of culture shock, but almost all will experience some.

Question 3

What alternate interpretation does sociologist Peter Adler give for culture shock?
A) The effects of culture shock are exaggerated, and are actually quite rare.
B) It can result in transitional experiences that lead to personal growth.
C) Culture shock can be completely prevented with careful training.
D) Culture shock is an urban myth, and does not exist.

Accepted Answer

Sociologist Peter Adler argues that culture shock can result in transitional experiences that lead to personal growth, rather than being solely negative. This is an alternate interpretation from the commonly held belief that culture shock is simply a difficult and negative experience.

Question 4

What is the most effective way to completely avoid culture shock?
A) stay with a host family
B) go on a short trip
C) have training before you leave
D) stay home

Accepted Answer

The most effective way to completely avoid culture shock is to not expose oneself to a different culture at all, which means staying home.

Question 5

Mike has been living in Korea for about six months now. He is enjoying his work, getting along well with his Korean colleagues, and learning his new language rapidly. He understands local customs better now, and will miss many of them when he returns home. Which stage of culture shock does Mike's situation best represent?
A) biculturalism
B) gradual adjustment
C) the honeymoon stage
D) irritation and hostility

Accepted Answer

The answer of Mike has been living in Korea for...

Question 6

Which of the following is true regarding the onset of culture shock?
A) It is so subtle that you cannot know whether you have culture shock or not.
B) It gradually develops from a series of cumulative events.
C) It comes on suddenly and without warning.
D) It is triggered by one of several specific, traumatic events.

Accepted Answer

Culture shock typically develops gradually from a series of cumulative events as an individual's expectations and assumptions about the new culture are challenged and they struggle to adapt to the differences. It is not typically a sudden or traumatic event.

Question 7

What is a common consequence of failure to adjust to a foreign job assignment?
A) poor work performance
B) quitting and moving back home
C) divorce
D) serious illness

Accepted Answer

Poor work performance is a common consequence of failure to adjust to a foreign job assignment. This is because culture shock and other challenges associated with adjusting to a new environment can distract the employee from the job at hand, leading to underperformance.

Question 8

What qualities are common in successful businesspeople back home, but are also traits that readily contribute to culture shock?
A) flexibility, competitiveness, and egalitarianism
B) competitiveness, flexibility, and time consciousness
C) egalitarianism, high motivation to achieve, and flexibility
D) high motivation to achieve, competitiveness, and time consciousness

Accepted Answer

The common qualities in successful businesspeople back home are high motivation to achieve, competitiveness, and time consciousness. These traits can contribute to culture shock when the host culture has different values and expectations regarding work ethics, competition, and the importance of time. For example, in some cultures, leisure time and social interactions may be more valued than work, competition may be viewed negatively, and punctuality may not be highly prioritized.

Question 9

The disorientation faced when trying to reintegrate back into one's own culture is known as __________ shock.
A) homecoming
B) homeland
C) reentry
D) return

Accepted Answer

The term used to describe the disorientation faced when reintegrating back into one's own culture is "reentry shock." The other options, such as homecoming and return, do not convey the same meaning and are not commonly used in this context.

Question 10

Why are tourists and short-term business travelers shielded from the more debilitating effects of culture shock?
A) One must be in a new place for at least a month to experience culture shock.
B) Their experiences are limited to hotels and restaurants geared to Westerners.
C) Tourists and businesspeople tend to travel in groups with trained guides.
D) Culture shock is only experienced by those who speak the local language.

Accepted Answer

Tourists and short-term business travelers tend to limit their experiences to hotels and restaurants geared towards Westerners, which shields them from the more debilitating effects of culture shock. They also tend to stick to familiar areas and may not have to interact with locals on a deep level.

Question 11

According to researchers Okpara and Kabongo, cross-cultural training that is focused on __________ is most effective.
A) conflict resolution
B) the host country's culture
C) virtual partnerships
D) language and history

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that cross-cultural training that is focused on the host country's culture is most effective. This training helps individuals understand the cultural norms, values, and expectations of the host country, which can aid in successful communication and relationship building with locals. Conflict resolution training may be a component of this type of cross-cultural training, but it is not the primary focus. Virtual partnerships and language and history training may also be beneficial, but they do not necessarily address the cultural nuances of the host country.

Question 12

Which of these people is demonstrating symptoms of severe culture shock?
A) Ann looks forward to her letters from home, and eagerly writes to her mother about her experiences each week.
B) Brad misses some foods from home, but has really enjoyed learning to cook with the local fruits and vegetables.
C) Christine attends language lessons weekly, and likes to meet with her new neighbor for the occasional cup of tea.
D) Dan spends most of his time alone or with other expats, and often makes stereotypical jokes about the locals.

Accepted Answer

Dan's behavior of isolating himself from the local culture and making stereotypical jokes about the locals indicates that he is experiencing severe culture shock. He may feel overwhelmed or frustrated with his new surroundings and is struggling to adapt to the new culture. The other options all show signs of adjustment or willingness to engage with the local culture.

Question 13

What skill can provide a sense of safety and self-assurance when immersed in another culture?
A) first aid
B) starting a fire
C) reading a map
D) communication

Accepted Answer

Communication is the skill that can provide a sense of safety and self-assurance when immersed in another culture. Being able to effectively communicate with locals, ask for help, and understand cultural norms can help reduce anxiety and increase confidence in navigating unfamiliar environments.

Question 14

Consciously pursuing communication patterns, cultural self-awareness, and other facets of the cultural environment is known as the __________ approach.
A) behavioral
B) cognitive
C) functional
D) stylistic

Accepted Answer

The cognitive approach involves actively seeking to understand and adapt to different cultural norms and behaviors. This includes developing cultural self-awareness, actively observing and analyzing communication patterns, and adapting one's behavior and communication style to be more appropriate and effective in a cross-cultural context.

Question 15

Why are epithets such as "savage", "ignorant", or "primitive" inappropriate for describing one's host culture?
A) Business transactions rarely take place in underdeveloped cultures.
B) These terms represent the emic view of anthropology, not the etic.
C) All cultures are integrated, and have a consistently logical structure.
D) Most cultures are more socially advanced than our own.

Accepted Answer

These terms are inappropriate because they fail to recognize that all cultures have their own integrated systems and logical structures, making them complex and sophisticated in their own right. Using such epithets imposes a biased and ethnocentric view, disregarding the inherent value and complexity of the host culture.

Question 16

What is the best piece of advice for minimizing culture shock?
A) Live with other Americans.
B) Be prepared.
C) Reduce contact with people back home.
D) Keep your visit to a short duration.

Accepted Answer

Being prepared by researching the customs, language, and social norms of the new culture can help minimize culture shock. It is important to have a basic understanding of the new environment before arriving. Additionally, having an open mind and being willing to adapt to new situations can also help reduce culture shock. The other options may not necessarily minimize culture shock as living only with other Americans may limit the exposure to the new culture, reducing contact with people back home may make the individual feel isolated, and keeping the visit short may not be an option for those living or working abroad.

Question 17

Which of the following is a common feeling associated with culture shock?
A) delight
B) eagerness
C) helplessness
D) terror

Accepted Answer

Helplessness is a common feeling associated with culture shock, as individuals may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to navigate a new culture. Delight and eagerness are possible feelings as well, but not as commonly associated with culture shock. Terror is an extreme and unlikely feeling to be associated with culture shock.

Question 18

Many employees are on assignment abroad for about __________.
A) 12 weeks
B) 6 months
C) 3 years
D) 10 years

Accepted Answer

Many employees are typically on international assignments for about 3 years, which is a common duration for expatriate assignments.

Question 19

Which of these attitudes is most beneficial for a successful post abroad?
A) The world offers opportunities for personal and professional growth.
B) Foreign markets are untapped sources of income.
C) The American business model is the best in the world.
D) You do not need to adjust to the local environment if you're only staying temporarily anyway.

Accepted Answer

Having a positive attitude and recognizing the opportunities for personal and professional growth can lead to a successful post abroad. This mindset can help individuals adapt to the new culture, learn new skills, and build relationships, ultimately leading to a successful experience. B, C, and D are all potentially harmful attitudes that can hinder success by not respecting the local culture and limiting one's ability to adapt and learn from the new environment.

Question 20

Why should you try to master simple tasks, such as using the local currency and public transportation, within a few days of arrival?
A) This will minimize frustration and help you gain confidence .
B) It is unlikely that anyone in your host culture will be able to help you.
C) People will laugh at you if you make errors on these tasks.
D) Mastering these tasks is a quick test of your intelligence and adaptability.

Accepted Answer

Mastering simple tasks such as using local currency and public transportation can minimize frustration and boost your confidence, which is vital when settling into a new culture. This will help you adapt to new situations and feel more comfortable in your new surroundings.

Quiz 7: Coping With Culture Shock

An expatriate is someone who __________.

will experience all the symptoms of culture shock, but will experience some.

What alternate interpretation does sociologist Peter Adler give for culture shock?

What is the most effective way to completely avoid culture shock?

Which of the following is true regarding the onset of culture shock?

What is a common consequence of failure to adjust to a foreign job assignment?

What qualities are common in successful businesspeople back home, but are also traits that readily contribute to culture shock?

The disorientation faced when trying to reintegrate back into one's own culture is known as __________ shock.

Why are tourists and short-term business travelers shielded from the more debilitating effects of culture shock?

According to researchers Okpara and Kabongo, cross-cultural training that is focused on __________ is most effective.

Which of these people is demonstrating symptoms of severe culture shock?

What skill can provide a sense of safety and self-assurance when immersed in another culture?

Consciously pursuing communication patterns, cultural self-awareness, and other facets of the cultural environment is known as the __________ approach.

Why are epithets such as "savage", "ignorant", or "primitive" inappropriate for describing one's host culture?

What is the best piece of advice for minimizing culture shock?

Which of the following is a common feeling associated with culture shock?

Many employees are on assignment abroad for about __________.

Which of these attitudes is most beneficial for a successful post abroad?

Why should you try to master simple tasks, such as using the local currency and public transportation, within a few days of arrival?