Intercultural – Zubaan

Culture Shock – It is Normal

Andrew Battiato — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:03:37 +0000

Photo credit: https://www.sharethelove.blog/livingabroad/cultureshock/

Some of our Urdu students take classes online from a distance. Yet, many of our Urdu learners come from abroad to Pakistan and take classes in person. For those who have never lived in Pakistan or a place similar, there is a usual process of adjustment to the new environment – the new customs, clothes, sights, sounds, smells, languages, norms, and so on.

When a newcomer first arrives, every thing is exciting with so many new and different experiences. But then suddenly you are bothered by a certain smell or overwhelmed by a sound that previously never bothered you. But do not worry! You are going through what many before you have experienced: culture shock.

The stages of culture shock include:

1. The Honeymoon Phase
2. Cultural Crisis
3. The Low Point
4. Acceptance, Adjustment, & Integration
5. Re-Entry Shock

By having proper expectations about culture shock, it helps normalize an overwhelming experience. It can feel quite alarming to go from loving your new surroundings to then hit a wall of confusion, stress, annoyance, and even aversion to the culture.

We have personally seen our students go through these ups and downs, especially after the first few months of arrival. Be assured this rollercoaster of emotions and experience in a new culture is normal, and with perseverance and commitment to growth, you can adjust and come to appreciate aspects of the culture. Many students have stayed in Pakistan for months and years and are well-adjusted and enjoying life here.

Also note the curve experience is not always so neat and tidy. There can be extra unexpected ups and downs based on your specific situation. There is also sometimes a reverse culture shock when re-entering your home culture (see #5). What is beautiful is that you grow tremendously as a person and in your perspectives through going through these phases.

Often our Urdu classes are a help in getting out of the Low Point stage because you’re able to relationally connect with locals with the language and cultural knowledge acquired in class. The teacher is also a safe bridge into the Pakistani community and culture. We have found that the teacher-student bonding in this context is particularly helpful for getting through culture transitions.

We invite you to learn Urdu whether from a distance or in Pakistan. If you do come to Pakistan, remember that culture shock is normal and expected and you can grow through it and adjust well. We are also here to help and encourage you along the way!

Learn Urdu with us today. We have classes ranging from Urdu basics to customized advanced Urdu courses.

Cultural Seminars in Islamabad

ZubaanTrainingOfficial — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 08:26:24 +0000

Living and adapting to a new place and culture is full of challenges. Join us for one of our seminars and leave with practical tips and tools on how to transition well and raise Third Culture Kids. Message or email us to register. info@zubaantraining.net or +92-310-9777720

Spring 2022: New dates for Inter-Cultural Intelligence Training in Islamabad

ZubaanTrainingOfficial — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 05:06:55 +0000

The dates for the next round of Inter-Cultural Trainings are out – we are planning numerous trainings for Spring 2022 in Islamabad (in-person).

By the way, if you are intersted, but the dates/timings don’t work, just get in touch and we will see what we can do. Also, if you want us to organize a training for your company/team/family, message us and we will gladly organize a customized training for you.

What Youlin Online Magazine says about us

ZubaanTrainingOfficial — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 06:05:01 +0000

It was a pleasure to be interviewed by Nida Qasim, freelance writer for Youlin Magazin, a cultural website created with teh objective of activing as a cultural bridge between the people of China and Pakistan it is the first bilingual online magazine of its kind.

Nida Qasim first came across our book Qadam in the language materials section at Saeed Book Bank and she writes:

“I was initially pleasantly surprised by its design. When I went through the book, I found that it contained well broken-down modules for learning Urdu, which featured a simple to read yet appealing format. I was surprised when I found out that the writer was not Pakistani but German. After learning this fact, I became even more curious and searched Qadam’s website to learn that there is an entire institution behind this book, which has helped expats, diplomats, individuals running businesses, overseas Pakistanis, foreign students, individuals married into Pakistani families, tourists, and even local Pakistanis themselves become proficient in the Urdu language since 2017.”

Click here to view the full article

Inter-Cultural Intelligence Training in Islamabad

ZubaanTrainingOfficial — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 15:04:20 +0000

We are excited to let you know that we are (finally!) planning our next Inter-Cultural Intelligence Training in Islamabad. Yes – face-to-face.

See the above flyer for details.

For questions, email/ whatsapp us.

If you are not in Islamabad and are interested in a training online or face-to-face in your city/compay, let us know and we will gladly organize a customized training for you.

Inter-Cultural Intelligence Training

ZubaanTrainingOfficial — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 05:48:00 +0000

Wouldn’t it be great to understand any culture, any people in the world? Well – the good news is, it is possible.

Join our Inter-Cultural Intelligence Training and gain insights into your own self-cultures and the culture of those around you. Our training will equip you with practical tools, based on the Three Colors of Worldview & 12 Dimensions of Culture developed by KnowledgeWorkx.

We will be offering one Cohort face-to-face in Islamabad and another virtually. Click on the flyer for more information.