Online – 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.

Online Urdu Conversation Hours

Andrew Battiato — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:18:59 +0000

Join us for free Urdu conversation and chatting hours. Ideal for intermediate and advanced Urdu learners.

This will be a relaxed online environment, led by one of our trained, professional Zubaan teachers.

Join us at these times below:

Online (Zoom):
Thurs, Sept 11, 12-1 pm (UTC +5 / Pak time)

Online (Zoom)
Tues, Sept 16, 2:30-3:30 pm (UTC +5 / Pak time)

Interested? Simply contact us, and let us know if you will be there and your approximate speaking level.

Meanwhile, see our free Urdu resources and anything else helpful that will guide you in your Urdu learning journey.

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

Zubaan Listed on the 25 Best Urdu Blogs & Websites in 2025

Andrew Battiato — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 08:36:26 +0000

Zubaan’s Urdu website and blog were just selected as part of the “25 Best Urdu Blogs and Websites in 2025” by FeedSpot!

The top Urdu blogs and websites are chosen from hundreds of blogs on the web and are ranked by relevancy, authority, social media followers, and freshness.

We are part of the growing interest and dedication to the promotion of Urdu, the national language of Pakistan and spoken in other parts of the world. And we are honored to be recognized as a top contributor to helping people learn and appreciate Urdu.

We specialize in teaching Urdu as a foreign language. All of our teachers are native Pakistanis and are highly trained and receive ongoing guidance and feedback for continuous improvement. Our admin staff is fluent in English for ease of communication and logistics.

We also develop Urdu books for non-native speakers that follow the CEFR levels that cover all 4 languages skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

We encourage you to check out the list as you will find other helpful resources that will supplement your Urdu learning, like Urdu dictionaries, news sites, and poetry.

And of course we recommend that you check out our Urdu resources (including the free ones!) and Urdu classes – see link below to sign up. We offer free demo/trial classes.

Come learn or improve your Urdu with us today. We have classes ranging from Urdu basics to customized advanced Urdu courses.