There are four stages of adjustment. NYU students were reminded that the phases are normal and natural.
Each lasts about three to four weeks.
Fixation can also occur.
First, there is the “honeymoon” phase:
“The weather is gorgeous; everyone is so beautiful; the kids are so cute; the people are so warm and welcoming; the beach is so expansive and the sand so pure; the food is fabulous; I love these plantains; everyone in our group is so sweet—we could so totally be best friends.”
Then, comes the “hostility:”
“Why do they keep trying to sell me things; why does everyone want my number; why don’t the taxi drivers ever have change; if I see another buttery vegetable stew I am going to flip; why is everyone so clique-y; why is it always so humid here?!”
This is followed by the “humor” stage:
“We are like a half hour late for our appointment, should have seen that coming; I ordered my dress a week ago and all she wants to see me for is a fitting, must be a great outfit; wow, congrats mosquitoe, you successfully got through my DEET, jeans, and sweat to bite me on my butt; rice again, whatever, I can always default to FanIce for dinner!”
Finally, “home:”
“Soloman’s sweet Soloman’s; nothing like melting moments for a two hour getaway; central point, best place for a beer, a coke in a bottle, or a picnic between University of Ghana and photo class; Sunshine Salads has really too spicy chicken, but their salads are to die for; Uncle Tegu is probably the cutest security guard I could ever imagine!”
All it takes is ten weeks total…And we have 16.
—Y. Ogale, 8 Sept. 2010
