MELANIE, a business executive from London, arrived in Hong Kong three months ago to head her company's office. She came with enthusiasm and likes her work, but she has been agitated since she arrived.
She complains about the crowds, the weather, people's attitudes and business ethics. Every step of the way she compares Hong Kong with her home country. She's already dreaming of returning.
''I don't know how much longer I can put up with living in Hong Kong,'' she says. ''Thank God for Christmas home leave.'' Melanie is going through the normal process of ''acculturation'' that all newcomers experience. This can last from six to 16 months or more.
However, many are caught by surprise when it takes place. An immigrant to another country expects to take on a new cultural identity and therefore is willing to adjust and adapt. However, many expatriates who plan to stay only a set period of time usually have no intention to assimilate. For them, acculturation can be as unpleasant as it is unexpected.
Whether people choose to or not, they will go through four stages of acculturation.
Elation: when entering a foreign country, one finds it exciting because most things are so unlike home. For Melanie, the exotic Asian sights and sounds, and the stimulating expatriate crowd were all part of the initial thrill.