Culture Shock

Culture shock can be described as the feelings one experiences after leaving their familiar, home culture to live in another cultural or social environment. Many people associate culture shock only with extreme changes of going from one country to another, but it can also be experienced closer to home, such as when traveling from one city to another within your own country. Even the most open-minded and culturally sensitive among us are not immune to culture shock.

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How to deal with it?

here are some tips to avoid culture shock.

• Learn as much as you can about the new location before you go. This means the good, the bad, and the simply different — from time zones, to what side of the street people drive on, to climate/temperature, to foods, political system, culture, customs and religion(s), to "Can you drink the water?" and "What type of electrical outlets do they have?", and more. If there's a language difference, try to pick up a few simple phrases, e.g., hello, thanks, etc.
• Remember there will be people who fit the image you create of the typical "Person from Country X" and those who do not. Clinging to stereotypes won't help you to learn more about a new country and its people.
• Be open-minded and willing to learning. Ask questions. If you are going to a place where people speak a different language, consider taking a few courses in that language.
• Maintain a sense of humor. (Perhaps the most important!)
• Knowing that the move will be a challenge, give yourself time. Don't be hard on yourself. 
• Don't withdraw! Continue to experience the new culture. Travel within the country, and visit cultural events and locations, such as museums or historic sites.
• Build new friendships.
• Associate with positive people.
• Stay active, eat well, and get enough sleep.
• Bring a few touches of home with you, such as photos of favorite locations and family members, your favorite music, or favored knickknacks.
• Keep in touch with people at home by Skype, email, phone, postcards — whatever. This can give you some comfort while away, and it will help you to minimize reverse culture shock when you get back home.

source: http://www.hziegler.com/articles/culture-shock.html