Vanessa and Dan discuss reverse culture shock: the unexpected feeling of being out of place after returning to a country or community that once felt familiar. Their conversation focuses on adjustment rather than simply comparing destinations. They describe feeling culturally disconnected, noticing differences in food and daily routines, and needing time to settle into a new rhythm. The personal examples give learners language for explaining why coming home can still feel like a transition.

The speakers talk about how people fit into familiar surroundings after spending time elsewhere. Returning travellers may find that everyday choices, social norms, or routines feel different, even when the place itself has not changed. Vanessa and Dan discuss what can help someone acclimate better and acknowledge that adjustment can take time. They also describe the frustration or irritability that can surface during a transition. Their comments are personal experiences, not a clinical diagnosis or a claim that everyone responds the same way.

The guided vocabulary includes “reverse culture shock,” “culturally disconnected,” and “acclimate better.” The speakers use “a big difference” to compare experiences and “I’m adjusting” to describe a process that is still underway. These phrases can help learners talk about change without suggesting that they have already adapted completely. The conversation also models how to explain a feeling, give an example, and soften a general statement with personal perspective.

This lesson is useful for advanced listening and for learners who travel, study, or live across cultures. For practice, describe a routine that felt different after a move or trip. Say what surprised you, how it affected you, and what helped you adjust. You might use “I’m adjusting” when the process is continuing, or explain that something was “a big difference” from what you expected. Listen for how Vanessa and Dan connect emotional reactions to concrete details such as food, housing, and daily habits; those details make a personal explanation easier to follow.

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Speak English With VanessaAmerican English23:44

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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00

Introducing reverse culture shock

Vanessa: Hi, I'm Vanessa from the website, SpeakEnglishWithVanessa.com. Welcome to the sample conversation video lesson from the course The Fearless Fluency Club. In this video, you'll see myself and my sister Cherise having a conversation, a natural, real conversation about . If you don't know what this term is, watch the video. If you'd like to hear natural conversations, I'm sure you'll enjoy it, and to analyze and learn about the vocabulary, the grammar, the pronunciation that we use in this video, make

Try it: Try using “reverse culture shock” in a sentence about introducing reverse culture shock.

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6 phrases

reverse culture shock

Introducing reverse culture shock · cultural reference

The surprise or discomfort someone may feel when returning home after living in another culture.

Tone and use: Neutral term used in travel, study-abroad, and relocation discussions. Describe the adjustment of coming back to familiar surroundings that now feel different.

May not fit: For ordinary travel fatigue without a cultural adjustment, use a more specific description.

Example“After two years overseas, she experienced reverse culture shock when she came home.”

culturally disconnected

Feeling different after returning home · expression

Feeling out of touch with the habits, expectations, or shared references of a culture.

Tone and use: Reflective and descriptive. Describe a sense of distance from the culture around you.

May not fit: If you mean simply feeling lonely, say lonely or isolated.

Example“He felt culturally disconnected after moving between countries several times.”

acclimate better

Talking about what helps someone adapt · expression

Adjust more comfortably to a new place, climate, or set of circumstances.

Tone and use: Neutral; somewhat more formal than get used to. Talk about becoming comfortable with new conditions over time.

May not fit: For casual conversation, “adjust more easily” or “get used to it” may sound simpler.

Example“Having a local friend helped me acclimate better to the city.”

a big difference

Talking about what helps someone adapt · expression

A noticeable or important change in a situation or its result.

Tone and use: Common and neutral. Emphasize that one factor noticeably changes an experience.

May not fit: If the effect is small, say “a slight difference.”

Example“A familiar routine can make a big difference when you move.”

frustrated or snippy

Reflecting on the adjustment process · tone

Annoyed or speaking in a short, slightly sharp way.

Tone and use: Conversational; snippy is informal and mildly critical. Describe reacting irritably to small problems.

May not fit: For a formal or gentle description, say “irritated” or “short-tempered.”

Example“I was tired and sounded frustrated or snippy during the call.”

I'm adjusting

Reflecting on the adjustment process · expression

I am gradually getting used to a new situation or change.

Tone and use: Neutral, reassuring, and conversational. Explain that you are still adapting and may need a little time.

May not fit: If you have fully adapted, say “I’m used to it now.”

Example“The new schedule is different, but I’m adjusting.”

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What it means · “reverse culture shock”

Advanced English Conversation About Travel