ABSTRACT
Changing social, linguistic, religious, and other cultural differences within countries require greater flexibility in interactions both personally and professionally. Psychological acculturation can affect anyone entering a new cultural situation but most often is applied to immigrant experiences. Despite barriers to intercultural interactions, there also exist many advantages. To maximize the advantages, there are various strategies applicable to intercultural interactions that can contribute to positive outcomes for all involved. Chapter 6 considers concepts and processes associated with living in a global world – pluralism, intercultural opportunities, psychological acculturation and migration, acculturative stress and strategies of acculturation, intercultural interactions, benefits of approaching interactions in a culturally competent manner, and strategies for successful intercultural interactions. The ‘And So Forth’ section describes the symptoms and common stages of culture shock.
