You can reduce the symptoms of culture shock if you are prepared to deal with it:
Before you leave home, think about what you’ll miss most and try to make arrangements to keep it in your life. Take books, music, and personal possessions that are important to you.
Think about what you can do during holidays and special days that you usually spend with family and friends.
Make plans to keep in touch with special people and to have funds for an occasional phone call or package. E-mail is widespread and convenient way to feel you are in touch. In some countries it is expensive, and so you may have to make some arrangements before you go to ensure a reliable connection.
If you can get people to write on a regular basis, you’ll find that you appreciate their news very much. For example, family members or people you work with could take turns , each writing a message by e-mail or snail mail once a week.
You can feel closer to home if you find people in the new environment who are from your own culture. You may be able to be the listener, too; look around and see who is a foreigner in your midst.
It also helps to know that culture shock does pass. The downward pattern of depression and loneliness eventually gives way to an upward swing of optimism and connection with the new culture. As the date of departure for home draws near, most so journers feel positive about the new culture they have experienced and positive about themselves.