Each foreign student has a somewhat different reason to look forward to coming to Leuven, and perhaps some reasons for hesitating. However, once the anticipation concerning what is promised outweighs the hesitations, you are on your way-and you will not be disappointed. The second stage of the psychological journey begins with your arrival in your host country. This is one of heightened excitement and curiosity, and it is characterised by a feeling of general well being, that things could hardly be better. The newness and promise of the honeymoon will last for weeks for some of you, for others perhaps for only a day or two.
Culture shock occurs at a heightened level of the third stage.
The third stage is characterised by disorientation. Her own culture has been temporarily left behind. The new culture is not altogether familiar. There arises a feeling of loss, of one's self and one's identity. There is a loss of familiarity in the objects and people that make up one's everyday environment, and there is a loss of confidence in one's thoughts and feelings.