In acculturation, what is the first stage where students are delighted by the novelty of the new culture?

• A. Honeymoon stage
• B. Culture shock stage
• C. Resistance stage
• D. Integration stage

Answer: (A)

The stage described is the honeymoon phase of acculturation, when students are excited by the novelty of a different culture. In this phase, fresh surroundings spark curiosity and a positive mood: new customs, foods, and language feel fascinating, and there’s a strong desire to explore and engage with everything around them. This delight in novelty is exactly what characterizes the honeymoon period.

After this initial spark, other dynamics come into play. Culture shock often follows, bringing disorientation and frustration as differences become harder to manage. Resistance can emerge as defensiveness or clinginess to the home culture. Integration eventually develops when the student blends aspects of both cultures to function comfortably, but the honeymoon phase is the one that centers on that initial, upbeat fascination.