Culture shock is discussed as it affects Americans who travel extensively abroad. Culture shock can lead to total withdrawal from the new culture or to increased awareness, personal growth, and the development of new cross cultural skills. Communication problems contribute to culture shock in the form of language barriers, nonverbal misunderstandings, stereotypes and preconceptions, the tendency to evaluate, and the high anxiety often inherent in intercultural communication. The stages of cultural adjustment include contact, culture shock, reintegration, and autonomy. Culture shock can be partially prevented by attempting to learn the language in advance of the trip and becoming aware of the cultural differences. Finally, after extensive travel, return shock can also occur. An extensive bibliography of information sources about travel abroad and other cultures is presented. (RW)