Culture Shock

What is culture shock?

Culture shock is psychological disorientation similar to feelings of frustration. It is a feeling that grows little by little as you interact with other students, faculty, and people in the new culture.

While living in another culture is extremely exciting and rewarding, it can also be disorienting and challenging to be far away from your family, friends, support systems and cultural norms.

However, there are indeed some ways to overcome it. First of all, it is necessary to acknowledge that culture shock may lie behind the physical symptoms and irritability of cultural adjustment as well.

How to respond to culture shock?

When you first arrive, observe your foreign surroundings so that you may trace any odd interactions you see to their underlying values. Once you have identified some of your host country’s values, share some of your observations with a native person with whom you trust.

It is very important to maintain a good sense of humor. You may feel foolish at times when you have difficulty expressing yourself in another language, but learn to laugh it off. Many people will enjoy conversing with you and commend you for your efforts.

Learn the language

Attempting to use the local language is a good basis on which to build new relationships with local people because it shows that you respect the people and their culture and expresses your desire to learn. People will be delighted by your eagerness.

Be open minded

Try to be open-minded rather than resort to becoming defensive and fitting to your preconceived stereotype. Stereotypes will only prevent you from getting to the richer reality which lies beyond them