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Culture Shock
Adjusting to a new culture and way of life can be both exciting and
challenging – you can reasonably expect that you will experience some highs
and lows during your time in the U.S. You have taken on an adventure of a
lifetime and moved to a new environment, which you may find strange and
difficult at times. During these times of difficulty - just remind yourself
that these cultural differences are the reason we all love to travel. To
experience the unknown!
It's Just a Phase!
Stages of Cultural Adjustments
While everyone responds differently to adjusting to a new culture, there are
typically three stages that most people go through.
1. You will probably experience an initial period of excitement and
happiness, due to new things around you. You will constantly be reminded that
you are in a new culture and are many miles from home.
2. As you adjust to the routine of daily life, that initial sense of
adventure will wear off. You may even find that your new life in the U.S. can
be quite ordinary and dull at times - just like at home! During this phase
you may start to miss your friends and families at home - wishing things in
the U.S. were more similar to your home country. During this time, you may
find it hard to keep a positive attitude and to keep up with your routines.
You may be tempted to withdraw from people around you or even become hostile.
Even simple things may seem like an ordeal. At this point it is helpful to
know that for most people this phase doesn't last too long.
3. The second phase should soon give way to the third phase - your true
adjustment to American culture. Once the values and characteristics of people
in the U.S. become more familiar to you, day-to-day life will become easier.
You will find that it will be easier to immerse yourself in American life and
you will begin to experience the culture in a way that would never be
possible if you were a tourist traveling for a few weeks.
Survival Skills
▪ Stay Positive
▪ Give yourself a chance
▪ Try not to withdraw from your American friends and fellow students. Make a
special effort to have fun and most importantly - remember all of the reasons
that brought you to the U.S. in the first place!
▪ Be open and friendly and people will respond likewise.
▪ Maintain a sense of humor and an open mind. Keep in mind that even the most
extraordinary experience will make an entertaining story at home that is sure
to make your friends and family laugh.
If You Need Counseling
If you are experiencing problems with depression, homesickness, harassment,
or other emergencies, we want to know about it as soon as possible. So that
we can give you the best possible help for your urgent problems, please
answer the following 5 questions:
▪ Have you been feeling depressed about a current situation?
▪ Do you find that you are unhappy for long periods of time?
▪ Are you experiencing ongoing emotional problems?
▪ Are you finding your stay in the U.S.A overwhelming?
▪ Do you find that you are not getting the help you need with ongoing
problems?
If you answered YES to three or more of the Questions above, contact:
Counseling Center
Campus Health Center
Your RA or
Hall Director
Experience of Past Participants
Most people have an enjoyable time while living in the U.S., however -
here are some examples of what past participants have felt like when they
have gone through their adjustment to life in the U.S.
Some students initially feel their English skills are inadequate,
especially if this is your first time living in an English-speaking
environment. It can be mentally and physically exhausting to function all day
in a new environment with a new language
Some students initially feel that Americans are obsessed with personal
hygiene and waste resources by showering too frequently.
Some students find the style of education in the US differs from their home
country, and initially are not comfortable to speak up or to question
professors in class. Or, they may find the system of regular assignments,
homework and frequent testing is unexpected.
In all these cases, remember to get proper rest and nutrition, and to maintain
a good sense of humor. Initially you may have to work harder than other
students, you may change your style of study or personal habits, and it may
take you longer to complete your assignments.
You will probably begin to recognize that some behaviors are neither
"good" nor "bad", but simply a function of culture. Even
those behaviors that seem negative may be understood better in a cultural
context. For example, while Americans' dependence on cars contributes to
environmental problems, and is inconvenient for those who can't afford a car,
this phenomenon can be explained by such things as the size of the country,
the low cost of gasoline, and the national emphasis on individualism and
self-reliance.
Re-entry to Your Home Country
After you have completed your studies at Concordia, you may be on your way
home and back to your friends, family and old routines. You will feel excited
and proud of yourself for having made it through the ordeals of culture shock
and now your U.S. adventure is over.
Warning! It is not necessarily over. For many people the process of
readjusting to life in your home country can be just as complicated as
adjusting to a new culture. If you are like most people, you will return home
expecting things to be just as you left it. However, two things will have
happened.
Your friends and family will have continued with their lives while you were
away, so things will actually be different than when you left them
After living in a new culture, you may have formed new ideas and return home
a different person with a new outlook on life
You will most likely find that while you were away, you learned a lot about
yourself and your home culture.
You will observe how U.S. culture is different from your own and in what ways
it is similar. You may find yourself being critical of your home culture and
the ways that some things are done. Be aware of these issues and view your re
adjustment as another step in learning about a different culture. You may
find this to be one of the most enlightening aspects of the program.
Useful Links
For more information on Culture Shock, the secrets behind U.S. stereotypes
and re-entry shock check out some of these websites for more information and
tips for surviving in a new culture.
CIEE
offers work and travel exchange programs available for students from around
the world. Most of the material on this page is based on their website.
International
Student Exchange and Study Abroad Resource Center
Culture Shock
International
Student Re-entry Culture Shock
iStudentCity.com
Princeton
Review
NAFSA / China
Pre-departure Information about Culture Shock
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