Culture shock is something that many international students experience whilst adjusting to a new culture. It is hardly surprising that being faced with new course, new friends, and a different language, that many Chinese students will feel a little homesick. This is now considered to be a natural part of the adjustment to studying abroad. If you are not quite feeling yourself when you fist arrive in the States, relax. This is a temporary phase that should eventually wear off as your new life begins.

Here are some of the considered symptoms experienced by international students who have suffered from culture shock

· Extreme homesickness
· Desire to avoid social settings which seem threatening or unpleasant
· Physical complaint and sleep disturbances
· Depression and feelings of helplessness
· Difficulty with coursework and concentration
· Loss of your sense of humour
· Boredom or fatigue
· Hostility towards the host culture

Students are sometimes unaware of the fact that they are experiencing culture shock when these symptoms occur. There are ways to deal with this period of adjustment, so it helps to recognise that culture shock may lie behind physical symptoms and irritability.

Coping with Culture Shock

The most effective way to combat culture shock is to step back from a given event that has bothered you, assess it, and search for an appropriate explanation and response. Try the following

· Observe how others are acting in the same situation
· Describe the situation, what it means to you, and your response to it
· Ask a local resident or someone with extensive experience how they would have handled the situation and what it means in the host culture
· Plan how you might act in this or similar situations in the future
· Test the new behaviour and evaluate how well it works
· Decide how you can apply what you have learned the next time your find yourself in a similar situation

Throughout the period of cultural adaptation, take good care of yourself. Read a book or rent a video in your home language, take a short trip if possible, exercise and get plenty of rest, write a letter or telephone home, eat good food and do things you enjoy with friends. Take special notice of things you enjoy about living in your host culture.

Although it can be disconcerting and a little scary, the shock gradually eases as you begin to understand the new culture. It is useful to realize that often the reactions and perceptions of others towards you - and you towards them - are not personal evaluations but are based on a clash of cultural values. The more skilled you become in recognising how and when cultural values and behaviours are likely to come in conflict, the easier it becomes to make adjustments that can help you avoid serious difficulties.

Will I loose my own culture?

Sometimes students worry about loosing their culture if they become too well adapted to their host culture. Don't worry: it is virtually impossible to loose the culture in which you were raised. In fact, learning about the new culture often increases your appreciation for and understanding of your own culture. Don't resist the opportunity to become bicultural, able to function competently in two cultural environments.

Just as culture shock derives from the accumulation of cultural clashes, so an accumulation of small successes can lead to more effective interactions within the new social system, practises that recently seemed so strange will become less puzzling. Eventually you will adapt sufficiently to do your best in your studies and social life and to relax and fully enjoy the experience. And you will recover your sense of humour.

Prepare for Reverse Culture Shock

Few people anticipate that upon their return home they will experience culture shock as they did when they first came to the United States. Reverse culture shock is most pronounced in those who expect everything at home to be the same as it was when they left it. Realize that standards of living, the political climate, and even family relationships may have changed. You have grown during your years in the United States and your friends and your family have grown too! Friends may have married or moved away. You may feel ill at ease with what once were familiar circumstances and may experience subtle forms of rejection if family and friends show less interest in your adventures than you had hoped they would. The solution? Find other returned students with whom share concerns and coping strategies. Participate in your university's alumni association.

Let awareness be your ally. The more you anticipate the strains of re-entry, the better you can minimise their impact and severity. And take heart: you can use the same skills that helped you adapt to the United States. While here, take photographs, keep a journal and update your address book to maintain memories and contacts when you return home.

For more advice on culture shock or any other aspect of studying in the USA then contact NAFSA through their website on www.nafsa.org

Remember
At any time you can click on our Information Form Service in order to have your details circulated to multiple academic institutions so they can mail you comprehensive further information and brochures. Remember this service is completely free of charge.

If you have any comments or queries relating to this site please email:
webmaster@internationaledu.net