Culture Shock for Your New Incoming International Student

For many students going abroad to study is filled with equal excitement and anxiety. Some students have never left their home and are excited to start a new chapter in their lives. All new students go through a process of adjustment when entering a new school but international students studying abroad for the first time are also presented with new challenges (new host culture, education system, climate, etc.)

The following phases are what a new international student can expect to experience:

Initial Euphoria / The Honeymoon Stage – After first arriving to a new place, you’ll likely be caught up in all the wonderful things your new chosen home has to offer. During this stage, you are more likely to recognize cultural similarities and be charmed by the differences.

Irritation and Hostility / The Negotiation Stage – Gradually, the euphoria will diminish. You’ll get lost. You’ll get mad at the apparent “disorganization” of things. You’ll become overwhelmed with all the things you have to adjust to and either feel irritated or compelled to make things go “your way”.

Gradual Understanding / The Adjustment Stage – You’re finally able to relax. You’ve come to terms with your new home and have achieved a balance of emotions. Instead of feeling irritated, you’re understanding of differences. You’ll start to have a more positive outlook, interest in learning more about your host country, and make more effort to fit in.

Adaptation or Biculturalism / The Mastery Stage – Reaching a high level of comfort in your new home is the final stage of culture shock. The order of things makes sense, you can talk to strangers with ease, and you understand cultural nuances. Your routine is more natural. Sure, you still miss your friends and family, but your new friends and activities have become part of your daily life.

Tips to provide your new incoming International students to deal with Culture Shock:

1. Learn as much about your host country as possible
2. Surround yourself with familiar things
3. Write down what you love when you first arrive, and look back later
4. Eat healthy food and get lots of exercise
5. Find a healthy distraction
6. Talk to other students about how you feel
7. Push yourself to make local friends
8. Try to see things through your host culture’s eyes
9. Get involved with the local community
10. Take advantage of help offered to you on campus

For many students going abroad to study is filled with equal excitement and anxiety. Some students have never left their home and are excited to start a new chapter in their lives. All new students go through a process of adjustment when entering a new school but international students studying abroad for the first time are also presented with new challenges (new host culture, education system, climate, etc.)