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Culture Shock
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Information about Culture Shock
When an international student starts school in the United States, there is always a touch of culture shock that occurs. Any new students’ first days are full of adjustments, but when the student is from another country the days are full of even more adjustments. International students will experience various changes when entering college before they settle into college life. Each student will adjust via their own schedule, not what others expect of them and this process is greatly dependent upon the student’s background and familiarity with the American culture.
What is Culture Shock?
Culture shock is the sudden loss of what is familiar, leading to a sense of isolation and possibly a diminished sense of self worth. It is usually brought on by anxiety resulting from the loss of familiar symbols and signs of their previous social life. When an international student first arrives in the new American culture, they are excited and look forward to what’s to come. After the initial excitement wears off, the culture differences may become overwhelming and frustrating. This is all very normal, and establishing a support system is important.
Cultural Differences that Help to Create Culture Shock
Some of the most common cultural differences that international students mention include media, food, people, clothing, types of greetings, various schedules, professors/teachers, and learning and teaching differences. The contrast is often quite severe which can cause problems when an international student is under the impression that nobody understands their perspective and view point on life. These differences can easily be overcome with an open mind. Everyone is different and each person with culture shock will find a way to settle in that’s unique to them. It all starts with an open mind and a willingness to accept the fact that America is a new experience after all.
Typical Symptoms of Culture Shock
Although symptoms can vary for each individual student, there are some culture shock symptoms that are common. These symptoms can include any combination of the following: easily angered, irritable, feelings of withdrawal, becoming extremely homesick, an intense loyalty to the student’s own culture, easily bored, over or under eating, excessive sleepiness, upset stomach, headaches, depression, trouble concentrating, relationship problems, unexplained crying, and overall sickness. These symptoms usually subside as the student settles in.
Culture Shock Solutions
Although some form of culture shock is expected, there are ways to lessen the stress. Keep active by making friends, reading, exercising, joining community projects and school activities, and learning more about the American culture. It is also wise to consider making friends with other international students from various countries. In this respect, it is possible to find common ground in a new land. Teaching others about your culture could also help to relieve culture shock.
Even though there are common traits to the culture shock syndrome, international students should remember that no two people will experience or react to it in the exact same way. In addition, some students will start noticing the transitional changes sooner than others and they will react to them differently. Enquire about possible support systems with the establishment that you are studying at so that this transition can take place as smoothly as possible.
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