Culture Shock: A Guide for Students

Moving to a new place or interacting with a different culture can be an exciting adventure, but it can also come with challenges. One of these challenges is culture shock. Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation or discomfort that people often experience when they are exposed to a new and unfamiliar culture. This guide will help you understand what culture shock is, how to identify it in yourself and others, and how to handle it effectively.

What is Culture Shock?

Culture shock can occur when you move to a new country, start at a new school with different cultural norms, or even when you travel to a different part of your own country. It involves several stages:

  1. Honeymoon Stage: Everything feels new and exciting.
  2. Frustration Stage: Differences start to feel overwhelming and frustrating.
  3. Adjustment Stage: You begin to understand and adapt to the new culture.
  4. Acceptance Stage: You feel comfortable and integrated into the new culture.

When Can Culture Shock Affect You?

Culture shock can affect individuals at different times and in various situations.  Students can experience it right away or months after their arrival. The timing and intensity of culture shock can vary based on personal experiences, support systems, and individual resilience.

Identifying Culture Shock

In Yourself
  • Feelings of Anxiety or Sadness: You might feel homesick or miss familiar things from your old environment. It is normal to feel scared and worried when you are in a new culture.
  • Frustration with Everyday Activities: Simple tasks like shopping or ordering food might feel confusing or frustrating.
  • Physical Symptoms: You might experience headaches, stomachaches, or trouble sleeping.
  • Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions or activities you used to enjoy.
In Friends
  • Changes in Behavior: Your friend might become more withdrawn, irritable, or upset.
  • Complaining About the New Environment: Constantly talking about how things are better back home.
  • Avoiding Social Activities: Not wanting to hang out or participate in school or community events.
  • Physical Complaints: Mentioning frequent headaches or feeling sick.

Tips to Handle Culture Shock

Things You Can Do
  1. Learn as Much as You Can About the New Culture: If you’ve moved to Canada, for example, learn about Canadian culture. Understanding local customs, traditions, and social norms can make the transition smoother.
  2. Stay Connected: Keep in touch with friends and family from back home through calls, texts, or social media. Tell them what you are learning and share your experiences.
  3. Explore the New Culture: Learn about the local customs, try new foods, and participate in cultural activities.
  4. Make New Friends: Join clubs or sports teams to meet people and make new friends.
  5. Stay Active: Exercise regularly to help reduce stress and improve your mood.
  6. Keep a Journal: Write about your experiences, feelings, and progress in adapting to the new culture.
  7. Seek Support: Talk to a school counselor, teacher, or trusted adult about your feelings.
  8. Look After Your Health: Eat well, sleep well, and take good care of yourself.
  9. Look for Solutions to Specific Problems One at a Time: Breaking down challenges into manageable pieces can make them easier to handle.
  10. Spend Time with Others: Don’t stay alone. Do things with your host family, visit other international students, and engage in social activities.
  11. Remember Why You Came: You knew it would be different and challenging, but focus on the reasons you made the change and the benefits it brings.
  12. Accept the Local Ways: For example, accept the way Canadians do things. Canadian culture is not better or worse than other cultures. All cultures have differences and unique aspects.
  13. Celebrate Your Successes: Don’t be hard on yourself. Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
Things You Should Avoid
  1. Isolating Yourself: Avoid spending too much time alone; make an effort to socialize and engage with others.
  2. Negative Comparisons: Try not to constantly compare your new environment to your old one in a negative way.
  3. Overspending: Avoid spending too much money on things that remind you of home; instead, focus on experiencing new things.
  4. Ignoring Your Feelings: Don’t bottle up your emotions; it’s important to acknowledge and address them.

Supporting Friends Going Through Culture Shock

  1. Be Patient: Understand that adjusting to a new culture takes time, and be patient with your friend.
  2. Listen: Offer a listening ear and let your friend talk about their feelings and experiences.
  3. Include Them: Invite them to join you in activities and introduce them to your friends.
  4. Share Resources: If you know of clubs, events, or support groups, share this information with your friend.
  5. Encourage Exploration: Suggest fun and interesting things to do in the new environment.
  6. Check In Regularly: Keep in touch and check in on how they are doing, showing that you care.

Living in a new culture is a significant change, and change can sometimes be difficult. However, you have experienced many changes in your life, and this is just one more change that you can navigate successfully. Remember that your feelings will change and that it will get better over time. By staying open-minded, seeking support, and supporting others, you can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable.