Culture Shock: Adjusting to Your Study Abroad Experience

You’re studying abroad in a new country and everything is going great, until suddenly you’re up, you’re down, you’re lost, confused, and tired. Could it be you have contracted some rare disease? It could be….however, it is more likely that you are just experiencing culture shock.

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and valuable experiences of your life. It is difficult, however, to avoid feeling nervous or uncomfortable in your host culture, or longing for home. When preparing fo your study abroad experience, it is important not only to consider the logistical details of your trip, but also to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for your inter cultural experience.

What is culture shock?

Culture shock can present itself to you in a variety of ways, including sadness, frustration, and confusion. You have been surrounded by elements of your own culture that have been very comfortable and natural to you, and entering a new culture can be very difficult at times. Immersing yourself in an environment where language, expressions, and gestures may be unfamiliar, the psychological effects can be discomforting. The mixed emotions and process of adjustment is commonly known as “culture shock.”

The phases of cultural adjustment

There are many phases of culture shock, however, and it isn’t all uncomfortable. First is the “honeymoon stage.” This initial stage is characterized by excitement and anticipation. The months of planning have finally paid off and you are embarking on your study abroad experience. Everything around you is new, and you might feel fascinated and overwhelmed with all the new things you are experiencing. There are new people to meet, new friends to make, new places to see, and new experiences to adjust to. This usually happens upon arrival and for several weeks after that. Your first weeks will be spent getting to know everyone in the exchange group, meeting locals, and settling into smaller groups of friends. It is exciting and fascinating!

The next stage of cultural adjustment is feeling uncomfortable because you don’t belong. Suddenly these new things are no longer fun and exciting, but rather different and strange. No one seems to understand you and you long for the people at home who really know you. This is sometimes characterized as the “hostility stage.” It often includes frustration, anger, anxiety, and sometimes depression. You might react to this frustration by rejecting your new environment. Some of this hostility is translated into fits of anger over minor frustrations, lack of interest, lack of motivation, and withdrawal. You might notice changes in your sleeping and eating patterns. Another common characteristic of this stage is idealizing your home country, suddenly thinking it is so perfect when maybe you didn’t think so while you were actually living there.

However, you won’t always be stuck in this state of discomfort. Following the frustration and withdrawal is the “humor stage.” This stage is characterized by the slow adjustment to your surroundings. You will probably have established friendships groups, and will have begun settling into your new culture. Minor frustrations and misunderstandings that may have caused you extreme stress in the hostility stage are now amusing to you.

The final stage is referred to as the “home stage.” You will have finally adjusted to your new culture and feel comfortable. The cultural differences have become familiar to you and you are able to function normally in your new environment. You’ve established friends and routines, and have learned the little idiosyncrasies that make your host country so interesting. In this stage, you actually may start to feel more at home in your host culture and may experience fear about returning to your home culture.