Culture Shock

What is Culture?

For study abroad purposes, culture can be most broadly defined as the shared sets of values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors which are widely held by members of the host culture. A traveler will not only need to be aware of these cultural patterns but will have to respond to them appropriately. (The "What's Up With Culture?" website was created by Dr. Bruce LaBrack, an anthropologist at the University of the Pacific in California)

What is Culture Shock?

People who spend an extended period of time in a new country often experience culture shock. It can be explained as a feeling of anxiety and personal disorientation due to a number of reasons that include, but aren't limited to, hearing a new language, different food, different social tendencies, and other various cultural changes. People often experience culture shock in different ways and it varies from one individual to another. Some may feel it mildly, while others may feel quite tired, irritable, withdrawn, frustrated and depressed. 

Culture shock is normal. It happens to everybody at some extent. When you are aware of culture shock and understand that it is normal and expected, it can be easier to respond accordingly. Work through it. Do your best to go with the flow and find solutions that work for you. Don’t worry about whether or not you are having the “perfect” experience or if you are doing everything that you “should” be doing while abroad. Keep going to class, keep talking to your new friends and professors, and remember that everything you are doing – EVERYTHING – is a learning experience. Pace yourself!

Managing Culture Shock

There is a somewhat predictable cycle that people living in a foreign culture experience. For the first few weeks there may be a sense of euphoria because everything is new and exciting. This is usually followed by a period of decline where the effort of trying to understand everything seems overwhelming and you may feel fatigued, perhaps depressed or hostile toward the host country culture. 

As your stay progresses and you begin to understand the language (even if it is English), customs, and behavior better. Your spirits will rise and you will begin to feel more at home. Often shortly before leaving for home there is once again a euphoric feeling and even a reluctance to leave.

The effects of culture shock can occur in stages, like a roller coaster ride of emotions. A person follows a natural pattern of hitting peaks and valleys. High points of excitement and interest are succeeded by lower points of depression, disorientation, or frustration. The process is necessary in order to make the transition from one culture to another. But be aware, culture shock is not an exact step-by-step process. Not everyone experiences culture shock the same way or at the same time.

How to Minimize Culture Shock

First of all, simply recognizing your feelings can help. By identifying what makes you uncomfortable or what makes you feel out of place, you can work to overcome that fear. If you realize that your reluctance to go out and meet people is a predictable phase of cultural adjustment, it can be easier to cope with. 

Secondly, when you pack for your trip, take some items that remind you of home and keep up with what's going on at home. Keep up with the news back home, schedule weekly phone calls with friends/family, etc. but be aware that it is a delicate balance; you don't want to obsess about what's going on at home and miss out what's happening in your host country!

Thirdly, plan to rest more. Taking naps or going to bed earlier can help combat the fatigue. Talk about your feelings with other students who may be experiencing the same thing. 

Lastly, make an effort to learn at least one thing useful about the language or culture each day. The more that you know, the more you will feel at home.

Skills that Make a Difference

• Try to make non-judgemental observations.

• Have a sense of humor! There will be many things that will make you angry, sad, annoyed, and frustrated. The ability to laugh it off will make your life much more pleasant!

• Lower your task/goal orientation. Americans often set themselves goals and base the value of their experience on their success in achieving these goals. If you can relax and go with the flow rather than being stuck on trying to accomplish impossible goals, you’ll be much happier. Celebrate all the small wins along the way.

• Find the ability to fail. This is related to the last point. Everyone who goes abroad fails at some point. Things don't always go as planned while you're abroad and you need to be prepared to have a failure. Accepting that this is just going to happen at some point will make your experience much more enjoyable.

• Accept a certain amount of confusion or ambiguity as normal.

• Find the ability to empathize.

• Find the ability to respect.

Learn the New Culture

• Be brave about trying new things, you might think you don’t like it until you try it. This might be new food, activities, magazines, books, or trips. This is a great way to show host nationals that you are open to their culture and also a good way to get to know the culture.

• Read local newspapers, follow local social media outlets, and watch the local news. This will improve your language skills as well as help you get to know the new country.

• Take time to learn about the layout, history and events of your new location. Research your destination to establish some cultural norms/values and try to fit in with your new surroundings.

• Be aware of your own culture as you learn another culture.

Meet the Local People

• Start going to the same cafe, bar, or restaurant and get to know the people there. Maybe try doing your homework there and asking for help.

• Explore the city! Get to know your city geographically and allow yourself to see more than just the tourist sites in town. After you know your city, explore the local region. 

• Take advantage of homestays and dinner with local families.

• Be aware of local customs regarding meeting and interacting with other people.

• Use the university resources (buddy system, orientation program, social events, excursions, ask a local student for help studying, etc.) 

• Join an organization/club at the university or join a local team.

• Introduce yourself to your neighbors and greet them every day. 

• If you are not naturally an outgoing person, take this opportunity to pretend! The people you meet will have no idea that you are shy. This can be an opportunity to come out of your shell in a new place. 

Don’t Give Up Everything From Home

• Become familiar with your own cultural practices and current affairs in your country. You will be asked about them! You can keep up to date at home with the New York Times online subscription provided to you by SUNY Oswego.

• Continue daily rituals that make you feel at home (cup of coffee in the morning, exercise in the evening, etc.)

• It may be comforting to spend time with Americans, Anglophones, or those who have a similar background to you. Encourage yourself to branch out and make new connections with those who come from different backgrounds, too. The exchanges you can have are often life changing.

• Get enough rest.

• Eat and drink well. Try new foods but it's also okay to eat comfort foods sometimes. 

• Make plans to spend your free time doing things you enjoy or have always wanted to try. Stick to your plans and give things a try, even when it is hard!

Avoid the Negative Symptoms of Culture Shock

• Don’t expect too much from yourself. This can be stressful- take baby steps!

• Avoid blaming yourself or others for the way you feel. It takes time to adjust to a new society!

• Do not be afraid to seek counseling or professional guidance if your symptoms become too tense or worsen. Reach out to the Resident Director or coordinator overseas, your medical insurance provider, your family, and/or your program coordinator at Oswego for assistance.

Enjoy yourself

• Have a sense of humor and don’t take things too seriously!

• Think positively! You may only be abroad for a short time, make the most of it.

Remember, studying abroad is a dynamic learning experience. Part of this learning experience involves testing your independence and flexibility in adapting to a new environment. Have faith in yourself and trust that each high point and low point is part of the natural process of cultural adaptation. Relax, be confident, and above all... HAVE FUN!