How to Deal with Culture Shock while Studying Abroad

The few hours after you land at your study abroad destination, you feel the euphoria of "honeymoon." You find positivity and newness in everything around you. You get captivated by the freedom and beauty of the place.

You may question why you didn’t make the trip years ago and start preparing for other family members to join you. But maybe, you don’t realize that these feelings mean you are dealing with culture shock.

The honeymoon feelings and excitement of coming to a new country begin to wane within weeks. Instead, you may feel a sense of general unease and dislocation.

What is culture shock?

Culture shock is identifying, understanding, and adapting to changes in a new country. In other words, “culture shock is a feeling of disorientation, annoyance, and/or hostility experienced when you visit a country with norms and traditions different from your own.”

For instance, you find everything different from what you experience at home. Sometimes, you get embarrassed because of the orderliness of things. If you reside in Lagos and have gotten used to "instinct rushing," it may take time to adjust to orderliness abroad. 

What you believed was the norm suddenly becomes archaic abroad, and you find yourself careful not to embarrass or make mistakes. 

Stages of Culture Shock:

1)    Initial euphoria / The honeymoon stage:  You identify cultural similarities and differences in your new destination. You feel happier because things look easier and more exciting.

2)    Irritation and hostility / The negotiation stage: The excitement gradually wanes, and you start feeling lost or overwhelmed with adjustments.

3)    Gradual understanding / The adjustment stage: You begin to adjust and relax in your new home. You understand the differences and begin to find ways to fit in better.

4)    Adaptation or biculturalism / The mastery stage: You finally adjust to everything, and things make more sense to you. You begin to make new friends and join organizations to live a normal life.

How to Deal with Culture Shock while Studying Abroad

Learn more about your study abroad destination

You should read through guidebooks, travel forums, novels, or news reports about your host country. Then, connect more with people who have been to that country and learn from them.

You should know what is considered rude or polite in the country and prepare for the differences.

Seek for advice 

Whether you want to work or study abroad, you should not stop asking questions. You should seek advice and how best to live in the country. Each destination has nuances that may leave you disoriented if you don’t know about them. Ask questions to save yourself from common embarrassments.

Set learning goals

You should set goals for your trip abroad to help you learn about their cuisine, culture, and traditions. 

Write down things you like during the first few weeks

Remember to write down things you love about your new host country during the first few weeks. Use the list when you feel irritated or frustrated about the country to remind yourself of all the good things you once loved.

Locate a healthy distraction

You should find healthy distractions that can help you when you feel negative about your host country. For example, you can cook a meal, visit the gym, join clubs, or watch your favorite shows.

Many people don’t know they would run into emotional roller coasters abroad. There is nothing wrong with such feelings. Find ways to get positive about your stay in the country.

Learn to talk to others

Talk to people about how you feel, especially your study group. Learn how they cope with their new experiences, especially if they are unique like you. You will learn more about how to survive culture shock in your host country from their experiences.

Let go of expectations.

You must not have expectations from home about your host country because you can easily feel disappointed, annoyed, or bitter about the country. Relocate with a blank slate about the country and gradually absorb things.

See through the host culture's eyes.

You should try to understand your environment the way your host culture does. You don’t have to agree with everything in the country. However, try to understand why things happen in different ways here.

Get involved with the local community.

You should join some local communities to help you cope with culture shock. When you volunteer, visit religious gatherings, and make new friends, things become easier for you. Try to make your host country a new home.

Here are other suggestions on how to make yourself feel more at home:

·         But first, admit that culture shock exists and you feel tense, uncomfortable, or confused.

·         You should learn the rules of living in your host country. 

·         Take time to learn the language.

·         Take care of yourself. 

·         Eat well, exercise, and take the time to sleep. 

·         Limit your alcohol consumption to moderate amounts.

·         Take the time to be a tourist.

·         Make friends and develop relationships. 

·         Maintain contact with friends and family back home. 

·         Do something that reminds you of home.

·         Avoid idealizing life back home. 

Don’t let culture shock stop you.

It took you months to plan your relocation, and Pay4Me does not believe that culture shock can stop you from having a great time abroad.

While studying abroad is not about late-night parties or weekend getaways, you have many hurdles to overcome to become a better and more refined graduate. We believe that with these tips, you can learn how to care for yourself abroad.