Adjusting to a new Culture
Most new international students go through “culture shock”. It is neither as shocking nor as sudden as most people expect, but rather simply part of the process of adjusting to a new culture. You have probably already started along this process even if you haven’t left your home country yet.
Right now, you are preparing for this new adventure. You are busy saying goodbye to friends and family, anticipating what studying at Loyola and living in the U.S. will be like. This initial period of adventure, often called the “honeymoon stage,” will often last through your first few months at the university. Surprises await you when you arrive. People may walk and talk more quickly (or more slowly), traffic patterns may be confusing, and buildings may look different than expected. The housing arrangements, the manner in which classes are taught, registration for courses, and other procedures may seem strange. Such differences are easy to see and generally are quickly learned.
At first, although the new situation is a bit confusing, most students also find it to be exciting. With so much to learn and absorb in the new culture, the initial period of settling in often seems like an adventure. During this time, you will tend to look for and identify similarities between your home culture and the U.S. You will find that people really are friendly and helpful. The procedures are different, but there are patterns, things that you can learn and depend on. You may classify other aspects of the culture that seem unusual or even unattractive as curious, interesting, or “quaint.”
Gradually, as you become more involved in activities and get to know the people around you, differences rather than similarities will become increasingly apparent to you. Those differences may begin to seem irritating rather than interesting or quaint. Small incidents and difficulties may make you anxious and concerned. This anxiety, irritation, that grows little by little as you interact with other students, faculty, and people in the community is “culture shock.” The common symptoms of culture shock are:
- Extreme homesickness
- Desire to avoid social settings which seem threatening or unpleasant
- Physical complaints and sleep disturbances
- Depression and feelings of helplessness
- Difficulty with coursework and concentration
- Loss of your sense of humor
- Boredom or fatigue
- Hostility towards the host culture
Students are sometimes unaware of the fact that they are experiencing culture shock when these symptoms occur. It is important to remember that this is a very normal process that nearly everyone goes through.
The most effective way to combat culture shock is to step back from a given event that has bothered you, assess it, and search for an appropriate explanation and response. Try the following:
- Observe how others are acting in the same situation
- Describe the situation, what it means to you, and your response to it
- Ask a local resident or someone with extensive experience how they would have handled the situation and what it means in the host culture
- Plan how you might act in this or similar situations in the future
- Test the new behavior and evaluate how well it works
- Decide how you can apply what you have learned the next time you find yourself in a similar situation.
Throughout the period of cultural adaptation, take good care of yourself . Read a book or rent a video in your home language, take a short trip if possible, exercise and get plenty rest, write a letter or telephone home, eat good food, and do things you enjoy with friends. Take special notice of things you enjoy about living in the host culture.
Although it can be disconcerting and a little scary, the “shock” gradually eases as you begin to understand the new culture. It is useful to realize that often the reactions and perceptions of others toward you — and you toward them — are not personal evaluations but are based on a clash of cultural values. The more skilled you become in recognizing how and when cultural values and behaviors are likely to come in conflict, the easier it becomes to make adjustments that can help you avoid difficulties.
International students often hesitate to consult a professional about mental health problems. It is not uncommon in the U.S., however, for people with emotional problems to seek professional help. As you are far from home and lacking the usual support system of family and friends, you may find it helpful to consult a mental health professional when dealing with issues of adjustment, depression, strain or stress. The process will be completely confidential.
Students may consult a professional at Counseling and Career Services:
Location: Danna Center, Second Floor, Room 208
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM, Wednesday, 8:30 - 7:00 PM
Office Phone: 504.865.3835, Fax: 504.865.2382
Email Address: counseling@loyno.edu or career@loyno.edu