Culture Shock

The Symptoms of Culture Shock
Throughout the duration of culture shock, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Irritability
• Withdrawal
• Extreme Homesickness
• Overeating or loss of appetite
• Boredom
• Headaches
• Upset stomach
• Depression

The Phases of Culture Shock
The occurrence of culture shock often consists of four distinct phases:

1) The Honeymoon Phase - During this phase, the differences between the old and the new culture are seen as wonderful and new.  Often times it is seen in a romantic light.  For example, in moving to a new country, an individual might love the new foods, the pace of life, etc.  You might feel as though everything is great, nothing is wrong and you are having a wonderful time.

2) The Shock Phase- This phase of culture shock usually occurs a few days or weeks after moving to the new country.  Throughout this phase you may feel that there are so many differences that you do not know how to deal with them.  Also, you become more aware of your own differences that you will experience thoughts of disorientation, frustration, a weakened self-confidence, and feelings of inadequacy. 

3) The Negotiation Phase- After a few weeks or months, the minor differences between the old and new culture are resolved.  During this point, you learn to deal with the problems set before you and you try to integrate them within your own beliefs. 

Ways to Manage Culture Shock  

• Try to be open-minded about the new customs.
• Avoid being offended or offending locals.
• Continue improving your language proficiency.  For instance, watch television, listen to the radio, or read books in English.
• Make new American friends and introduce yourself to other international students.
• Become active within the university and community.
• Be patient.  Many international students experience culture shock.  Try to recognize the problem and give yourself time to adjust.  Keep reminding yourself that this is not permanent.

Student Input
We were also interested to hear what the students had to say regarding this topic.  We asked some of the new international student of Fall 2008 to respond to the following    questions:

• What do you miss the most about home?

"My family, friends and food(big time).  Apart from it, all of the festivals and the fun associated with it, which I used to enjoy back in India." - Radhen Mathuria

"The 3F's --Family, friends and food." - Xiang Wan

• What has been your favorite experience in the U. S. so far?

"Most of the people here at Auburn are very polite and helpful and that rubs off on everyone else." - Raden Mathuria

"Meeting in church." - Jiong Xie

• What was your first day at Auburn like?

"It was amazing because all I saw was a welcoming face and there.  It was awesome and different from what I've ever encountered, not to mention that I was astonished by the fact that Auburn is bigger than any other universities that I've seen.  That's spectacular." - Tsega Mesfin

"What a mess!" - Shuying Long

• In what ways have you adapted to the new culture?

"At first it was hard for me to communicate with other Americans especially southerners.  I couldn't understand their accent.  But then, I somehow managed to work on that and now I'm almost there.  Also the food is different.  Here most of the food is junk.  the last thing was the air; it contains high amounts of humidity unlike my country Ethiopia.  But, I like it here." - Tsega Mesfin.

"I made a lot of new friends, not just American, but friends from all over the world.  I don't think that I have adapted to the new culture, because it takes time; but I am sure I am doing it well.  I also talk a lot with my friends about politics, sports and religion.  This kind of talk really helps me to understand life in the U. S. A." - Xiang Wan

• The University of Tennessee, Health Science Center
• University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Counseling Services
• Wikipedia

10/03/2008 01:42:31 PM