Coping with Culture

You do not have to be from another country to feel the cultural differences at school, but those feelings of cultural disassociation are even more apparent for international students. If you are an international student, you will find some obvious differences between your home and the new place you find yourself in, such as: the climate, the language, the food, the education system and even relationships. Nothing seems the same.

“Extreme homesickness”, “depression” or “losses of ability to work or study effectively” are just some of the symptoms of culture shock. It is the realization that your familiar and “safe” surroundings are no longer that; and if these symptoms persist, your problems could become much more than suffering grades or an unwillingness to participate in your new surroundings.

In order to cope with the culture shock. at school, it is important to:
- Get involved in the different activities proposed by the University such as becoming a member of a club offered through the university. These clubs feature other students with the same interests you have, create a social atmosphere for you to explore new friendships, and provide an alternative to simply going back and forth from your dorm room or apartment to the campus. Remain active while you are at school.

- Make some new friends. As an international student, American friends are beneficial because they will allow you to further develop your English skills while learning more about American culture. You can also make friends with other international students who are experiencing the same difficulties and problems you are going through.

- Be open. In fact, many things will be different from your culture. Don’t judge and label things as “right,” “wrong,” “good,” or “bad” too quickly. For example, before judging that a certain food will taste bad because of the way it looks, be curious and give it a try. You might like it.

- Be Patient in everything that you do. With time you will get use to the culture and find yourself assimilating, relating and understanding.

- Respect the golden rule: Treat Others as You Would like to Be Treated. Put yourself into other people shoes and accept the idea that they may also be misunderstanding you.





If you face a culture shock feel free to tell us what your symptoms are and tell us what other strategies you use to handle the cultural differences.


Aigline, The Business Shrink Intern
The Business Shrink: Understanding the Psychology of Business and Money