
Student Life Abroad: Tips for Cultural Adaptation
Traveling to study in another country is among the most thrilling experiences that a student will ever have. It is an opportunity to not only receive more knowledge in your certain field of study but also get acquainted with an absolutely different culture. As exciting, the process of acculturation can be stressful, particularly when a person feels that the culture of the new environment is vastly different from that, which he or she has known. This is however not to say that you can’t ease the process of transition and actually enjoy the time abroad with the right attitude and some useful advice…
Excitement associated with Living Abroad
Coming to another country opens an individual up to different languages, culture, cuisine and general way of life. Nevertheless, one of the most interesting things about visiting a new world is that sometimes you feel nostalgia or realise that you are a stranger here. But all these are actually part and parcel of growth and they learn many things in life such as acceptance, withstand pressure and have a different approach in solving problems all together.
Culture shock
In a layman’s language, culture shock means adapting to another culture. Culture shock combines the physical and mental upset that results from being exposed to a culture that is dramatically different from the one that one is used to. It often comes in stages:
- Honeymoon Phase: It’s all so stimulating and all the stages are different.
- Frustration Phase: Cultural differences in communication, food and even the etiquette becomes overwhelming and unmanageable.
- Adjustment Phase: They say ‘you start understanding and accepting the differences’.
- Acceptance Phase: That new culture becomes a new part of who we are.
Knowledge of these phases is beneficial in order to deal with them more successfully.
Tips for Cultural Adaptation
1. Get an Insight on the Culture of Country Before You Set Foot On it. One should educate oneself on the cultural practices of the host country so that going through this mental preparation is beneficial. It will do you well to read some books, watch documentaries or participate in any online forum to get the feel of what to expect.
2. Be Open-Minded and Curious
You should never mind anything as a you know it thing because you are new to your new environment. Do not always look at things in the country you have left and frown at the differences, rather, look at the differences as opportunities.
3. Learn the Language
It always helps to know at least some basics of the language spoken in the country you travel to. It also makes people feel valued, and it makes life a little less complicated or a little easier for you at least.
4. Build a Support System
Getting exercise, joining groups or clubs of fellow students, locals, or expats will help with feelings of loneliness. It is applicable in that one can affiliate to different clubs or association, participate in social functions or engage in community related activities with a view of meeting friend.
5. Stay Connected to Home
On the other hand social interaction that you are required to have with the new culture may sometimes feel overwhelming; however going back home to make a call to your family and friends would help you a lot.
6. Try Local Cuisine
Food is equally an indispensable aspect to any culture. Boldly take what is presented in the local cuisine even if it looks a little alien. Food is one of the easiest ways to embrace and engage with people and their culture.
7. Honor Tradition and Culture of the Country
Pay attention to how people from that particular culture relate with their peers and superior colleagues. Some everyday courtesies like dressing decently or addressing people politely tell them that you respect their way of life.
8. Manage Homesickness
Homesickness is natural. Fight it with exercise, writing down everything you do in a day, or starting a regimen that makes you busy.
9. Keep up Your Psychological Well being
Cultural adjustment is not easy and interesting. Do activities for the body such as exercising, meditating or if it gets worse, seeing a doctor. Almost all universities provide counseling services to the international students.
10. Explore and Travel
If possible, try not to waste your time, go to other places, festivals, and landmarks. It does not only makes a difference for you but also makes you feel more familiar with the new environment.
Conclusion
Living culturally also mean to learn and to change. Despite the various stumbling sweets, required changes let you take an open-hearted position, build an active perspective and succeed. Just remember that you attending this school will be all that much more special and rewarding because of these adversities. Open yourself up to the experience, and your years abroad will make you better person both personally and professionally.