Ways to Deal With Cultural Shock While Studying Abroad

 

Studying abroad is a dream of many students today due to the high-quality education and global opportunities that come with it. If you are preparing to study abroad, you must be well prepared to deal with cultural shocks during the initial duration of studying abroad. When you go abroad, there are a lot of things that will come to mind, such as ‘what if I find difficulty communicating with locals’? ‘will I be able to adapt to the new culture’? “How ‘do I deal with cultural shock’?

 

The impact of cultural shock

Cultural shock is common among international students. Experiencing cultural shock due to a loss of familiar surroundings and different norms that are encountered every day. As disorientation, anxiety, and confusion overtake new students on the initial days, they tend to behave differently. With familiarity with the surroundings and positive thinking, one can overcome cultural shock.

 

Ways to deal with cultural shock

1.  Prepare yourself: When you go abroad for studies, adjusting in a new environment would be difficult to adjust to a whole new environment. This makes it important to gain prior knowledge about the country you are about to study in. Make sure to keep yourself updated with the necessary information about the country chosen.

2.  Relieve stress: Moving abroad comes with a whole new experience that will be remembered for the rest of your life. The initial stages come with homesickness. At this stage, look for distracting yourself by learning new things and making new friends. In addition to this, familiarise yourself with the destination, including cultural norms, academic expectations, and daily life. Keep in touch with family and friends through video calls, messages, and other social media platforms. Use planners or digital apps to manage finances, schedule assignments, and take note of deals. Give yourself time to adjust to a new environment and be patient with yourself.

 

3.  Stay positive during the stay. It could be easy for you to fixate on the things that are "missing," such as comfort foods and regional traditions. Comparing situations won't help you adjust, though, if you're experiencing culture shock overseas. Consider the positive aspects of your surroundings instead. Recall that your desire to study abroad was fuelled by your desire to explore and acquire new knowledge. Jot down enjoyable or fascinating findings, then add to your list as the year goes on. Maintain a cheerful outlook on everything at all times. Consider the positive aspects rather than pointing out the flaws. Obtain a daily dose of encouragement by starting to listen to inspirational podcasts.

 

4.  Make new friends: Create a positive bond with other international students when they share the same host country. They would help you adjust to a whole new environment. It is advised to take the first step by initiating a conversation. Make new friends by mingling with local people and people from other countries. This would distract you and help you deal with cultural shock.

 

5.  Understand the academic expectations: You are learning how to navigate a new academic system in addition to studying to a new nation. Ask your friends, advisors, and instructors about expectations at your university. This will calm your anxieties and enable you to approach your classes with confidence. To have a good experience, students should be aware of the academic expectations that come with studying abroad, particularly in a demanding discipline like medicine. Adjust to various instructional strategies and classroom settings. A combination of case studies, lectures, seminars, and problem-based learning may be used. Use the resources offered by libraries, writing centres, and tutoring services, as well as other academic assistance services.

 

6.  Be more open-minded: Studying abroad is a transformative journey offering many benefits and opportunities for personal and academic growth. Living in a different country allows one to experience new customs, traditions, and lifestyles first-hand, which can broaden cultural understanding and appreciation. Being away from familiar surroundings and support systems helps develop self-reliance and independence. Participating in local events, joining clubs, and interacting with locals will help in developing new perspectives and being more open-minded.

 

 

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like Study in UK, Study in USA, Study in Canada, Study in Australia, Study in New-Zealand, Study in Singapore, Study in Ireland and many other countries.