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.
