The move to a foreign country is frightening, uncomfortable and exciting all at the same time. Karan Teckchandani talks about the expected culture clash while embarking on this new journey
Your bags are packed and you’ve bid goodbye to your friends and family. Now all that’s left to do is get on that plane. But have you prepared well for this new country, its people, and most importantly, its culture? You might want to re-check on that; it’s a detail most students tend to overlook. A culture prep before you step foot into a foreign country will make your initial days away from home easier, fun and more exciting.
WHAT IS CULTURE SHOCK?
Culture shock can be defined as the sense of panic and uneasiness faced by an individual when put into a new environment, out of his comfort zone. Everything ranging from the clothes people wear, the food they eat to their attitude is different in comparison to what an individual has been accustomed to in his own city or country.
STAGES OF CULTURE SHOCK
The honeymoon stage
“Everything is so exciting here! I could never get enough of this place. The people, the food, the weather – everything is so great! I’m so glad that I took the decision to come here.”
The frustration stage
“Why is everything so different? Can’t people understand that they’re supposed to eat rice with a spoon and not a fork? Why aren’t there any songs in movies? Why is it so cold? Why did I ever decide to come here?”
The adjustment stage
“It’s not so bad out here. There are similarities between here and my home country. In fact, some things are an improvement. The people are helpful and the food is great! I can definitely see myself being happy in the years to come.”
The acceptance stage
“Instead of being a person desperately clinging to one culture, I’ve become an individual with two. There are similarities between the two and more importantly, the differences are what give me a better perspective on life.”
DEALING WITH CULTURE SHOCK
Read, read and read more
Try to read up everything you can on the country you’re going to be spending the next few years of your life. The country’s history will give you a better perspective of its present.
New home, new upgrades
Note down things that you don’t like about your own country. When you feel overwhelmed, just have a look at them and you’ll see that your new home comes with certain upgrades.
Use social media
Before leaving, connect with people from that country through Facebook or other social media. It will give you an idea of what it’s going to be like once you are there. Be prepared so that you’re not caught completely off guard.
Club it up
You aren’t alone. Most universities have ethnic clubs. Try to meet and interact with students from your country. They’re journeying in the same boat as you. Tanmay Ingle, an incoming graduate student at Northeastern University this fall says, “I leave for my graduate degree this September. I have already contacted Indians travelling to my university and also taken up an appointment with my university’s counsellor to help me cope with possible culture shock.”
Can you help me?
Most universities have a counsellor’s office that helps students cope with various issues. Approaching them and seeking professional help will help you cope faster and in a better fashion.
Open your mind, broaden your horizons
There is nothing that will help you cope with culture shock faster than keeping an open mind. Accept that you are in a different country and people are bound to do some things differently. It will make the adjustment process so much easier.
Be inquisitive
Ask the friends you make about their customs and culture. Talk. You two might just have similar upbringings and cultures. It’s easier to adjust when you know you are not the only one in the midst of a culture upheaval.
Keep busier than a bee
Take up a hobby or join a club to keep busy. You’ll find people with similar interests who will help you feel comfortable. Tarun Pramod, a student at New York University’s Stern School of Business says, “I went to an international high school, so I felt prepared and didn’t anticipate a culture shock. But when I got to New York, I was hit in the face with reality. Everything was different out there. It took me some time getting used to it. Joining student organisations to keep my mind off home helped.”
Do not forget to think twice
Culture shock will not help your brain make sound decisions. Think twice before you take a rash step; lest you regret it later.
CULTURE SHOCKERS
“Everyone’s always drinking”
You don’t have to do the same to fit it. Remember to stay put to your values and do as would if you were still at home.
“The teachers are so chill” Yes, and that is a good thing. It’s possible to have a two-way conversation with them. You have opinions and you can voice them openly.
“The food here is so different” The food in a foreign country will often only add to your culture shock. Make sure you leave well-equipped – masalas, pickles and snacks in tow.
“I can barely understand the language and accent” Instead of a ‘what’ tirade, introduce yourself, tell them you just moved there and are finding it hard to understand conversation.
Volume 4 Issue 2
