Studying abroad presents students with numerous great opportunities but also challenges. These challenges can include adjustment, adaptation, or acculturation in the host country. The causes of these challenges are imperative to understanding how to approach them as a student who is studying abroad in a new country.
Culture Shock
Numerous students have visited other countries for leisure before studying abroad, which would, in theory, mean that culture shock would have a lesser effect on them. However, a high proportion of international students still suffer culture shock during extended stays in a new country. Participating in education or working experiences for a prolonged period of time often produces acculturation stress when an international student attempts to fully engage with the culture. This has a variety of causes that range from intrapersonal to interpersonal factors.
Causes
Intrapersonal factors
In the first phase of assimilation, known as the honeymoon phase, the international student might be excited to immerse themselves in a new environment since they see it as an adventure. However, they realize relatively quickly that their way of life has significantly changed, requiring adjustment. This new independence could be overwhelming and difficult to overcome without the right resources, including a profound sense of loss of connection, a sense of inferiority, and uncertainty about the security of the future.
Interpersonal factors
Cross-cultural communication
One of the most noticeable variables in predicting which international students are at high risk for homesickness is language proficiency. A lack of proficiency in the host language restricts the interaction of international students both within and beyond the classroom walls. Moreover, even if the student has an excellent grasp of the language spoken in the host country, they would still be enduring a new experience altogether when interacting with the locals in real life. This is because in addition to language mechanics, the student must become familiar with conversational and social norms. This would be different from what is likely expected.
Academic Difficulties
Each country has a different education system in a variety of facets, such as structure, scoring patterns, teaching methodologies, and academic conventions. Hence, the student has to both become familiar with academic content, while at the same time familiarizing themselves with the education system itself, causing an overload of information.
Cultural identity and racism
The national and ethnic roles of international students are typically salient in their interactions with host nationals. In some sense, international students are frequently considered to have the role of ambassadors or representatives of their nations by well-meaning people interested in national habits and customs. In other cases, international students are seen in the same light by prejudiced people who question their belonging.
Methods
Conduct research
Spending time on research before setting foot in an unfamiliar culture is essential. Social media is a useful resource for learning about the host country’s lifestyle. This can be accomplished by listening to influencers from that country, paying attention to how different topics are spoken about, and noting the phrases, terms, slangs, and interaction norms they use.
Be social
International students who have more extended interactions with host members, and those who are more comfortable in these relationships, experience fewer sociocultural adaptation issues. Hence, stepping out of one’s comfort zone and increasing intercultural communication with local students can be extremely beneficial.
Stay connected
Do not hesitate to approach advisors, experts, or international student communities if you suffer from poor physical and mental health. Most universities have well-trained facilitators to support students facing these difficulties.
Have patience
Sometimes there will be some bad days, but that doesn’t mean that the choice to study abroad was a mistake. It is simply a sign to take a step back, tap into the resources that are available, and let yourself take a break from adjustment. Taking these steps provides the space to understand that these challenges aren’t unique to you, and that they can be overcome.
Although facing culture shock is not easy, it might be the first step in a long and positive progress of awareness and belief via strengthening individuals’ attachment to their cultural heritage. In addition, it can also provide the conditions for harmonious assimilation into new cultures through phases of crisis, recovery, and adjustment.
By Vivian Nguyen
Former undergraduate student at RMIT