Cultural Transition Resources

Intercultural Understanding and Adjustment

Studying away can bring significant adjustments as students respond and acclimate to new environments, cultures, people, and forms of communication in a country different than their own. Upon acceptance, APU Study Away participants are provided access to a Canvas site where preparation resources and forms for their program are available. Materials include but are not limited to: Study away academics (registration information), health and safety, forms and assignments, resources (safety, communication, participant expectations, wellness, passport/visa information processing, packing, flight itinerary, lodging reservations, cultural awareness and preparation, post-program resources, etc.).

Continue to explore all online resources.

We also recommend students to engage in the Global Scholars Program that has helpful online resources to understand cultural adjustment, intercultural communication, and other topics relevant to studying and living across cultures.

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) - studyabroad.state.gov 

Cultural Transition Resources

Transitioning into another environment can be both exciting and stressful. Developing coping strategies in advance of this transition is an important way to manage the unknown situations you could encounter during your Study Away program. Read and reflect on the following resources. Share your conclusions with a family member, friend, or a representative from the Center for Career and Community Engaged Learning/Study Away Office.

- The Six Stages of Cultural Transition
- APU University Counseling Center Groups and Workshops
- Managing Mental Health While Abroad
- Learn about the Cultural Transitions Reflection Activity below.

Reflection Activity

1. Describe skills you already have that might make it easier to settle into your program.
2. Reflect on an experience where everything was new, and how you figured out/had help with ways to get comfortable.
  - What was the challenge?
  - How did you approach the situation?
  - What worked?
  - Who helped you?
  - What was especially hard?
  - What did you learn?
3. Describe a time you asked for help. Whom did you approach? What happened?
4. Describe an experience when you relied on others. What was it like?
5. How do you know when you feel overloaded or stressed? What strategies work for you to facilitate shifting into a calmer place?
6. Describe what in your daily routine helps you get things done and stay focused. What would help you maintain your best self while away - what is essential to your routine?
7. Describe a time when others disagreed with you. How did you respond?
8. Who and what will be particularly hard to leave? How will you prepare?
9. What skills do you have/know about in yourself that help when you feel confused, when others seem hurtful, or when you want to be alone?
10. Describe ways that you take care of yourself when you run out of energy.
  - What ideas do you have that can expand your list?
  - What do you know about your program/site that could support self-care?
11. What do you imagine it will be like without access to social media for a day, a week? How would you use your energy or time?
12. If you are seeing a mental health professional/counselor prior to departure, what plans do you have for continuing this support? Have you asked about available counseling resources away?

Excerpt from: Abarbanel, J. (2015) ‘For Study abroad Professionals, Supporting Resilience in Transition. A Guide for Conversations with Students about Emotional Health. Available online at:http://www.slideshare.net/cieeorg/reinventing-wellness-a-guide-for-conversations-with-students-aboutemotional-health