Culture Shift
Photo by Ian Moulton '23
Page last updated by CRT on 15 February 2024
Psychologist Janice Abarbanel uses the term culture shift to describe how people process and integrate new information when traveling or studying on off-campus programs, and the stress that can come with that experience.
What is Culture Shift?
Despite all the wonderful opportunities off-campus programs facilitate it doesn’t mean they come without challenge. For those students studying away or exploring an entirely new culture there will likely be a roller coaster of emotions.
People often refer to this period of adjustment as culture shift (see definition to the left).
Learning to shift cultures successfully means practicing the ability to transition into another culture with healthy expectations and skills to foster resiliency when experiencing change and adaptation.
Signs of Culture Shift
Sometimes this shift can come with periods of stress, insecurity, or even elation.
By being aware of potential stressors unique to shifting cultures, students can be better prepared to support themselves and others while on program.
Noticing signs that you have shifted cultures can help you identify when to employ strategies to help manage this transition.
Common signs that you have shifted cultures (including but not limited to):
Homesickness
Irritability and hostility
Boredom
Withdrawal
Need for excessive amounts of sleep
Compulsive eating or drinking
Stereotyping of host culture
Loss of ability to work effectively
Physical ailments
Effective culture shift strategies:
Practice saying "I don't know"
Consult with mentors and peers
Develop a support network
Stay alert to the signals as signs of change
Eat well, exercise, keep a mood journal
Breathe! Slow down. Walk in the park.
Build in quiet time
Minimize catastrophic thinking by turning “What if’s” into “What else...”
Students who study away, whether in a domestic or international setting, may find themselves adjusting and shifting into the new culture that they are immersed in.
Culture Shift Resources
If you’re experiencing culture shift, know that several resources at Dartmouth can help, including
counselors,
ISOS,
your Faculty Director,
the Guarini Institute,
and more
If you would like to learn more about navigating a new culture and better understand your own cultural values before embarking on your off-campus journey, check out What’s Up with Culture?
Takeaways
Reach out to your support network: this could be peers on your program, program staff, mentors, friends, or family
Be patient with yourself, it can be normal to feel stress when shifting cultures