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Relevant to exchange students, the idea of culture shift helps to explain the period of adjustment to a new place and culture
Psychologist Janice Abarbanel uses the term culture shift to describe how people process and integrate new information when on study away programs, and the stress that can come with that experience.
Psychologist Janice Abarbanel uses the term culture shift to describe how people process and integrate new information when on study away programs, and the stress that can come with that experience.
What is Culture Shift?
What is Culture Shift?
Despite all the wonderful opportunities studying away facilitates it doesn’t mean these experiences 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.
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
Signs of Culture Shift
Sometimes this shift between cultures 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:
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
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.
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.
Effective culture shift strategies:
Practice saying "I don't know"
Consult with mentors, peers, friends
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 ifs” into “What else...”
Takeaways
Takeaways
Reach out to your support network.
Who do you talk to when you are stressed at home?
This could be peers on your program, mentors, friends, or family.
Practice self-care.
How do you make yourself feel better when you're having a bad day?
Eat well, get some rest, go for a walk, journal.
Be patient with yourself.
You've gone through challenges before. How did you get through?
It is normal to feel stress when shifting cultures!
If you’re experiencing culture shift, know that in addition to you working to manage this independently, several resources at Dartmouth can help including counselors, Undergraduate Deans, and Guarini staff.
If you would like to learn more about navigating a new culture and better understand your own cultural values, check out What’s Up with Culture?
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