Culture Shock When Studying Abroad and How to Deal with It

Studying abroad entails acclimating to a new culture and learning a new way of doing things. The good news is that culture shock isn't difficult to overcome. We've talked about how to deal with culture shock when studying abroad in this article.

What Is Culture Shock When Studying Abroad?

International students will be exposed to a culture that is considerably different from their own when they arrive in a new country, and they may experience culture shock. When presented with and adapting to new things, culture shock causes confusion, disorientation, and homesickness. It can also cause physical and psychological symptoms such as headaches and nausea, as well as depression and dissatisfaction.

Because studying abroad is such a significant life adjustment and a significant challenge, international students sometimes experience culture shock. It's possible that individuals in your own nation dress, act, communicate, and even teach differently. As a result, culture shock is a common occurrence when studying abroad. It will take some time for you to adjust to your new life.

How to Prevent Culture Shock When Studying Abroad

If you've decided to study abroad, you're probably looking forward to being in a new environment and learning about a different culture. You may, however, experience culture shock. Fortunately, culture shock can be overcome, and there are numerous approaches to dealing with it. Learn how to avoid culture shock when studying abroad by reading the following information.

Research Local Customs and Traditions

When studying abroad, one of the greatest methods to avoid culture shock is to do some preliminary research on the local culture. If you're going to a UK university, for example, learning about the culture before you arrive can be beneficial. This will assist you in figuring out how to engage with locals and blend in. It can also help you overcome culture shock because you'll be prepared to deal with cultural differences.

Travel and Explore Your New Surroundings

When you’re facing culture shock at university, it’s easy to forget all the exciting things about studying abroad. Instead of focusing on homesickness and what you miss, focus on the positive and how much you have to look forward to. Culture shock when studying abroad is normal, but you don’t have to lose yourself in it.

Embrace the adventure and explore your surroundings to know your host country better. Familiarising yourself with the transportation system, the traditions, and your surroundings will make you feel much more comfortable and can be a gamechanger when you’re dealing with culture shock at university.

Make New Friends

Another typical strategy for coping with culture shock when studying abroad is to maximize your experience. You'll meet new folks from all over the world. Make new friends and develop relationships with others. You can locate students from your country who share your sympathies. Simultaneously, you can make friends with people from other cultures and make a point of learning about theirs and sharing your own. Join organisations and clubs to help you adjust to campus culture. This way, you'll connect with others who share your interests and form lifelong friendships.

Keep in Touch With Your Family and Friends Back Home

One of the things that contribute to culture shock is the feeling of missing home. When you move away from your loved ones, you may find it difficult to adjust. If you're worried about experiencing culture shock while in college, one strategy is to stay in touch with folks you care about. Connect with loved ones and keep them informed of your progress by using services like WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom. You can better deal with culture shock if you share your experiences and retain your friendships while you are abroad.

Relieve Stress

It's not just complicated and overwhelming to deal with culture shock when studying abroad. It's also a source of tension. This stress can be alleviated by engaging in stress-relieving activities like exercising or taking up a new interest. Cultural shock can be alleviated by socializing and joining student organizations.

Surround Yourself With Familiar Items

Packing for university is a stressful experience. You don’t want to overpack, but you also want to ensure you won’t miss anything important. When it comes to how to prevent culture shock when studying abroad, mementoes and familiar items can go a long way in comforting you and reminding you of home.

Another way to surround yourself with familiar items is to cook your favourite foods and keep in touch with your roots when studying abroad. One of the best things about studying in the UK is how multicultural the country is. No matter where you’re from, you’re sure to find delicious food from all over the world. Many UK supermarkets also carry ingredients used in foreign cuisines, making it possible for you to cook dishes that remind you of home.

Conclusion

Studying abroad may be a life-changing experience for both the student and the host country. Learning about a new culture and country is only one benefit of studying abroad, but you'll also be able to put your newfound knowledge to use in the future. It's vital to know that you're not the only one experiencing culture shock while studying abroad. There are a lot of people going through the same thing, and it is feasible to overcome cultural shock. To ensure a successful study abroad experience, we've put together this information on how to avoid culture shock.