COUNSELING AND MENTAL HEALTH

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The following text is adapted from "Facing Culture Shock" (2018), UK Council for International Student Affairs.

Culture shock is very common among international students and scholars arriving in France. You will notice differences between the way things are done in France and what you are used to in the US. These include teaching and learning styles, codes of conduct and conversation, and of course the French language. This can be frustrating and disorienting at first, as even something simple like buying a metro pass needs figuring out. 

You will soon learn the new "rules" to get by, but it may be reassuring to know that it's perfectly normal to find it hard at first. As suggested by the Fulbright alumni quoted above, make sure that you are reaching out to fellow Fulbrighters and your social circles for support. If you have needed professional mental health services in the past, make a plan before leaving to continue your care once in France (see the information at the top of this page on counseling). The experience of culture shock -- especially being away from familiar people, places, and resources -- may exacerbate prior mental health issues.

What causes culture shock?

"Culture shock" describes the impact of moving from a familiar culture to one which is unfamiliar. It includes the shock of a new environment, meeting lots of new people, learning the ways of a different country, and having to interact in a new language. It also includes the shock of being separated from the important people in your life, maybe family, friends, colleagues, professors: people you would normally talk to at times of uncertainty, people who give you support and guidance. If you are tired and jet-lagged when you arrive small things can be upsetting and out of all proportion to their real significance.

The following are some of the elements that contribute to culture shock:

Climate

You may be used to a warmer climate, or you may just find the grayness during the winter months challenging.

Food

You may miss food items and dishes from back home. 

Language

Constantly listening, speaking, reading, and writing in a foreign language is tiring. You may miss the ease of interacting in English, even if you are a fluent French speaker. 

"Rules" of behavior

Every culture has unspoken rules which affect the way people treat each other. These may be less obvious but sooner or later you will probably encounter them and the effect may be disorienting. 

For example, it is considered to be impolite not to greet salespeople or shopkeepers with "Bonjour Monsieur/Madame" before asking a question or requesting a service. You may be reprimanded by your interlocuter for not doing so. 

Values

Cultures are built on deeply-embedded sets of values, norms, assumptions and beliefs. It can be surprising and sometimes distressing to find that people do not share some of your most deeply held ideas, as most of us take our core values and beliefs for granted and assume they are universally held.

As far as possible, try to suspend judgment until you understand how parts of French culture fit together into a coherent whole. Try to see what people say or do in the context of their own culture's norms.

This will help you to understand how other people see your behavior, as well as how to understand theirs. When you understand both cultures, you will probably find some aspects of each that you like and others that you don't. 

For example, in France, an important value is "laïcité" (secularism). Coming from the US, where religion is so much a part of everyday discourse and identity, it may be challenging to adapt to a society that considers religion to be a private matter.

Having to start over

It can be disorienting have to start from scratch. Back in the US, you have a bank account, know where to find healthcare or shop for groceries... In France, you have to start all over again all at once...and in a foreign language to boot. It can be draining, confusing, and frustrating, especially when you have work or homework to get on with at the same time.

A model of culture shock

The process of culture shock can be illustrated by a model known as the "W" curve. This may not relate entirely to your experience, but it can be useful to see an example of the different stages fellow Fulbrighters mat be experiencing.

1. Honeymoon

When you first arrive in a new culture, differences are intriguing and you may feel excited, stimulated and curious. At this stage you are still protected by the close memory of your home culture.

2. Distress

A little later, differences in the culture may make you feel confused, isolated or inadequate as cultural differences intrude and familiar supports (such as friends or family) are not immediately available.

3. Reintegration

Next you may reject the differences you encounter. You may feel angry or frustrated, or hostile to the new culture. At this stage you may be conscious mainly of how much you dislike it compared to home. Don't worry, as this is quite a health reaction. You are reconnecting with what you value about yourself and your own culture.

4. Autonomy

Differences and similarities are accepted. You may feel relaxed and more confident as you become more familiar with situations and feel able to cope with new situations based on your growing experience.

5. Independence

Differences and similarities are valued and important. You may feel full of potential and able to trust yourself in all kinds of situations. Most situations become enjoyable and you are able to make choices according to your preferences and values.