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Culture Shock: Fact
or Fiction?
Cultural Adjustments
First and foremost, please know that culture
shock is real and it is normal. You may become very tired four
to eight weeks into a semester-long program – physically,
from trying to understand language, customs and a myriad of unfamiliar
daily tasks, and emotionally, because as hard as you try to reach
out and connect, you realize that you will never really be one
of the locals. Disappointment can set in. Suddenly you may feel
that the food is inadequate, the facilities aren’t clean
enough, people are abrupt, and the bureaucracy is relentless.
These symptoms are signs that you know enough
about the culture to recognize the differences. Now is the time
to use some proven techniques to help yourself through the culture
shock and into the next stage of full participation and enjoyment:
- Acknowledge that culture
shock is normal and that "this too shall pass";
- Write about your concerns in your
journal and sleep on them before you call home or act on your
grievances;
- Talk with other study abroad participants
and staff, and provide support for other students;
- Keep busy and set some concrete goals;
- Resist withdrawing into yourself
or surrounding yourself with other U.S. citizens;
- Avoid being judgmental – look
on the positive side of diversity and difference;
- Take care of yourself with enough
sleep, etc. and revive your sense of humor.
Above all, get involved in activities you
enjoy and don’t succumb to the temptation to withdraw—remember,
you’re a risk taker! Before long, you will find that you’re
enjoying your new life and that there actually are things that
are better abroad (gasp!). Also, don’t take yourself too
seriously. Laughter is the best medicine. In fact, it will be
the most embarrassing moments that will make the best stories
when you return home.
Special Concerns
Students with distinct ethnic backgrounds
and those of distinct sexual orientation are sometimes more concerned
about where they will fit within their new environment. In some
cases your background will provide a challenge, in others it will
not. In many situations, regardless of your gender, ethnicity,
or sexual orientation, you will find you need to adjust to accommodate
your host culture. You can neither expect nor demand that others
adjust to yours. This is true for all students and should be kept
in the back of your mind when dealing with the challenges of study
abroad.
Some Questions
to Ask
The following questions will help those students with special
concerns think about their upcoming experience. The questions
were originally developed for minority and female students. However,
all students should read them and consider the answers.
- What are the minority groups in your
host country? Will you be a minority in that country?
- What are men’s, women’s
and minorities’ roles (social, professional, religious,
etc.) in your host country?
- Do men, women and minorities have
equal opportunities and protection under law? Equal educational
and professional opportunities?
- Do women and minorities serve in
the military?
- Do women work outside the home?
- What type of leadership roles do
women and minorities hold?
- How do men treat local women? How
do they treat American women?
- How does the host country population
view minorities within the country and elsewhere?
- Is there a women’s rights movement
or a civil rights movement?
- Are there special concerns or issues
that women and minorities should be aware of before they study
abroad in this country?
- Where do women and minorities fall
within the social hierarchy?
Questions from: The
Center for Study Abroad, University of Rochester,
1998 Pre-departure Orientation Materials
Ethnic Background
& Study Abroad
Study abroad can have a life-long impact on an individual. As
with anything new, study abroad evokes a change in the way you
see yourself, the world, and most importantly, your place in the
world. Placing yourself in a different context from what is “normal”
is an eye opening and enlightening experience.
If you are a student of color studying abroad,
this may be one of the first times you have thought of yourself,
or have been identified by others, simply as an "American."
As a visitor, you most likely will not be seen by your host culture
as an ethnic minority. Editor and African American traveler Elaine
Lee said after her many travels abroad that “most of us
are not fully aware of the stress involved in being an African
American until it's absent. Then it feels like a weight has been
lifted off your shoulders.” Ms. Lee’s experience could
be true for many people of color and is an important and unique
experience that studying abroad allows.
If you are studying abroad in search of your cultural roots, you
may find that your expectation of acceptance and understanding
from your host culture on the basis of having a shared ethnic
background is not met. For example, if you are a Vietnamese American,
don’t assume that Vietnamese will treat you as “one
of their own.” Likewise, if you are an African-American
studying in Kenya, don’t expect your hosts to see you as
African. Granted, not all people of color will have the same experience
abroad for they are as diverse as the countries they will visit.
However, your ethnicity may play a role in defining the expectations
you have of your study abroad experience and is something to consider
before you leave.
If you are an American of European descent,
studying abroad may also be the first time you are labeled as
an “American”, or the first time you become conscious
of having an identity based upon your nationality. This is a unique
opportunity for white students in the United States to begin to
understand, if even in a small way, the experiences of minority
groups in the U.S. It’s a chance to walk in another’s
shoes, and we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity
as much as possible.
Women’s Issues
Abroad
Unfortunately, thanks to popular films and television shows broadcast
around the globe, the stereotype of American women as sexually
promiscuous has made its way through much of the world. Because
of this misconception, you may unwittingly find yourself the object
of unwanted attention abroad, whether it is through whistles and
stares or more direct propositions. It is important to be aware
that in some countries, behavior that could be defined as sexual
harassment in the U.S. may actually be perceived as a compliment
by both men and women in your host country. This is especially
true in Southern European, Latin American and African countries,
where whistles and comments about a woman's looks as she walks
by can be considered a sign of admiration rather than a demeaning
objectification of women.
If possible, talk to women from the host culture
before leaving the U.S. What are their perspectives of women's
issues and rights? Depending on the culture, some women may feel
more or less comfortable talking about gender issues. Try to respect
the situation they are coming from, but don't feel that you have
to put aside your beliefs and embrace their cultural values.
Also, be aware of the stereotypes held of American women before
you go so you know what to expect and have some understanding
of why you are treated a certain way. There is a wealth of books
and web sites that have information specifically for the woman
traveler. Journeywoman
is an on-line magazine for women who love to travel. It is dedicated
to giving women a space to share their thoughts, experiences,
and advice about world travel. Lonely
Planet also has an excellent web page on resources for the
woman traveler.
Cultural Concerns
For Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Students
While Scandinavian countries are known for their wide acceptance
of homosexuality, the intolerance of gays, lesbians or bisexuals
may be extreme in other locations around the world. Please understand
these cultural views before you leave and consider how you will
address this challenge. In some countries, it may be dangerous
to be “out”. Don’t be afraid to discuss your
concerns with your program sponsor. They can assist you in learning
as much as you can about the resources in your host country that
exist for gays, lesbians and bisexuals.
There are several publications with useful information about international
travel. Planet
Out Travel has a very informative web site that focuses on
international travel for gays, lesbians and bisexuals. The site
includes information on gay-friendly accommodations, restaurants,
bars, events and organizations around the world. They also have
a chat line in case you have a specific question or need advice.
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last updated
November 4, 2005
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