We have all heard about it at some point in our lives, especially if you are someone who has been dreaming of studying abroad since preschool. We hear it from our foreign language teachers, peers who have returned from other countries, and travel blogs founded on seeing you through your overseas adventure into cultural immersion. We have an idea of what culture shock is, but what exactly does that mean, and how will it affect you? For some, especially those who are familiar with the territory they’re traveling, culture shock doesn’t present itself with the same magnitude as it does for others. For the first-time traveler straight off the airplane, however, culture shock is a necessary gauntlet that comes with entering a new territory- both geographically and socially. Since the majority of students will face this phenomenon at some point during their study abroad adventure, let’s take a more in-depth look at what really makes up the shock that comes with exposure to a new culture.
What is it?
Put most simply, culture shock is the visceral feeling that something is a bit off in your surroundings. We become so accustomed to living life where we’ve grown up that we don’t really think about the cultural norms that we practice every day. When dropped into another country with a completely different set of social standards, it is almost unavoidable to feel a little out of place! There is no physical stamp that marks culture shock; rather it is an internal feeling that comes about when you step far awar from your comfort zone. The most important thing to remember is that it happens to the best of us, and it can be an important tool when integrating into another culture!
How does it feel?
As you probably know, culture shock is not the most welcoming feeling. It usually happens during the beginning of your time abroad, so it can be made even more unpleasant when combined with nerves and homesickness. This sensation can feel a bit like paranoia- you may be just walking down the street and get the feeling that the people around you are looking at you strangely, or just too much in general. Keep in mind, though, that you have not done anything wrong! It may be the way you are dressed, the proximity in which you stand to others, or simply the manner in which you carry yourself (think of it this way- it’s usually easy to spot a European in America, even if they haven’t spoken at all!). Just as we are when we see a foreigner at home, people are most likely simply curious about you.
It can also feel a bit isolating, and for good reason. Unless you have visited your destination before, you are essentially a stranger in a place that has been thriving in a certain way since before you arrived. After dealing with culture shock for a while, you may also begin to feel frustrated. Frustrated that everyone seems to be doing things “wrong” in comparison to how they are done at home, or frustrated with yourself for not knowing exactly how to respond to these differences. Just remember- all of these feelings are normal, and it will take some time for the dust to settle.
What does it mean?
Now this one is important. Obviously, it means that you are feeling like a stranger in a new place, but it means more than that. It means that you are observing, and that’s a beautiful thing! Sure, you’re feeling out of place, but you’re also noticing all of the cultural differences going on around you instead of ignoring it and trying to push forward with your previous identity. Culture shock is really a blessing in disguise. Uncomfortable as it may be for some, it is your first opportunity to learn, really learn, about the country you are visiting. Noticing and dealing with this phenomenon means that you are inquisitive, curious, intelligent, and adaptive. It means that you’ve been able to pick up on the subtle differences that you’ve been experiencing, and from there, using them to help you gain a better understanding of where you are.
How do you deal with it?
First of all, do not freak out. This is not a life or death situation, and, as is often the case, with time you will be fine. The most important thing you can do is remain calm, as a quiet mind is a receptive mind. The next step is easy: observe. Take some time out of your day to just sit and watch. Watch couples walk down the street and note how close they stand to one another. Watch lines form and progress outside of a coffee shop and watch how locals go about paying for things. Do they use credit cards? Cash? Exact change? Make yourself comfortable, clear your mind, and observe. After a few days of learning, you can start to put what you’ve learned to use. In almost no time at all, you’ll find yourself an integrated part of the culture that was once so foreign to you!
[accordion_tab title=”Collegiate Correspondent: Lizzy Spock” default]
Lizzy Spock is a current senior at the Pennsylvania State University double majoring in art history and journalism. In the spring of 2015, she spent the best four months of her life studying in Aix-en-Provence, France. She has always had a passion for traveling and examining cultures outside of her own, so the opportunity to live with a family in a foreign country made it easy to experience first-hand the way the locals really live. Not only was she able to make herself at home in a new environment, but also spend her free time traveling around Europe- to over nine different countries! Through this experience, she learned about life, culture, and how our perspectives change as we move throughout the world. She holds these rich experiences with her as she continues to explore the world, and is so excited to share everything she’s learned![/accordion_tab]
