The demand for international education is rapidly increasing in India. According to data submitted to parliament, more than 700,000 students went abroad for their overseas education last year in 2022, a steep increase of 68% from the previous year from that which was 2021. 

And why not?

After all, studying abroad comes with better employment and career growth for Indian students. 

While students are occupied with arranging various formalities such as admissions, finances, documentation, accommodation, and visa requirements, they often overlook the potential culture shock experience.

And not to forget that studying abroad offers numerous advantages, it also entails its own set of challenges. 

You might find yourself surprised by the street vendors selling fresh produce on every street corner, delighted by the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals, or confused by social customs and behaviours that differ from what you are accustomed to. This situation is known as Culture shock. 

What is culture shock?

Imagine stepping into a whole new world where everything feels unfamiliar and different. That’s what culture shock is all about. That disorienting sensation hits you when you find yourself in a completely new culture or environment. 

The rules and regulations of your host country may be unfamiliar, and you might find yourself scratching your head at the attitudes and behaviours of the locals. Social cues, behaviours, and accents might seem like a puzzle initially, leaving you perplexed. 

What was once considered completely normal in your culture might be considered taboo here, and vice versa.

For international students, it’s a common experience that can profoundly impact their academic and personal journey abroad. 

But here’s the thing: recognising and managing culture shock is the key to thriving in this new setting. Believe it or not, culture shock can be a helpful tool for adapting to your new surroundings. 

So, it’s essential to be aware of this phenomenon and prepare for the exciting but challenging adventure of studying abroad.

What are the signs that indicate you are experiencing culture shock?

Severe symptoms of culture shock may include:

• Emotional upheavals
• Difficulty concentrating or working
• Experiencing panic attacks.
• Feeling low
• Longing for your family back home
• Struggling to adapt or blend in with your new surroundings.
• Having difficulty in Cross-cultural communication.

Different Stages of Culture Shock

Fortunately, culture shock is temporary and follows a pattern recognised by psychologists as consisting of four phases: honeymoon, frustration, adjustment, and acceptance.

Phase I: The honeymoon period

The initial stage of culture shock is characterised by a strong sense of positivity, where everything new is exciting and intriguing. During this phase, individuals often find similarities between their home and host countries and accept the differences as part of their study abroad experience. They enjoy exploring and discovering new things and meeting new people.

Phase II: Frustration Stage

After the initial excitement phase fades, reality sets in, and the stark differences become more apparent. Things that were once fun, special, or interesting may now irritate you. You start questioning everything, desiring to change the way things are, and growing increasingly hostile towards your host country and its culture. 

Frustration becomes easily triggered, even by minor incidents. Even your roommate’s habits might push your buttons, or taking a wrong turn due to confusing traffic signs can lead to frustration.

Phase III: Stage of Adjustments

The timing of this stage varies among individuals, but it is a stage that everyone eventually experiences. Once you surpass the second phase, the third phase brings a sense of relief. 

You gradually adapt to new ways of living and begin to comprehend and embrace your host country’s language, food, and culture. In the process, you also develop your identity within this unfamiliar world.

Phase IV: The Acceptance Stages

In many instances, international students reach the acceptance stage after their first visit back to their home country during the summer break. Once you have adapted to the host country, you start seeing yourself as a part of the new ecosystem. 

The new culture becomes ingrained in your identity. As a result, when you return to your home country for the holidays, you might feel a sense of disconnection or loss. You may even find yourself missing college life and appreciating the things you once took for granted. 

This experience can lead to a bicultural mindset, where you learn to balance and navigate both cultural worlds.

Factors that contribute to culture shock include:

Multiple factors contribute to culture shock, including cross-cultural communication, cultural adaptation, etc.

1. Differences in lifestyle

Relocating to a different country often entails a significant shift in lifestyle, which can be overwhelming. Adapting to a new daily routine and assuming responsibilities for everyday tasks such as cooking, laundry, and grocery shopping can present challenges and may feel intimidating.

2. Differences in academics

Every country has a different education system, encompassing varied teaching methodologies, grading systems, project requirements, deadlines, and scholarship options. Understanding and adjusting to these academic disparities requires time and effort.

3. Cultural Norms and societal expectations

Each society has its own set of implicit rules that dictate daily interactions, and these norms can vary significantly from what you are accustomed to. 

Understanding and adapting to these cultural norms is essential for navigating social interactions in a new country.

For example, in Canada, it is customary to express gratitude or apologize frequently, whereas in Australia, it is common for strangers to refer to each other as ‘mates.’

4. Feeling homesick

Experiencing homesickness and longing for the comforts of home, including familiar food, is a natural part of studying abroad. 

However, seeking out local shops or restaurants that offer familiar cuisine, acquiring cooking skills, and maintaining regular communication with loved ones back home can help mitigate these feelings and provide comfort and connection.

5. Language barrier

Even if you are proficient in the language spoken in your study destination, navigating conversations with locals and familiarizing yourself with new slang can be challenging. It requires time and practice to become accustomed to the subtleties of everyday language and effectively communicate in a new cultural context.

6. Climate variances

Adjusting to unfamiliar weather conditions, especially in extreme climates, can pose challenges. 

Embracing appropriate clothing, developing coping strategies, and seeking out activities that complement the climate can assist in adapting to new weather conditions.

Tips to Cope Up with Cultural Shock

Here are some helpful tips for coping with culture shock:

• Recognise that culture shock is a common experience and that you are not alone in facing the challenges of adjusting to a new culture. It’s essential to be honest about your feelings and not suppress any confusion, irritation, or discomfort. Remember that developing cultural fluency takes time and is a gradual process.

• Maximise your knowledge about the host country by conversing with students, alumni, or residents who have firsthand experience in that location. Their insights can help you better understand the customs, traditions, and way of life in your host country.

• Discover healthy distractions to give yourself some personal time. Take a break and enjoy a movie on platforms like Netflix or at a local theatre. Explore cooking a meal from your home country or host a cultural exchange party with friends. You might be amazed by how many people can relate to and have experienced culture shock.

• Challenge yourself to connect with local friends and seek their cultural insights. Engage in conversations with those who deeply understand the local customs and traditions.

• Engage in cultural festivals, community work, and social exchanges within your new college, as they provide an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of different countries. 

• Make a sincere effort to learn the local language, which can greatly enhance your understanding of the culture. By learning the language, you will be able to delve deeper into the customs and traditions of the host country. 

• Cultivate a mindset of acceptance towards cultural differences. Recognise that your previous beliefs may have been influenced by a more rigid perspective from your home country. Embrace the opportunity to expand your awareness by being open to and absorbing other cultural beliefs. 

• Feel free to seek support when needed. Although you may feel capable of handling the challenges independently, reaching out to a trusted friend who can offer guidance and support is beneficial. 

Final Verdict

Embarking on an overseas journey is an amalgamation of challenges, cultural immersion, and emotional ups and downs, all intertwined together.

Living abroad is not solely about indulging in weekend getaways and late-night parties. It encompasses many experiences, including challenges, cultural immersion, and emotional highs and lows, all intertwined. 

Nevertheless, despite the inevitable ups and downs, the journey is worthwhile. We assure you that once you return home, the frustrations and irritations will fade away, leaving you with cherished memories and lasting friendships.

Frequently Asked Questions