Culture Shock

Coping with Culture Shock - Resources - Reverse Culture Shock

At some point in time after your arrival in the US, you may begin to feel a mild form of culture shock as things settle down and you adapt to your new environment. Though the US and UK share a common language, the subtle and not-so-subtle differences in language and culture of these two countries can cause students to feel a sense of dislocation or unease, which often results in feelings of homesickness or a heightened sensitivity to minor bumps in the road that would normally not bother you.

Coping with Culture Shock

The key to dealing with culture shock is to remember that this is a natural process that accompanies being in a new country. For most students the heightened emotionality they feel fades as they become more accustomed to being in the US. The most important thing is to give yourself time to adjust to your new surroundings, remain positive and not become discouraged.

On-campus Resources

If you find that you need help in dealing with your homesickness, there are a number of resources on campus to help out. Engage in activities that you will enjoy which may distract you from homesickness. It is also a good idea to talk with your RA (Resident Advisor) or international student advisor. If at any point you are concerned that your feelings of homesickness are not subsiding or are symptomatic of a more serious mental health issue, immediately visit the campus health clinic or counselling centre. Students with a history of mental health issues may wish to disclose this to their international students office or study abroad office, who can advise on specific resources available to them on campus.

Getting involved with the international students office can help you make friends, visit local tourist attractions and plan day trips to nearby places of interest to help you get to know the local area. Sharing your pictures and experiences with friends and family back home will help ease your homesickness. Emailing your family and friends will help maintain a connection, along with social networking sites Facebook and Twitter or Skype.

Reverse Culture Shock

Also, be aware that you may experience “reverse culture shock” upon your return to the UK. You will most likely experience the same feelings you had during your first few weeks abroad as you realize that both you and your home country have changed while you were away. Eventually of course you will begin to integrate your overseas experiences into your home life and realize the impact of the experience abroad and the importance of being home. If you are concerned about reverse culture shock, here are some tips while you are abroad to ease re-entry anxiety:

Keep a diary, journal or scrapbook. You might feel that your experiences abroad are so incredible that you could never forget them, but you may. Put them down on paper while they are fresh in your mind and it will be a priceless treasure to have years down the road.
Stay informed of the news at home. By staying in touch with the goings-on in your home country, you will find it much easier to re-integrate yourself into life once you return.
Write lots of emails/letters home. This way people at home will be able to relate better to your experiences abroad. Your friends/family will have a better idea of what is going on in your life and to some degree share in your experiences, so you will not feel such a sense of isolation or loss when you are back in your home country.
Seek out other students at your university who have studied abroad. When you return to the UK, you will want to share your experiences and tell stories of your time abroad to everyone. Finding other people who can relate to that will be a great comfort.