Studying abroad
For many students, it is their first time abroad. Thus, for most students they may find settling in, is not an automatic process but that it requires a bit of effort. Students may settle in more easily if they know in advance how they are likely to feel after they arrive. Some researchers describe five stages; others believe it is a six or even seven stage process. Not everyone experiences the exact stages but most travelers will go through the highs and lows, the positive as well as the negative aspects of living in a new culture. The different stages roughly are as follows: - Initially, the student will be excited by the new environment. Students at first elate to be in a new culture.
- Then follows a period in which cultural differences in behavior and values become more obvious. What previously seemed exciting, new and challenging is now merely frustrating. Students may feel isolated and become withdrawn from the different lifestyle they are now experiencing. The students might miss their family, friends, and familiar surroundings. Students may not be able to express themselves as well as the locals can in their native language. Students may experience a loss of self-confidence. Students may wonder, "Why did I come here?"
- In the next stage students may reject there surroundings, perhaps becoming opinionated and negative. Students may feel that everyone is against them and that no one understands them. Students may cling to other students from their home country. However, students are beginning to re-assert themselves.
- A routine (e.g. work, school, social life) has now been established. Students have accepted the habits, customs, food and characteristics of the friends, associates, and the language of the country so now the student’s self-esteem can grow and may even feel a sense of belonging.
The symptoms of culture shock
Just as everyone’s experience of culture shock is unique, the symptoms associated with it vary, too. They can range from physical symptoms - headaches, loss of sleep, loss of appetite and digestive irregularities - to the psychological symptoms – irritability, anger over minor frustrations, confusion about morals and values. Suffering from culture shock often leaves people feeling moody, isolated and insecure. Back to Top Not everyone experiences culture shock
Research has shown that the better traveled and practiced at accepting, absorbing and adapting student are, the more easily student overcome culture shock. If student can confidently speak the language and possess a thorough knowledge of their new home, student can feel settled after a relatively short period. Back to Top Preparing for culture shock
What strategies can students use to minimize, and cope with, culture shock? Research has shown that our expectations affect how we react to a new country. Therefore, thorough pre-departure preparations are necessary. Back to Top Suggestions for dealing with culture shock - Soon after arriving, explore the new environment. Having taken advice on personal safety, walk around and get to know the city.
- Keep in touch with family and friends back home.
- Try to look for logical reasons why things happen. This may help student view Italian culture in a more positive light.
- Try not to dwell on the negative things about the different culture and do not hang around people who do.
- Make an effort to restore communication by making friends during your stay.
- Avoid mixing only with other international students. Make an effort to make friends with locals. It will allow student to adapt more quickly.
- Set small goals. High expectations may be difficult to meet.
- Speak the language.
- Reduce stress by keeping physically fit. Exercise, get enough sleep, eat properly, and do things you enjoy.
- Try to fit into the rhythm of Italian life. Adjust to their time schedule for meals and work.
- Find out where people meet and socialize. Make an effort to go to those places and try socializing and talking with locals.
- Get a sense for the norms of behavior by observing local people; how they greet each other etc.
- Read a local newspaper and find out what the topical issues are. If student are well informed, student can hold conversations with local people without always feeling like the outsider.
- And finally, remember that other students probably go through the same experiences as you do. Even local students have to adjust to living away from home.
Back to Top Learn about destination
We would advise student to learn as much about their destination as possible before starting their journey. This will not only prepare student to get adjusted in a short span of time but will also enable student to deal with culture shock. To learn more visit the website at www.countryreports.org/italy.htm Student’s time abroad can be a truly happy and rewarding experience - all students need to do is plan properly and keep in mind the information student have been given. Back to Top |
