You′ve Arrived at Your Program Site!
You are probably attempting to recover from jet-lag while adjusting to your new environment. This part of the study abroad experience can be very challenging and the disorientation, fatigue, and stronger-than-normal emotions may take you by surprise. Remember to give yourself the time and attention you need in order to make a successful transition between studying at Rhodes and studying in your new setting.
Coping with Culture Shock
Experiencing a period of adjustment to a new place and culture is normal. Do not react passively. Try to keep busy taking advantage of the cultural and historic resources around you. Make plans to go somewhere (e.g. local café, or market, a museum, the theater). Set goals for yourself: explore a new part of the city each week, learn ten new foreign phrases a day. Remember that your feelings of confusion will not last forever. While it may be somewhat painful, culture shock can be a very valuable learning experience that will leave you with broader perspectives, deeper insight into yourself, and a wider tolerance for other people.
Cultural Differences
Americans share certain living habits. When living at home, you take for granted that everyone follows similar cultural norms; but when you go abroad, the local cultural norms may be unfamiliar. Encountering cultural differences is part of the excitement of going abroad, but it also poses a challenge. Upon arrival in a foreign country, you may experience an immediate sense of euphoria as everything that is new seems intriguing and exciting. Inevitably, however, the newness wears off. You may feel frustrated or isolated; what was once an inviting cultural difference may become annoying. Gradually, though, you will adjust to the foreign culture and become comfortable living in it. As your familiarity with the local language and customs increases, you may become so comfortable in your new environment that upon returning to the U.S. you experience "reverse culture shock." There are peaks and valleys in the process of cultural adjustment. Just when you are feeling positive about your adjustment to the new culture, you may suddenly feel uncomfortable again and vice versa. Ultimately, you will adjust.
When the idiosyncrasies of a culture begin to frustrate you, you may notice that at the same time you are wrestling with a bout of homesickness. You may blame these problems on the cultural differences to which you are adapting. However, more than likely the root of your problem is something other than adapting to cultural particularities. You may be lonely, missing family gatherings at home, or having unusual academic difficulties in your new setting. It is important to discover the source of your troubles and not succumb to the temptation to blame the new culture you are experiencing.