Culture Shock: what is it?
Does everyone experience
culture shock?
culture shock?
It may seem to you that other people cope better than you do. However, this is usually due to one of two reasons:
- First, they might experience culture shock in a different period. Some people have most difficulties in the first couple of weeks, others only start to notice culture shock after a couple of months.
- Second, they might be experiencing culture shock at the same time as you do, but are too shy to talk about it with other people. Fortunately, there is one certainty with culture shock: it does not last forever! You will get used to your new surroundings and learn to appreciate them.
Coping with culture shock
- First and foremost, know that your reactions are normal and that you can talk about them with other people.
- Stay in touch with your family and friends back home, but do not spend all your free time sending emails to them or reading your local newspapers.
- Make friends with other people. Although it will be comforting to have some friends from your home country, try to make friends with people from other countries as well. It will enrich your expatriate experience.
- Get some physical exercise. For many people sports is a good way to stop worrying.
- Find shops and restaurants that sell food you are used to at home.
- Get out of the house and do something.
And, most of all: enjoy yourself! You have the rare privilege of living in foreign country and experiencing another culture - it will certainly be a memorable and valuable time in your life.
Things you can do
- Cultural sensitivity – Educate yourself on customs and on things you may not understand, or be familiar with.
- Reach out – communicate with friends, family etc
- Get involved – on campus events, clubs, social groups
- Be prepared – accept that it is a normal experience and identify your feelings as normal and expected
- Language Course – If you are going to a foreign speaking destination, it is advised to prepare yourselves as best you can with the language barrier
- Be positive – avoid stereotypes and be able to laugh at yourself
- Seek help – Most universities including Swinburne will have counselling available before, during and after your exchange. Also consider Swinburne e-Counselling.
If you find it overwhelming to deal with how you feel both on exchange and when you return – reach out.
Chances are other people are feeling the same way you do; so if you are feeling down or like you need to talk, use the support network of your international friends, and others around you.
Coming Home
- Be prepared to come home, anticipate the feeling and avoid shocking yourself by not mentally preparing (and packing!)
- Remember: your destination and friends you made overseas do not magically cease when you return home. It’s important to keep in touch and utilise them as a support network when you return home.
Tips from other students
- Keep a contact list of friends you’ve made. Ask your friends to sign a journal and leave their details.
- Write a blog, it’s often good to express your feelings and then recall your progress at the end.
- Consider travelling after to ease yourself back to Australia
- Ask a returned home student on challenges during their internships and how to deal with issues that you might not have thought of
- Consult Swinburne Abroad to see if students are presently at your intended destination
Formality between co-workers and managers
Australia tends to have a flat hierarchy where it’s natural to address most academics by their first name, as opposed to their formal titles (e.g. Professor Johnston, Doctor Jones).
Most third party providers will go through expected formalities in their Orientation program with you. It is important to ask if you are unsure.
Make sure to put in the effort to communicate with your co-workers and manager to avoid confusion.
Most third party providers will go through expected formalities in their Orientation program with you. It is important to ask if you are unsure.
Make sure to put in the effort to communicate with your co-workers and manager to avoid confusion.
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