Cultural Adjustment


Living in a new culture can be exhilarating, rewarding, and stimulating. It can also be frustrating. It is one thing to tour a country, but it is quite another to live and function according to different norms. It is important to be open toward a new culture, to try to discard stereotypes, and to learn as much as possible about the culture before departure. If you educate yourself about the country you will be visiting, you will better understand and appreciate your new surroundings!

Even with preparation it is likely that you will experience "culture shock." Recent studies show that there are distinct stages of culture shock. Some of these stages include: awareness of the host culture and preparation, initial euphoria and excitement, irritability phase during acclimation, gradual adjustment, and adaptation to culture. Upon return to the United States, many students face "reverse culture shock."

There are some things you can do to minimize your cultural adjustment. Keep a sense of humor! Treat yourself to an occasional U.S. indulgence like a favorite food, or purchase a U.S. magazine or newspaper. Avoid other Americans who are overly negative or who complain a lot. Keep healthy. Above all, don't be afraid to try new activities!

If you are interested in learning more about the process of cultural adjustment, please visit:http://sis.pacific.edu/culture/welcome.htm. This wonderful website will take you through and help explain the issues surrounding culture shock. Included in this website are modules that you can complete prior to departure or upon re-entry. There are great resources for returning students on the EAC webpage.

In addition to the difficulties that any student may face abroad as a result of culture shock, there is also an additional amount of difficulty that underrepresented students may experience. In the following resources, you will find information useful in promoting study abroad participation among underrepresented students, addressing some of the issues and challenges ethnicity may play in their study abroad experience, and linking them to additional information, resources, and scholarships


Encountering Intolerance Abroad

Students often wonder how they will be viewed and received in other societies. The range of their concerns encompasses ethnicity, gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, and physical disabilities, as well as reactions abroad to U.S. government policies and widely held stereotypes about Americans.

Encounters with prejudice can be painful for students who feel very strongly that their views are correct and that the prevailing views in the host society are wrong. These conflicts can sometimes be difficult. It is important to give some thought to how you might respond to attitudes and behaviors abroad that may be considered unacceptable in the U.S.

One strategy is to physically move away from the source of the offensive behavior and to discuss it later with other members of the host society whom you may trust, with other Americans, and your Faculty Program Leader. Try to understand the explanations you are given. Societies are, after all, complex, dynamic, and continuously evolving systems.

If you encounter any serious or repeated verbal or physical aggression, please report it to your Faculty Program Leader. He/She can provide counsel and can pursue appropriate action within the cultural context.