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. Students who educate themselves
about their new country will better understand and appreciate
their new surroundings!
Even with preparation it is likely that
students 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 intersted 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.
In addition to the sheer 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.
Please report any serious or repeated verbal
or physical aggression problems to your Faculty Program
Leader. He/She will provide counsel and can pursue appropriate
action within the cultural context.
Gender Issues
Women may experience particular difficulties
while abroad. Despite the fact that the rate of violence
towards women, including rape, is higher in the U.S. than
in many other countries, facing the unfamiliar can raise
your anxiety level. Language and cultural differences compound
this. American women have a reputation for enjoying a lifestyle
which contrasts with more traditional behavior in many countries.
This image is reinforced by distorted stereotypes used in
TV, movies and advertising.
Students are their own best resource in
preparing to face a range of possible situations, from sexual
comments or harassment, to the extreme of a physically threatening
situation. Take the time and initiative to learn as much
as possible about your host country's language, religion,
customs, and appropriate dress for women. Knowledge increases
confidence and independence, which are important to personal
safety.
Once abroad, follow examples of culturally
appropriate dress and demeanor. While you cannot change
the culture around you, friends may offer mechanisms for
developing coping skills and venting frustrations.
However, cultural differences should not
be an excuse to endure verbal or physical abuse. Depending
on the situation, students should remove themselves as quickly
as possible and ask for support from others. Trust your
intuition and obey instincts that send warning signals.
Decline offers that trigger anxiety and exit situations
that make you nervous. Do not hesitate to consult your Faculty
Program Leader for help.
Sexual Harassment
"The University of California is committed
to creating and maintaining a community in which all persons
who participate in University programs and activities can
work together in an atmosphere free of all forms of harassment,
exploitation, or intimidation, including sexual. Specifically,
every member of the University community should be aware
that the University is strongly opposed to sexual harassment
and that such behavior is prohibited both by law and by
University policy. It is the intention of the University
to take whatever action may be needed to prevent, correct,
and if necessary, discipline behavior which violates this
policy." -- University of California Systemwide Sexual
Harassment Policy Statement, April 23, 1992.
UC Davis Quarter Abroad is particularly
concerned about students facing sexual harassment abroad.
Harassment can be between two students, between a professor
and a student, or between a home-stay family member and
a student, etc. Knowing how to identify harassment and where
to report an incident can help to maintain a safe, harassment-free
environment.
Harassment issues may be difficult to identify
abroad, where cultural norms are often different than those
in the U.S. A useful rule of thumb is to assume that sexual
harassment consists of any unwanted sexual advances and/or
behaviors of a verbal, visual, written, or physical nature
in living arrangements and educational or work environment.
Trust your judgement and intuition. If
a situation makes you uncomfortable, it needs to be addressed.
Seek help from your Faculty Program Leader immediately.
Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
UC Davis Quarter Abroad is committed to
providing services to students with disabilities who are
eligible for reasonable accommodation under Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act or the Americans with Disabilities
Act. If you are receiving disability-related accommodation(s)
at UC Davis, UCD QA will strive to arrange disability-related
accommodation(s) for you at your study abroad site.
UCD QA cannot guarantee that facilities
and/or support services will be available abroad in the
same range and quality as students may be accustomed to
at a UC campus. It is important for students to remember
that most countries do not share the attitudes on disabilities
that are prevalent in the U.S. In addition, most countries
do not provide the same resources as the U.S. Nonetheless,
UCD QA will be proactive in our efforts.
If a student has been accepted to the program
and may require accommodation(s), they should be sure to
complete the "Reasonable Accommodation Request"sectioin
of the Post-Selection Health Screening Form as soon as possible
and no later than the due date.
Sharing information with UCD QA does not
affect your acceptance to the program. Consult with the
UC Davis Disability Resource Center if you think you might
need accommodation(s), or if you are already receiving accommodation(s).
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