The Iglu Guide | Blog
5 ways to deal with culture shock as an international student
Culture shock is something that can affect any international student studying in Australia. It is usually defined by a series of unsettled feelings and disorientation that are prompted by the change that comes from moving to a new country. It can be caused by many things such as difficulties with the language, cultural differences, a perceived lack of support or simply from a mismatch of expectations. It can make you feel angry, disappointed and homesick. It might even make you disengage, or stop wanting to integrate, with your health and emotional wellbeing possibly suffering as a result. Culture shock generally happens in four distinct stages:
- Honeymoon – everything is exciting and new at the start
- Disillusionment – the novelty has started to wear off and irritants set in
- Adjustment – acceptance and increased positivity
- Integration – your new life becomes your normality
All international students experience culture shock differently, and it can come and go over the time you are away. Here’s how to help when you notice the signs.
1. Do your research
As with all new situations, it’s always much better to go in prepared. When you make the decision to join the thousands of other international students choosing to study in Australia, take some time to discover what life is really going to be like. What are the local customs? What are the traditional types of food? How will you cope with the language change, if there is one? What will the weather be like, and will it suit your lifestyle? Think about your student accommodation choices, and whether you would prefer to meet other international students having a similar experience, or whether you want to integrate with local life as quickly as possible. It’s likely to be the trivial, everyday normalities that get to you – simply because you haven’t had the benefit of a gradual adjustment. Knowing what lies ahead keeps you well prepared for international student living, and it’s never too late to do your research.
2. Go to uni orientations
O-Week is often talked about as the most important event that you could attend in your first year at university. For international students especially, it gives you the chance to get properly acquainted with campus, see what opportunities are available, ask the tricky questions and best of all – meet tonnes of other students and load up on freebies. You can jump on tours, check out the student clubs, go to campus events and make sure you have everything you need to hit the ground running when your course starts. Studying in Australia might be quite different to what you are used to, so anything extra that helps you understand your new environment and how it all works is definitely worth your time – and will reduce any shock factor down the track.
3. Surround yourself with familiar things
When you’re in a new country as an international student, it’s completely normal to feel a little insecure, upset or overwhelmed. It definitely takes some time to settle into life as a student in Australia. If you start to notice you’re feeling disillusioned and irritated, or simply just missing home, it’s good to have some comforting reminders around you that will keep you connected to your homeland. It might be some photos or pictures, a keepsake, an item of clothing – or simply cooking up your favourite dish. Sharing your feelings with others is a good way to embrace the positives of both places, because talking about what you love and miss from home does not have to be a criticism of your new surroundings. Don’t forget to keep in contact with family and friends back home as this can provide crucial emotional support. All Iglu student accommodation buildings have Resident Leaders on hand that students can access at any time.
4. Get involved
One of the best tried and tested ways to overcome culture shock is to get involved and actively embrace the new culture. This can be achieved in many ways such as through sport, volunteering, events and festivals. The more you interact with the local community, the more familiar it will all become and the more settled you will feel. Culture shock is ultimately about unfamiliarity, and by joining college clubs and attending uni events it will all start to feel part of your normal everyday life. Sharing experiences is also a great way for international students to make new friends and start to build a network while studying in Australia. It can also help improve your language skills. You might even want to get a job to help integrate with the local culture, and this can also help to build confidence.
5. Try something new
When you’re feeling fed up or misunderstood, try to remember all the reasons that brought you to study in Australia in the first place. Channel that adventurous side of yourself and lift your spirits by trying something new. You’ve already proven you have strength and resilience, and that you enjoy a challenge – trying out a new activity is a great way to immerse yourself in your surroundings and do something fun along the way. At the very least, it’s a good distraction if you are feeling homesick. And at the most, you get to learn a new skill, hang out with like-minded people and tune in to the cultural values at the same time. You’ll have access to a whole new crowd of students to share experiences with, and you’ll gain useful cultural insights that a book simply won’t tell you.
And remember…
Culture shock is completely normal and to be expected. Unfortunately, some international students suffer more than others. If you are struggling to adjust, talk to your Resident Leader or the university counselling service to get some professional help – you are not alone.
