Survive culture shock while studying abroad like a champ!

Posted date: 26 Jun 2019

We’ve all heard of how moving to a new country can result in culture shock - but how can you overcome it? Exposure to a new environment and culture for the very first time affects everyone differently. After the initial excitement of being in a new place and discovering a new culture, some people start to have mixed feelings about having left their comfort zone.

In general, most study abroad students who travel to countries like France, Germany, the U.K., and Australia don't necessarily struggle as much with culture shock. Yes, it's still tough to move abroad and remove yourself from the familiar. But in these countries, oftentimes the most difficult part of transitioning to life abroad is learning the language, figuring out how to use the local transportation system, or mastering how to communicate well. On the other hand, those who choose unusual places to study abroad, in countries where the standard of living or culture is markedly different from what students are used to, may have a more challenging time moving through each culture shock stage.

For example, Russia, as you could imagine, is a very different country from the United States or other Western countries. It's one of the most unique places to study abroad. While it is breaking onto the global stage, it still offers a more unfamiliar experience than your standard program in Western Europe. If you decide to study abroad in a country “off-the-beaten path,” be sure you mentally prepare yourself by listening to the following words of advice on how to cope with culture shock. 

Learning the native language is a simple, yet incredibly effective way to adjust faster to any culture — say goodbye to playing bad charades with locals! Two of the most efficient ways to learn a country’s native language fast is by taking a foreign language class while abroad or by staying with a local family in a home stay. 

Also, remember to forget about home for a while and learn to become curious again. Stop comparing everything new to something similar from back home. Start asking questions too. Bombard your teachers and friends with open-ended questions to create a safe space for exchange and learning.

Before moving to a new host country, it is important that you learn as much as possible about the country. There is more to culture than just the language. Reading books and write ups on the country will help you familiarize yourself with the culture and will also give you a better perspective on what to expect. Watching documentaries and browsing through travel blogs can also provide you with useful information. This will help manage cultural differences abroad.  

Also, while studying abroad, make a list of things you want to do and see, this way you will be able to visit many new and exciting places. Try out the local food, explore the culture and just have fun. It's also great to have a good group of friends with whom you can hang out and explore the city you're living in. The friends you make during your study abroad experience will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Whether you study abroad in Russia or UK, you’ll experience some challenges here and there, and it’s important to know how to deal with culture shock. Even though the culture shock that comes with studying in off the beaten path locales is more challenging to adjust to, it’s definitely possible to overcome with the right mindset and motivation. If you approach your study abroad experience with a completely open mind, it will, at the very least, offer you a different perspective, one that you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life.

Posted By

GSP Admin