In this story, we will guide you through the tricky minefields of culture shock. The dictionary defines culture shock as “the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes”. This “feeling of disorientation” can be quite confusing, and sometimes even disturbing.

We will guide you on how to mentally prepare yourself, along with a few of the big causes of culture shock.

Expect it

No matter how well-exposed you think you are, you are about to completely immerse yourself in a different world, and you will experience culture shock. It is only natural as you will experience different languages, food, fashion styles, political climates, laws, socio-economic strata, and a lot more elements.

Have a positive mindset

The only thing that we have control over is how we ourselves react to anything. We have no true control over the actions of others or environmental events. Therefore, without a positive mindset it would be difficult to read good intention in the people of other cultures. One alumni we spoke to, described a situation on a foreign airline where an Indian woman reprimanded the air steward for offering her an alcoholic beverage on a flight, by saying “How dare you? I am an Indian woman.” This situation escalated unnecessarily creating a stressful scenario for everyone mid-flight. Quite simply, Western cultures, both men and women drink openly and the air steward was simply doing their job. The passenger failed to understand this simple cultural difference.

Do not compare apples and oranges

Don’t try and compare cultures, as it is far too complex to consider so many variables. For example, some people fall into the trap of saying things like one’s own culture has superior food to others. While there may be personal favourites, one must remember that different elements in different cultures are affected by things like weather, geography, and availability of resources.

You will find it where you least expect it

Culture shock is not only about being scandalized. It will come into play in the most unexpected places. For instance, some Asian alumni have reported culture shock when they realised that their European classmates would Skype their parents every day. The idea that Asians are more family oriented than the Western, is highly inaccurate.

Or you will find that some cultures will never talk about their weekend events with you, even if they were with you, when they are in the workplace. Work is separate and play is separate, and for some cultures, this can never mix.

Punctuality

Some students from certain countries are culture shocked by something as simple as punctuality. Just because one of the people in the meeting is on time, it does not mean that they have nothing better to do. And if they get up and leave at the exact end of the meeting, this is considered professional behaviour in some cultures, and unprofessional in others.

On the flipside, Western and Far Eastern students are culture shocked when their classmates are late. It is even seen as proactively disrespectful. However this again is not necessarily true.

Polite Conversation

In some cultures it is considered polite, and a sign of interest, to ask questions of the other person. For example, about families, personal interests and hobbies, etc. This person is not necessarily running an interrogation. Instead it is them attempting to build a personal connection by showing their interest in you.

On the opposite end, in other cultures, it is considered polite to offer information about one’s self. For example, a person may feel that it is polite to talk about their own accomplishments or family, without being asked. This person may not necessarily be showing off. Sometimes they are just sharing personal information to make you comfortable and to make a connection.

Overall, culture shock is a real phenomenon that can be interesting for some, and may cause severe anxiety for others. To truly survive the long-haul of a foreign education, it is better to be mentally prepared. We highly recommend that you bookmark and revisit this article every once in a while to remind yourself that what you may be experiencing may just be culture shock, and do read our ‘Cultural Deep-Dive’ article on your study destination.