Studying
abroad
For many students, it is their first time abroad. Thus,
for most students they may find settling in, is not an
automatic process but that it requires a bit of effort.
Students may settle in more easily if they know in advance
how they are likely to feel after they arrive.
Some researchers describe five stages; others believe
it is a six or even seven stage process. Not everyone
experiences the exact stages but most travelers will
go through the highs and lows, the positive as well
as the negative aspects of living in a new culture.
The different stages roughly are as follows:
- Initially, the student will be excited by the new
environment. Students at first elate to be in a new
culture.
- Then follows a period in which cultural differences
in behavior and values become more obvious. What
previously seemed exciting, new and challenging is
now merely frustrating. Students may feel isolated
and become withdrawn from the different lifestyle
they are now experiencing. The students might miss
their family, friends, and familiar surroundings.
Students may not be able to express themselves as
well as the locals can in their native language.
Students may experience a loss of self-confidence.
Students may wonder, "Why did I come here?"
- In the next stage students may reject there surroundings,
perhaps becoming opinionated and negative. Students
may feel that everyone is against them and that no
one understands them. Students may cling to other
students from their home country. However, students
are beginning to re-assert themselves.
- A routine (e.g. work, school, social life) has
now been established. Students have accepted the
habits, customs, food and characteristics of the
friends, associates, and the language of the country
so now the student’s self-esteem can grow and
may even feel a sense of belonging.
The symptoms of
culture shock
Just as everyone’s experience of culture shock
is unique, the symptoms associated with it vary,
too. They can range from physical symptoms - headaches,
loss of sleep, loss of appetite and digestive irregularities
- to the psychological symptoms – irritability,
anger over minor frustrations, confusion about morals
and values. Suffering from culture shock often leaves
people feeling moody, isolated and insecure.
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Not everyone experiences
culture shock
Research has shown that the better traveled and practiced
at accepting, absorbing and adapting student are,
the more easily student overcome culture shock. If
student can confidently speak the language and possess
a thorough knowledge of their new home, student can
feel settled after a relatively short period.
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Preparing for culture
shock
What strategies can students use to minimize, and
cope with, culture shock? Research has shown that
our expectations affect how we react to a new country.
Therefore, thorough pre-departure preparations are
necessary.
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Suggestions for
dealing with culture shock
- Soon after arriving, explore the new environment.
Having taken advice on personal safety, walk around
and get to know the city.
- Keep in touch with family and friends back home.
- Try to look for logical reasons why things happen.
This may help student view Italian culture in a more
positive light.
- Try not to dwell on the negative things about the
different culture and do not hang around people who
do.
- Make an effort to restore communication by making
friends during your stay.
- Avoid mixing only with other international students.
Make an effort to make friends with locals. It will
allow student to adapt more quickly.
- Set small goals. High expectations may be difficult
to meet.
- Speak the language.
- Reduce stress by keeping physically fit. Exercise,
get enough sleep, eat properly, and do things you
enjoy.
- Try to fit into the rhythm of Italian life. Adjust
to their time schedule for meals and work.
- Find out where people meet and socialize. Make
an effort to go to those places and try socializing
and talking with locals.
- Get a sense for the norms of behavior by observing
local people; how they greet each other etc.
- Read a local newspaper and find out what the topical
issues are. If student are well informed, student
can hold conversations with local people without
always feeling like the outsider.
- And finally, remember that other students probably
go through the same experiences as you do. Even local
students have to adjust to living away from home.
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Learn about destination
We would advise student to learn as much about their
destination as possible before starting their journey.
This will not only prepare student to get adjusted
in a short span of time but will also enable student
to deal with culture shock. To learn more visit
the website at www.countryreports.org/italy.htm
Student’s time abroad can be a truly happy
and rewarding experience - all students need to do
is plan properly and keep in mind the information
student have been given.
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