Culture Shock & Reverse Culture Shock

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1 Go Connect Culture Shock & Reverse Culture Shock Abi Page Wellbeing Adviser April 2016

2 A Really Useful Link of-international-studies/community/whats-up-with- Culture.html

3 Neutral term not positive or negative Can t be seen but can be felt What is Culture? Refers to Collective historical patterns Values Societal arrangements Manners Ideas

4 What is Culture? comprised of all those things we learn as part of growing up Language Religion Beliefs about economic and social relations Political organization and legitimacy Thousands of "Do s and Don'ts" If you don t understand what it is and how it works, can seriously affect how you adjust to and enjoy your time overseas. Culture can be most broadly defined as the shared sets of values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours which are widely held by members of the host culture.

5 Values & Culture The Iceberg Values, Beliefs & Assumptions drive Culture & Behaviour Values are often unseen Culture & behaviours are often seen

6 Where do the following things sit on the iceberg? Iceberg Exercise Customs, Clothing, Works of Art, Importance of Time. Food, Woking Styles. Negotiation Styles. Literature, Concept of Fairness. Manners, Nature of Friendships. Religious Beliefs. Religious Rituals, Music, Personal Space. Language, Role Expectations.

7 Reality What we see is real Anyone else seeing the same thing would think the same as us Therefore we all see the World in the same way. Cross-cultural phenomena: the fact that two people look upon the same reality, the same example of behaviour, will see two entirely different things.

8 Exercise Fill in the boxes with your reality.

9 Non- Verbal Communication Touch Eye Contact Gestures Personal Space Timing matters

10 Common Issues Speaking English Depending on your country of choice English may not be spoken by the general population - especially older generations. Students, high, may have a good grasp of the English language and can help you out in an emergency. Personal space Personal space in your chosen country will different than other countries. Don t expect a "sorry" or "excuse me" just stand your ground and guard yourself. It's nothing personal! Foreigners In some countries you may find that your physical appearance means that you get stared at, this is nothing personal some people are not used to seeing people who may look different. You may even be asked if someone can take a photo with you don t hesitate to refuse if you feel uncomfortable. Religion Practice of religion may not be allowed in public or on campus, you should check with your host institution on arrival. Time Different cultures have different concepts of time, ensure you understand local time.

11 Common Issues Restaurants Most restaurants are very safe and clean, but in certain smaller restaurants standards of food hygiene may not be as strict as in your home country. Use your own judgment; if it looks dirty and nobody is eating there, it s probably best to avoid it. Toilets Depending on your chosen country the toilets may be different, for example they may be squat toilets. Standards of cleanliness, especially in public bathrooms can vary. Remember to take your own tissues / hand sanitiser when you are out in public. Spitting In some demographics, it is perfectly acceptable to hawk and spit while walking down the street. Road Safety Please be careful when crossing the road, wait for a green light and try to cross when the locals cross. Where possible use pedestrian bridges to cross busy roads. Keep an Open Mind Things in your chosen country may not work the same as they do in your home country, but that does not necessarily mean it is the wrong way. Keep a cultural perspective and try things a new way. Social Media You will not be able to access any Western social media in China you should check what will be available in your chosen country and plan for this.

12 Culture Shock the stages Culture shock is an extreme response (stress) to an international transition. The Honeymoon Stage You feel excited, stimulated, enriched. During this stage, you still feel close to everything familiar back home. The Distress Stage A little later, differences create an impact. Everything you re experiencing no longer feels new; in fact, it s starting to get you down. You feel confused, isolated or inadequate and realise that your familiar support systems are not easily accessible. Re-integration Stage During this stage, you dislike the culture, the language, the food. You reject it as inferior. You may even develop some prejudices towards the new culture. You re angry, frustrated and even feel hostile to those around you. You wonder why you made the decision to change. You start to idealise life back home and compare your current culture to what is familiar. This is normal and a healthy reaction it means you re adjusting. You are reconnecting with what you value about yourself and your own culture. Autonomy Stage Sometimes called the emergence stage when you start to come out of the fog. You start to accept the differences and feel like you can begin to live with them. You feel more confident and better able to cope with any problems that may arise based on your growing experience. Independence Stage You are yourself again! You embrace the new culture and see everything in a new, yet realistic light.

13 Culture Shock Common symptoms of culture shock: Sadness, loneliness, melancholy Preoccupation with health Aches, pains, allergies Insomnia or excessive sleep Changes in mood, depression, feeling vulnerable Anger, irritability, resentment Loss of identity Lack of confidence Obsessions over cleanliness Longing for family Feeling of being lost or overlooked

14 Culture Shock things that may help Tell yourself that what you are experiencing is normal. Stay in touch with home by , text or telephone. Have familiar things with personal meaning around you, such as photos or ornaments. Try to find familiar food if you can. Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Learn to include a regular form of physical activity into your routine. Links with a faith community is helpful to some students. Many chaplaincies welcome students of all faiths for pastoral or social activities.

15 Culture Shock things that may help Maintain contact with your ethnic group and if possible with local students. Be prepared to take the first step and find activities which will give you a common interest with other students. Take time to find out what services the University offers, for example, the Orientation programme, information/support from the International Office, hall wardens, the health centre, and the counselling service. Even if at home you wouldn t consider such steps, in the UK it is normal and may be of help when familiar support is missing. Check out what is on at the Students Union and its societies. Maintain confidence in yourself. Follow your ambitions and continue your plans for the future. If you feel stressed, look for help. There is always someone or some service available to help you. (studentwellbeing@hull.ac.uk)

16 Reverse Culture Shock You may experience confusing emotions or feel distant from family, friends, and peers when you return home. Articulating your experiences abroad, and how they changed who you are, can be extremely difficult. It might be difficult to merge the life you lived abroad and the one you re returning to. These feelings might present themselves in various ways: Frustration Boredom Restlessness Change in values, goals, priorities, and attitudes Feelings of isolation or depression Difficulty concentrating Reverse Homesickness (missing people and places from abroad) Negativity towards your native culture

17 Reverse Culture Shock things that might help Take advanced language courses and look for opportunities to practice your language skills. Seek out coursework, employment, and volunteer opportunities that build on what you learned abroad. Connect with peers and friends from abroad. Get involved with groups and activities on campus or in the community giving you the chance to meet other study abroad alumni, international students, and others in your community with an international background. Apply your new skills and continue to explore your own culture as well as other cultures. Stay connected with people you met abroad by organizing a Go Connect Alumni Group. Explore topics, issues, and hobbies you are interested in or became more interested in while abroad Seek support from Wellbeing Team

18 Contact Details Health & Wellbeing Team, University of Hull