Being in a new environment can be exciting and adventurous. The new experience can also be overwhelming and come with a period of adjustment as you get acquainted with your new surroundings. For international students and scholars living in the U.S. and anyone who moves to a new culture, you may encounter some level of stress also known as culture shock and go through some emotional highs and lows after your arrival. These experiences are normal and will gradually improve over time as you adapt.

Some symptoms of culture shock can look like the following:

Homesickness
Boredom
Withdrawal
Irritability
Hostility toward host nationals
Excessive sleep or inability to sleep
Physical ailments/sickness

The Intercultural Adjustment Cycle

A model used to show the high and low phases one usually experiences as an international student/scholar (including when they return home):

Arrival Fascination: Initially, you will probably be fascinated and excited by everything that is new. You are at first elated to be in a new culture.
Culture Shock: A point where you are immersed in new problems, including housing, transportation, food, language, and making friends. Fatigue may result from continuously trying to comprehend and use the second language. You may wonder, “Why did I come here?”
Adjustment: Everyday activities such as housing and going to school are no longer major problems. Language skills and self-confidence are established. A routine has been developed.
Mental Isolation: You may be feeling lonely since you have been away from family and good friends for a while. You might feel some frustration in not being able to express yourself as well as you can in your native language.
Acceptance/Integration: You have accepted the habits, customs, food and characteristics of the people in the new culture. You feel comfortable with friends, associates, and the language of the country.

Suggestions on how to adjust to your new environment:

Make friends – Be social, join in activities/student groups and meet people. The I-Center hosts a variety of programs throughout the quarter offering a number of opportunities to meet new people. Check out our Events page for details or sign up for our Social list!
Keep ties to your culture – keep in touch with your family and friends from home, read newspapers/books (or watch programs/movies) from your home country, find local stores that sell familiar foods or goods.
Improve your English – Find ways to improve your English like coming to the I-Center for free English classes taught by CCIS volunteers or signing up for an English conversation partner.
Treat yourself well – maintain your overall well-being by staying healthy, well rested, and occasionally pamper yourself.
Get plenty of exercise – Walking, jogging or playing sports regularly can help your body handle the stress of encountering a new culture.
Ask for help on how to handle problems – Come and talk to an advisor at the I-Center so we can help identify the appropriate resources for you.

Additional resources related to culture shock and cultural adjustment:

Dan Fishel from Columbia Business School conducted a comprehensive and humorous workshop on culture shock available on YouTube.
International Student Guide to the U.S. - Cultural Adjustment & Transitioning

CIEE - Culture Shock and Homesickness

Yale's Office of International Students & Scholars web site also has information on culture shock and adjustment

Information drawn from the following resources:Stephen H. Rhinesmith, (1975). Bring Home the World. A Management Guide for Community Leaders of International Programs. New York: AMACOM, a division of American Management Associations. p. 55; Wen-Chih Tseng & Fred B. Newton, (2002, December). International students’ strategies for well-being. College Student Journal, 36(4), 591-597; Chieh-Wen Liu, (2005). Cultural shock is not a shark: Foreign students cope with unfamiliar culture, Conference Papers - American Sociological Association.

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