Culture Shock

What is it?

Culture Shock is the term that describes how you might feel after you have arrived in a new country. The feelings you experience can include confusion, depression, loneliness, anger, tiredness, anxiety, loss of appetite and a desire to return home. This is a normal reaction but is temporary and generally follows a pattern after you arrive in a new country and it includes your return home:

1. Anxiety before leaving home
2. Fascination after you arrive
3. Initial culture shock (confusion and uncertainty in your new surroundings)
4. Superficial adjustment (coping with basic cultural differences)
5. Emotional isolation (feeling alone and distant from familiar things)
6. Integration Acceptance (accepting that you have to make some changes to cope in your new surroundings)
7. Return anxiety (concerned about what you will experience when you get home)
8. Shock/reintegration (sometimes called 'reverse culture shock')

What do I do?

It takes time to adjust to a new environment and even more time to feel comfortable within it:

• Try to become familiar with your new culture. The local people can be quite shy but make an effort to go out and meet them and perhaps make some new friends.

• Keep in touch with your family and friends - don't isolate yourself.

• Ask questions. Kiwis will generally be happy to try and explain cultural differences if you ask politely. It may be a good opportunity to talk about differences in your own culture.

• Find a way to be physically active. There are always clubs that are looking for new members. Find one that looks fun to you and join up. Or just go for a walk or swim. You will feel better, and increase your chances of meeting new people.

• Find something to laugh about. Your sense of humour is a valuable asset. No matter how bad things may seem, there is always a funny side to focus on. Laughter is a great way to make friends.

Ask for Help

Help is always closer than you think so make sure you know about the services and programmes that are offered by the university or local community. For more information on how we can help visit our Student Counselling Services website.