Culture Shock

"What am I doing here?" seems to think this international student, suddenly finding himself within another country and another culture.Some culture shock is normal and almost unavoidable. The term ‘culture shock’ is simply a way of describing the range of feelings experienced by anyone who leaves a familiar culture to live in a different and less familiar culture. Homesickness, irritability, confusion, nervousness, stress, fear, anxiety, and even excitement, are among the most common feelings. Some people can also have physical symptoms, such as headaches, tiredness, difficulty sleeping or trouble concentrating, while others can experience minor skin irritation or stomach aches. A number of factors can cause these ‘symptoms’, including obvious ones such as differences in food, climate, lifestyle and customs, and the simple fact of being away from home. If English is not your first language, then something as simple as constantly listening and speaking in it can be tiring at first!

It will vary from person to person, but culture shock is usually temporary and often nothing to worry about. It is experienced to some extent by almost everyone who lives, works, studies or travels abroad, for any length of time, and regardless of whether, or not, they are leaving their home country for the first time! But if you are concerned, or find it difficult once you get here and continue to feel stressed, there are lots of people with whom you can talk about it, including your tutor, your college nurse, the Student Advice Service, the International Student Advisory Service, the Counselling Service, and of course, other international students!

To help you cope, and make difficult moments easier, we have compiled a list of tips from other international students, and hope that you will find it useful.

• Read about Britain and Oxford before you arrive. Knowing what to expect will reduce any anxiety you might feel.

• Keep an open mind and try to understand British customs and etiquette. Always ask if you are not sure what to do or if you don't understand something. The British may seem reserved, but they are friendly and like to help, especially when they can see that you are interested and want to learn more about their way of life.

• Get involved in student societies and groups. This is a great way to make friends. It will help you feel at home, while enjoying student life to the fullest. Attending the Freshers' Fair in noughth week of Michaelmas term is an excellent way to find out about all the clubs, societies and volunteer groups that exist in the University. You can also find a list of various national interest and culture-related societies on the website of the International Students' Campaign.

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  It doesn't even have to be a real sport!Get to know British students as well as other international students. Your British friends can help you understand the things that you do not, while talking to other international students who may be experiencing the same difficulties that you are— might help you find better ways to cope with problems.

• Take care of yourself. Eat well and get enough sleep. Try also to get exercise or play a sport that you enjoy. Staying active will make you feel better and also help your concentration, when studying.

• Remember that it might take time to become comfortable using English, if it is not your first language. It is only too easy to confuse your ability in the language with intelligence, and feel stupid. Don't!

• Stay in touch with your family and friends at home. Bring photographs of home with you, and take time out to do something that reminds you of home, while you are here. Adjusting to a new and different way of life is important, but so is taking a break from the stress or frustration it might create!

Above all, remember that you are not alone. All international students go through the same experiences. Don't worry, be patient and keep your sense of humour! It might be hard to believe in the beginning, but it is only a matter of time before you adjust and feel at home here.