Culture Shock as a international student in Massachusetts is a natural part of adapting to life in a new environment and typically occurs in three phases: Honeymoon, Crisis and Adjustment.
At such times, it is vitally important that students and scholars seek support. Make connections with fellow international students, contact home or visit University Health Services to speak to a counselor for advice.
1. Get to Know the Language
As a foreign student in the United States, language barriers will likely present one of your biggest challenges. Learning a new language may prove challenging at first; however, doing so is vital if you want to make the most of your time abroad. Luckily there are resources available that can help you master a second language like online courses and in-person conversational groups.
As soon as possible, get out there and speak your new language as often as possible. Allow for mistakes and don't hesitate to seek assistance if needed. It may also be beneficial to find a "cultural informant", someone who can explain the local customs and traditions - an American student may prove especially useful here! Finding one could also provide a great opportunity to meet people while practicing your English!
Once you feel confident with your basic vocabulary, it's time to move on to more intricate phrases and idioms. Don't rush the process; remember it takes time to learn a language successfully!
Be wary when reading in your target language; choosing books about topics of particular interest to you can help increase comfort without overwhelming you. Fiction books tend to contain unusual terminology which you are unlikely to use outside the pages (unless perhaps you happen to be an actual wizard!).
Spending time with native speakers can be an excellent way to hone your language skills. Not only will this allow you to hone your conversational abilities, but you will gain a better understanding of how the language is utilized every day - something especially crucial in complex discussions where subtlety of meaning may lead to miscommunication.
2. Get to Know the People
Remember, however, that your new environment will contain people of diverse beliefs, habits and traditions; therefore it is crucial that you remain open-minded. Also recognize that most differences you encounter won't be personal - although initially you may experience feelings of alienation when transitioning to a different culture - this process usually passes with time.
Talking with a counselor may be beneficial in exploring your feelings. University Counseling Services have counselors from varying cultural backgrounds who are trained to guide you through difficult parts of the process. Joining activities, clubs or student organizations that allow people to meet can also help build your self-confidence while alleviating feelings of loneliness.
Remember that many of the things American people do or say will seem strange at first, even offensive if you're unfamiliar with them. Most likely these behaviors are meant as harmless conversations between friends; if something doesn't make sense to you, just ask someone in question for clarification - asking will help both of you understand one another better while strengthening any potential relationships you might form in this new culture.
Many Americans value punctuality and do not like to be kept waiting. Being late will only annoy them further, so it is vital to arrive on time for appointments or meetings. Furthermore, many Americans prefer personal contact over communicating via telephone or email.
Mass Cultural Council staff work diligently to ensure our organization reflects Massachusetts' diversity in all its forms, such as supporting minority and women-owned planning and construction companies that qualify for Cultural Facilities Fund grants.
3. Get to Know the Culture
Gaining more familiarity with a new place's culture is an excellent way to become immersed in it and better understand its inhabitants. One effective strategy for doing this is making an intentional effort to befriend members from various cultures or participating in activities that expose you to diverse backgrounds.
As an example, you could join a sports team or club, volunteer in your community organization, find employment that allows interaction among diverse cultures or attend classes that allow such interaction. Furthermore, make a conscious effort to notice any signs of diversity present in everyday life, noting any differences that stand out and seeking answers or making enquiries regarding them.
Getting to know different cultures requires sharing experiences. Talking with friends from other countries or coworkers from diverse cultures, reading books and articles about it and visiting community organizations such as ethnic associations or refugee resettlement agencies may provide invaluable learning experiences. You could also visit your local library and inquire whether any resources exist regarding specific cultures.
Learning the culture of an organization is integral to finding work and being successful in your career. Companies place great value in hiring employees who share their values; as such, many test potential employees before offering employment contracts.
Acquainting oneself with another culture can be both enriching and challenging, yet it should not be taken for granted that people will adapt quickly. You will likely go through several stages of adjustment: honeymoon phase where everything seems new and exciting or culture shock phase where you realize just how much you miss your home country and family members. Once adjusted to the new culture you may like certain aspects more than others; the key is focusing on what resonates most for both cultures to incorporate it into daily life.
4. Get to Know Yourself
A strong sense of self is invaluable in terms of helping you make decisions that reflect your goals and values, be more confident, and advocate for yourself within relationships. Building this knowledge takes time; one way to do it is through reflecting upon yourself by asking a series of reflection questions such as those below - for more effective answers try:
Gaining an understanding of yourself requires taking an objective look at both your strengths and weaknesses. If you're an introvert who excels at public speaking, for example, then making that your career focus could be beneficial. On the other hand, if math comes easily for you but writing is harder for you then perhaps going back to school would help sharpen those writing skills further. Either way, knowing yourself well allows you to navigate any new culture effectively while setting realistic expectations of yourself.
As part of your personal growth journey, it is also wise to set aside some time to explore your personal interests. If reading and movies are your passions, take up those hobbies as hobbies; this will allow you to be yourself while connecting with like-minded individuals who share similar interests. Furthermore, explore them safely so you feel free to be yourself!
As part of your exploration, it's also advisable to spend some time considering what your core values are. This includes everything from integrity and honesty to loyalty and respect - once you know these core values it becomes easier for you to make decisions that align with them.
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