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Living in a culture that is different from your own can be both an exciting adventure
and a challenging process. Regardless of what country you are from, it is common for
all international students to go through a period of cultural adjustment. Understanding
this adjustment process and getting support through this transition will help you to have
a more fulfilling experience, both
academically and personally.
The values, social norms, and traditions in the U.S. may be very different from beliefs about
"how things should be" in the country where you grew up. When individuals move to
another culture, they naturally carry their own background and life experiences with them,
and these shape how they perceive and adjust to their new environment. For example,
some of you may find American classroom culture easy to adjust to, while others may
struggle significantly in this area. "Culture shock" is a common experience that describes
the feelings of confusion, stress and disorientation that occur when entering an unfamiliar
culture. Keep in mind that not everyone has the same reactions to cultural adjustment and
may experience the symptoms of culture shock in varying degrees, and at different times.
Common reactions to culture shock include:
Culture is
relative
Culture is relative, which explains why individuals from different
cultures may
perceive American norms differently. For some, the American communication
style may seem too direct, while others may find it not direct enough. As an international
student, you will be exposed to many new customs, habits and ideas. Try to avoid
labeling them as "good" or "bad" according to the culture you are from. Remember that
there may be parts of a culture you dislike or disapprove of, but these are part of a
broader social system, and therefore make more sense inside
that system.
Be
open-minded and curious
Adjusting to a new culture does not mean that you have to change your own
values, but
it is important to respect those of other people. When you find yourself in an unfamiliar
situation, try to think of it as a new adventure. Allow yourself to be curious about the
way things are perceived
and done in this new environment.
Use your
observation skills
Since you will encounter unfamiliar rules and norms, observing how others
are acting
in situations can help you understand what behavior is expected of you. Pay attention to
both the verbal and nonverbal communication of others in order to get a more complete
picture of what is going on.
Ask questions
Ask for help when you need it. Asking for assistance or an explanation
does not have
to be considered a sign of weakness. Understanding others and making yourself understood
in a new language (or context) requires lots of rephrasing, repeating and clarification.
It may be helpful to ask
questions like "as I understand it you are saying... Is that
correct?"
It's ok to
experience anxiety
Learning to function in a new environment is not easy. It is natural to
feel anxious
or frustrated sometimes. The key is to remind yourself that these feelings are normal
and are likely to be situational and temporary.
humor in these situations and laugh at them, others will likely respond to you with friendliness and support. Keep in mind that others will probably make mistakes, too; when someone makes an inaccurate assumption or a generalized statement about your culture, it may be due to a lack of information. If you're comfortable with doing so, this can be an opportunity to share information with others about yourself and your culture.
Adapting
to a new culture is an ongoing process. It may be challenging at times, but
most students who experience culture shock agree that going through this
transition helped them to learn more about themselves and to develop greater
confidence in their ability to navigate new situations. It can also lead to a
renewed appreciation of one's own culture. There are many people in the
university community who are available to provide you with support. Keep in
mind that you do not have to struggle alone. Here is a list of resources that
you can utilize.
Resources Supporting Adjustment to the Culture and
Community
At Spanish-American Institute
For advice stop in the office or set up an appointment with one of our
Faculty Student Services Associates at: 212-840-7111
Student Club at Spanish-American Institute
Spanish-American
Institute Blog
Websites
Here are several websites that provides additional
information on how the deal with culture shock, as well as basic information on
living in New York City.
How to Cope with Culture Shock
How to Become Integrated in the Community
NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs and Office of
Immigrant Affairs released two guides that contain useful information for
international students. They are:
While each document is written for diplomats and
immigrants, the resources and services are especially valuable for our
international students. As each brochure states in its respective introduction:
"The Guide provides useful information on
accessing a range of City services and addressing City-related issues in an
effort to aid Mission and Consular officials as they integrate fully and
seamlessly into the fabric of the City of New York."
2016 New York City Guide for the
Diplomatic & Consular Corps
"...a one-stop directory of city and community
services that will be helpful to many New York City immigrants in accessing the
resources they need to build stronger, more stable lives and communities. From
education services, to healthcare, to legal services, this guide is a
representation of the many resources that our City provides for all New
Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. Now more than ever, it is important
for immigrant communities to be informed about the resources that are available
to them."
2017 Services for Recently Arrived
Immigrants Resource and Referral Guide