Start Your Journey by Combating Culture Shock
Huan Liang is one of this quarter's FIUTS student bloggers. Huan is a graduating senior from Tsingtao, China who is studying communication and economics at UW. Her blogs share insights and advice about the international student experience at UW and in Seattle. Here's her very first post, which addresses how to deal with culture shock.
One of my friends, who is an international student as a freshman, complained to me that she had a really difficult time recently. She is really upset, lonely and longing for family, and she always feels that she is isolated and overlooked by those surrounding her. Actually, I am really familiar with these symptoms, because they remind me of my first academic year, along with anxiety and depression. During that time, I had no idea what was going on, and I was struggling so hard to figure that out. Nevertheless, as I did some relevant research, I totally understood that the hardship I was suffering from is called “culture shock.”
The dictionary meaning of “culture shock” is: “The feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.” (Oxford Dictionary) The impact of “culture shock” might be more than you imagine, because it not only results in emotional disorder, but also physical problems, such as aches, pains, eating disorder, insomnia and so on. However, as in my personal experience, the process is not that long. So if any of you who have the same feeling with my friend or me, just keep in mind, it is not a big deal at all, it is normal, and it could happen to everyone. Here are my tips based on my personal experience combating culture shock:
Reach Out
The first one is a fairly easy one. My friend felt lost and overlooked, so she always doubted her English proficiency and her abilities. I would say that though English skills do matter it is probably not the underlying problem. The problem is whether you are willing to communicate, share, and interact with people. In general, people feel uncomfortable with new things. Before you actually have a conversation with a person, you are unconsciously “scared” and “vigilant” simultaneously judging this person by his/her dressing style, physical features, and moreover cultural stereotypes… However, after you actually talk with him/her, you will be definitely surprised. Probably you start to realize that “Oh it’s not that bad!” (There are negative reactions sometimes, but the majority of people are pretty kind, and easy to get along with.) Why not just give a try? You’ll see the difference.
Seattle is a place filled with uniqueness and personalities, and getting to know the city is a great way to deal with culture shock!
No judging but bridging worlds
Being exposed to a completely unfamiliar world with distinctive cultural context, values, and social norms is kind of frustrating but thrilling. Especially in U.S, where the cultural diversity is extremely demonstrated, we are getting along with various groups of race, culture and religious quite often. To me, before I first got to the U.S., I didn't have a chance to really get involved in a different culture from my home country. Thus, the only way I learned different culture was via media, such as TV, dramas, news, and social networking. However, these platforms and information are constructed, so the general ideas I had about different cultures might be stereotypes. As I mentioned in the “Reach Out” part, before you talk with a person, you might judge him/her first according to your perspective on this kind of “stereotype.” It is better to have a bright view regarding everybody as an individual instead of objectifying him or her as culture product. Even people sharing the same culture context could have totally different identities. Show your openness and strong willingness to connect with different culture, and you will discover that it is amazing and awesome to see how greatly various cultures are compatibly interacting together.
Step out of “Comfort Zone”
Resulting from “Culture shock”, people sometimes get stuck in “comfort zone”, which refers to “a situation or position in which a person feels secure, comfortable, or in control.” (Collins English Dictionary) People are more willing to stay in the circle they are used to and close their mind, refusing the incoming information. This way would temporarily comfort a little bit, but it could apparently strike your progress. As a well-known quote says by Thomas Edison: “We shall have no better conditions in the future if we are satisfied with all those which we have at present.” So I would like to say: Focus on your long-term goal and try to accomplish it step by step, brick by brick, get ready to take any challenges, and push your boundaries as much as you can. One day, your little steps will enlighten your life with motivation and energy, and you would feel more enjoyable in a brand new environment.
I hope my suggestions will be helpful. To me, studying abroad in the U.S. is the best decision I’ve ever made. I hope you guys enjoy your fantastic journey on campus too.
Learn more about Huan and the other FIUTS student bloggers this quarter here.