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Resources - Adjusting to a New Country and Culture

The Adjustment Experience

When you decided to study in the United States, you may have anticipated that some adjustments would have to be made with respect to differences in climate, food, time, and culture. The cultural adjustment process is not an easy or comfortable one, but it can be an extremely productive and rewarding experience. It does not happen overnight. It may take several months to feel comfortable in your new environment. Many people attain new levels of self-awareness, personal growth, and gain a new understanding of their own cultures in addition to that of the new country. Although everyone goes through some adjustment process, it is important to remember that the experience is very personal.

Stages of the Cultural Adjustment Process:

Stage 1: You may experience general anxiety combined with a great deal of excitement. There are many details to keep you busy. Often, you find there is no real time to sit down and think during the first few weeks in a new place. When the excitement wears off, you may feel very emotional.

Stage 2: When the initial excitement fades, you may feel a lot of frustration and become tired of operating in English. It may seem to take forever to accomplish something that once took you a very short time. You may miss friends and family back home and have less energy and tolerance than usual. Changes may occur in your eating and sleeping habits. This is a time you need to pay extra attention to your health. It is important to remember that this is a normal and expected part of the cultural adjustment process. REST.

Stage 3: A greater sense of regularity now becomes noticeable. During this time, you may find that you laugh at the mistakes that irritated you only a few weeks ago. You may also find that information is more easily absorbed, and your energy level is higher.

Stage 4: The final stage is a sense of ease in the new culture. You have a better understanding of how the culture works, and parts of it may even begin to feel comfortable.

Steps that will help you through the Cultural Adjustment Process:

• Be aware of the existence of the cultural adjustment process. Realize that it is natural to miss your family, friends, and home. Talk about these feelings with someone you feel comfortable with or someone who has experienced the same feelings in the past.
• Sometimes it can be important to spend time with people from your home country or those who are in the same situation as you. There are many international student organizations that you can join to meet others.
• Find an American to be a cultural informant for you to gain insights into American culture. Note: Before you ask a question, ask yourself the same question of your home culture and make sure it is a question you could answer about your culture. No one likes to be asked impossible questions. Also, try asking several different Americans the same question. The differences and similarities in answers may surprise you.
• Stay busy. Get involved in activities, but also continue hobbies and sports that you enjoy in your home country.
• Maintain your sense of humor. Anyone who has lived in another culture has funny and/or embarrassing stories. You are not alone. Laughing at these situations can ease the tension.
• Keep realistic expectations. It may take longer to accomplish tasks in a new culture, a new academic environment, and a new language.
• Remain open minded, flexible, and adaptable. You will find things that don't make sense. Remember that you are experiencing these events through your particular cultural lens. It will take some time before you can see through an American lens.
• Remember that being in a new culture can be confusing. It is often difficult to figure things out on your own. The important thing to remember is to ask questions.
• Communicate with your instructors at PSU. In many cultures students do not talk to the faculty. Here, in the United States, it is extremely important to talk to your instructors. If you do not understand an assignment, are going to miss class, or are unable to hand in an assignment, talk to your teachers. The only way they can make informed decisions about your class work is if you inform them. If you feel uncomfortable speaking with them directly, you can speak to the staff in ISSS.