Categories: College Life

How to Adjust to a New Culture While Studying Abroad

So you’ve made it to your study abroad destination, congratulations! At first you felt excited about your latest surroundings and were eager to learn about your new home for the semester.  But now the novelty of the new culture has worn off. You’re starting to feel homesick and grow easily frustrated with small issues. It may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry it’s all a part of your adjustment.

It’s completely normal to go through this stage and experience a culture shock, especially if there are vast differences from what you’re used to. Follow these tips to help adjust to a new culture while studying abroad, and make the transition less painful. Your time abroad can become the most rewarding adventure in your life!

Keep an open mind

You must remain interested in learning about the new culture. With a positive attitude you will be able to see and experience so much more. Leave your prejudices behind and allow yourself to become more aware of what is around you.

Make new friends

You’re not the only one adjusting to new surroundings. Find someone else who is an international student so you can have someone to share these new experiences with. It’s also important to become friends with at least one person native to the country you are living in. Get involved with a sports team, join a new club, and talk to as many people as you can!

bustle.com

Get involved in local activities

Immerse yourself  in the cultural experience of your new home. Living in England? Go to a pub and watch football with the locals while you eat some fish and chips. Studying in Paris? Sit at a café and practice your French over a croissant. No matter where you are, you can find something specific to the local culture.

 

Keep a journal

It may seem like you have no time to even think, but you’re going to want to remember the details from this experience. To help remember most of it, and feel less stressed, record or write your first impressions, thoughts, concerns, or whatever you want to remember!

See Also

 

Explore your surroundings

Don’t hide in your room all day or only socialize with other Americans. Get out of your comfort zone and explore the area you are living in. Go to popular sites and get involved in specific activities. Also make sure to take lots of walks so you can become familiar with the local shops, restaurants, and town favorites.

 

It’s normal to experience some challenges and frustrations during your time abroad, this happens to everyone. Keep these tips in mind to help ensure that your study abroad experience will be unforgettable. Get out there and make the most of it!

Share
Moira Shannon

MOIRA IS A 22-YEAR-OLD BALTIMORE NATIVE WHO IS CURRENTLY STUDYING PUBLIC RELATIONS AT ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY IN NEW YORK AND SOON TO BE GRADUATING. HER PASSIONS INCLUDE TRAVELING, FOOD, MUSIC, FASHION AND WRITING. SHE’S A POP CULTURE ENTHUSIAST AND SOCIAL MEDIA JUNKIE. YOU CAN FIND HER EXPLORING NEW YORK CITY IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT INSTAGRAM SHOT.

Recent Posts

10 Movies About Teens You Need to Watch Right Now

Teen movies always generate mixed feelings. Either they will remind you of a simpler time and make you nostalgic, or…

1 hour ago

14 Dogs Having A Better Birthday Than You

I believe dogs should have the right to celebrate their birthday as much as humans do. Now let’s take a…

9 hours ago

10 Things Every Kent State Girl Needs In Her Purse

If you’re like me, your backpack is your purse, but some girls like to keep it stylish and shoulder that…

13 hours ago

25 Signs You’re a Delta Gamma at Kent State University

Being in a sorority has not only given me best friends but family, too. I can go to any one…

16 hours ago

22 Times French Bulldog Puppies Were Just The Cutest

I have lately been obsessing over getting a dog. While I can’t get one now since I am in college,…

21 hours ago

17 Stages Of Being Sober At A Party

Sometimes you need a break from drinking every weekend but at the same time you still want to go out…

1 day ago