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Adjusting to life in a new place is both exciting and challenging. During the difficult adjustment period it is important to remember that you chose this program to learn a new culture and experience the unknown. From our years helping students accept their new surroundings, we have identified three common stages of cultural adjustment. Understanding them may make it easier for you to get through them.
Stages of Cultural Adjustment
Stage 1
You are excited by all the new experiences. In the first weeks you will be adjusting to different climate, culture, foods, housing, people, and more.
Stage 2
The excitement starts to wear off as you realize that life in the US is often as routine as your life at home. In addition, you may feel alone here and feel like your work schedule is keeping you from doing the things you planned to. Also, because of the language barrier and different customs, simple tasks may become difficult, time consuming, and exhausting.
Stage 3
Once you become familiar with the way of life and the people in the US, you will begin to experience America in a new way. The opportunity to live like a local is the most unique part of this program and something you could never get from spending a few weeks here as a tourist.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Most people have an enjoyable time while living in the US, however sometimes the process of accepting a reality that is different from the expectation can be a challenge.
The fast pace of life in a big city may seem exciting. However, the captivating bustle can change into a hostile place for an international student. The noisy streets are crowded with hurried people who will not take the time to look you in the eye. In addition, the cost of living is more expensive and it can be harder to find people willing to help you.
In a small town or an isolated, rural area, students may feel trapped. While locals here may be more helpful and easier to approach with questions and for advice, it is easy to become frustrated by the inability to leave and explore other regions. Many of these locations are hard to get to and do not offer public transportation options.
The point is, there are benefits and drawbacks to every thing you will encounter on this program. America is different from the land of dreams you may expect from movies and television. This program will show you what life is really like in America and you will have to take the good with the bad. You will face challenges but it is what you do to find the solutions that will define the experience you have.
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