Student Information, Advice & Guidance
internationaladvice
Culture Shock Leaving home and travelling to study in a new country can be a stressful experience. Even though it may be something you have planned and prepared for, the extent of change and the effects it has may take you by surprise. If you find yourself in this situation, it might be helpful to realise that your experience is quite normal. This applies regardless of where you are from, and wherever you are going to study, despite some cultures being very similar. What is culture shock? “Culture shock” describes the impact of moving from a familiar culture to one which is unfamiliar. It is an experience described by people who have travelled abroad to work, live or study; and it can be felt to a certain extent even when abroad on holiday. It can affect anyone, including international students. It includes the shock of a new environment, meeting lots of new people and learning the ways of a different country. Cuture Shock can be felt when you are separated from the important people in your life; people you would normally talk to at times of uncertainty or people who give you support and guidance. When familiar sights, sounds, smells or tastes are no longer present, you can miss them very much. If you are tired and jet-lagged, small things can be upsetting and disproportionate to their real significance. The following are some of the elements that contribute to culture shock: Climate Many students find that the British climate affects them a great deal. You may be used to a much warmer climate, or you may just find the greyness and dampness, especially during the winter months, difficult to bear. Food You may find British food strange. It may taste different, or be cooked differently, or it may seem bland or heavy compared to what you are used to. If you are in selfcatering accommodation and are not used to cooking for yourself, you may become reliant on “fast” food instead of your usual diet. Try to find a supplier of familiar food, and eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Language Constantly listening and speaking in a foreign language is tiring. Even if you are a fluent English speaker, it is possible that the regional accents you discover upon arrival in the UK will make the language harder to understand. People may also speak quickly and you may feel embarrassed to
Useful Resource “What’s up with culture?” is a web-based training resource, designed for US students abroad but potentially of interest to any international student wanting to learn more about cultural transition. www3.uop.edu/sis/culture ask them to repeat what has been said. Dress If you come from a warm climate, you may find it uncomfortable to wear heavy winter clothing. Not all students will find the British style of dress different but, for some, it may seem immodest, unattractive, comical or simply drab. Social roles Social behaviours may confuse, surprise or offend you. For example, you may find people appear cold and distant or always in a hurry. This may be particularly likely in large cities such as London. In addition, you may be surprised to see couples holding hands and kissing in public. You may find the relationships between men and women more or less formal than you are used to, and notice differences in same sex social contact and relationships. Drinking alcohol is a large part of British social life for both men and women, which may be new to you. ‘Rules’ of behaviour As well as the obvious things that become apparent upon arrival, such as sights, sounds, smells and tastes, every culture has unspoken rules which affect the way people treat each other. These may be less obvious but are no less disorientating. For example there will be differences in the ways people decide what is important, how tasks are allocated and how time is observed. The British generally have a reputation for punctuality. In business and academic life keeping to time is important. You should always be on time for lectures, classes, and meetings with academic and administrative staff. If you
www.kcl.ac.uk/advice Updated 29/01/2013 www.kcl.ac.uk/advice
Student Information, Advice & Guidance are going to be late for a meeting do try to inform whoever you are meeting. Social life is a little more complicated. Meeting to see a film at 8pm means arriving at 8pm. When going to a student party an invitation for 8pm probably means any time from 9pm onwards! These subtle differences can be difficult to grasp and can contribute to culture shock. Values Although you may first become aware of cultural differences in your physical environment, e.g. food, dress, behaviour etc., you may also come to notice that people from other cultures have very different views of the world. Cultures are built on deeply-embedded sets of values, norms, assumptions and beliefs. It can be surprising and sometimes distressing to find that people do not share some of your most deeply held ideas, as most of us take our core values and beliefs for granted and assume they are universally held. As far as possible, try to suspend judgment until you understand how parts of a culture fit together into a coherent whole. Try to see what people say or do in the context of their own culture’s norms. This will help you to understand how other people see your behaviour, as well as how to understand theirs. When you understand both cultures, you will probably find some aspects of each that you like and others that you don’t.
Dealing with Culture Shock Explore your new culture There are plenty of things happening at King’s and lots of ways to get involved: • KCLSU runs lots of clubs and societies, so if you have a hobby, or if you’d like to try something new, this is a good place to start and a great way to meet new people. • Attend Orientation and other events designed to welcome you to the UK and make the most of trips on offer – they are usually free! Also, keep an eye on the College website for upcoming events that might be of interest. • Don’t rule out tourist activities because you’re not actually on holiday – bus trips and boat trips are a great way to explore your new city, and most of London’s museums are free to visit! Get to know your local area, and don’t be afraid to explore parts of London that are not necessarily on your doorstep! • UK students and College staff will be able to suggest good places to visit if you’re looking for some ideas. Keep in touch with your own culture Just because you are living in another country doesn’t mean you need to lose touch with your own culture. • London is a wonderfully diverse city and you should be able to find restaurants and shops that stock food
www.kcl.ac.uk/advice
from your home country, places of worship which run services in your own language and groups that run activities you might like to join. Check out the Visit London website for everything from Polish bakeries to Chinese cinemas. • Make sure you keep in touch with home. Many newsagents in central London sell foreign-language newspapers so you can keep track of events in your own country. Don’t forget to email or phone family members and friends occasionally! Some phone networks run special deals which allow you to make international calls cheaply. Many newsagents sell international phone cards and Skype is a free way to talk using the internet. • King’s is an international university. It’s very likely there will be lots of other students from your country studying here. KCLSU runs a number of cultural societies for students from different countries and the Chaplaincy’s International Student Lunches, held weekly across the campuses, are a good way to meet other international students.
Support at King’s Lots of people find settling into university difficult, and getting used to living in another country can sometimes make people feel anxious, lonely or unhappy. If you are struggling and would like to talk to someone King’s has an excellent Counselling service that can help. There are also Chaplains available on every site. Chaplains are trained listeners who are happy to chat and listen. They also run a range of activities which everyone is welcome to attend. You should also tell your tutor if you are having any problems, particularly if you feel your work is suffering, or if you are finding it difficult to get used to a new educational system. The English Language Centre will also offer assistance.
Need further advice or information? The Compass and Student Advice Student letters and appointments for face-to-face advice and guidance www.kcl.ac.uk/advice The Counselling Service Emotional support www.kcl.ac.uk/counselling The Chaplaincy Pastoral and spiritual support www.kcl.ac.uk/chaplaincy King’s College London, Students’ Union (KCLSU) + 44(0)20 7848 1588 ww.kclsu.org Explore London www.visitlondon.com/maps/multicultural_london/
