Combating Culture Shock

Believe it or not, the steps you take to prepare for your study abroad trip can really help you to become acclimated to your host country more easily. 

Start getting acclimated before you leave. 

Sound crazy? It’s not. You can make your transition to your new country much smoother if you go over prepared. Start doing research online. Find out:

• Weather: The type of weather you can expect – this will also help you when it’s time to pack.
• Transportation: The popular mode of transportation and the cost of transportation – knowing how you’re going to get around, how much transportation costs and the schedule is going to make things much easier. 
• Store Hours: The hours that stores are open – not every country has shopping on Sundays or late hours like stores have in the U.S. If you’re going to Spain, for example, you’ll discover that there’s an afternoon siesta when all the shops and businesses close. 
• Popular Foods: Knowing what dishes are common in your host country will make adjusting to the food, especially if you’re picky, easier. (However, most countries have the Golden Arches these days, so you’ll always have an alternative, if you ever want one.) You can visit the international section of your local grocery store to see if you can find and try the cuisine ahead of time. You can also go to a restaurant that specializes in the type of food that will be served in the country you are traveling to. 
• Learn the Language: You don’t have to be fluent, unless, of course, your program requires it. But, knowing some phrases is going to help you immensely.
• Read the history: Do an online search and read about the country you’ll be visiting: Its history, the problems it may be facing today, and its latest news items.
• Past Participants: Find other people who’ve studied abroad, visiting your country, in particular. Ask them what you can expect, and ask for any tips they might have. Since they’ve experienced it, you’ll find they can provide information about things you may never even have considered!

These are just a few of the steps you can take to help prevent or alleviate culture shock. To read more about culture shock and cultural adjustment, download our free e-report here.